Husband With Benefits-Chapter 605: Character

Gabe looked down at the man who had been sneering at them. So, he had been the one who’d told Autumn about Arabelle. The question was if he’d been able to connect with Elena yet or not. And so, Gregory had probably not expected him to be present here. Too bad. This was his first mistake.

The courtroom was heavy with tension as they waited for the judge to arrive and yet, Gregory’s demeanor was smug, almost taunting, as if he already knew the outcome in his favor.

And it would have been, if Gabe had not kept an eye on the judge. Gregory Savoy had actually managed to threaten and bribe the judge! The fool. Did this man really think Gabe would not be onto him. He kept an eye on the man as the judge entered the courtroom, watching him pale. Good. Let this be the second blow to Savoy.

Judge Shelly Holden was known for being as clean as a fickle and strict in the courtroom. The woman could not be threatened or bribed. as she took her seat, her piercing gaze swept over the room, landing briefly on Gregory and then him.

As expected, Gregory’s lawyer stood up with a grave expression," Your honor... Judge Franklin..."

"He is unwell and has taken an indefinite leave. Do you have a problem with me presiding, attorney Bennett?"

"No.Of course not, Your honor."

Judge Shelly Holden adjusted her glasses and leaned forward slightly, "Very well, then. Proceed, Mr. Bennett."

"Your Honor, I would like to start by presenting two key facts that establish my client’s character and intentions. First, Gregory Savoy has demonstrated his upstanding character by voluntarily relinquishing any claims to his daughter, Arabelle, as well as all marital property. This selfless act showcases his willingness to prioritize his daughter’s well-being over his own interests."

As Bennett spoke, Gregory straightened in his seat, his smug expression replaced by one of solemnity, as if he were a martyr in this situation.

"Secondly, my client has served the public diligently as a competent police officer. His commendable service record speaks for itself. Furthermore, Mr. Savoy is preparing to run for mayor, intending to serve the city with the same dedication and integrity he has shown throughout his career. In the past, he had believed his absence to be in the best interest of his daughter. But now, the circumstances have changed. The reason for this is Miss Autumn’s character. With your permission, we would like to present a few witnesses to the stand to provide insight into Miss Autumn’s character and how it affects the custody of Mr Gregory’s daughter- Arabelle."

Judge Holden nodded, her expression neutral. "Proceed."

"Your Honor, first I’d like to call upon Miss Bianca, a former close friend of Miss Autumn. Miss Bianca, could you please tell the court about your and Miss Autumn’s friendship?"

"Yes, of course. Autumn and I were close friends for several years. In fact since childhood. I am actually a few years older than Autumn but we’d been playmates and used to go out a lot together. Even after she went to University, we stayed in touch."

"I see. So what happened between the two of you to make you drift apart?"

"She tried to seduce my then boyfriend. Now husband. Pierce and I have known Autumn since we were kids. We all grew up together, and in a way, I understand why she might have felt close to him. They had a history, too, but it was never romantic until that point. Autumn had always been very open about her feelings and desires, sometimes to a fault."

Bennett leaned in, his expression one of feigned sympathy. "So, you believe Autumn’s actions were driven by her long-standing feelings for Pierce?"

Bianca nodded, her face somber. "Yes, I did. She probably thought it was natural to act on those feelings, but it was wrong. She knew Pierce and I were together. Her behavior showed a lack of respect for our relationship, and it hurt both of us deeply. It made me question her judgment and her ability to put others before herself. But that changed when I realized there was something else as well."

"What else?"

"She didn’t have feelings for only Pierce. She wanted the attention of another man as well."

"Really?Who is that man? Did miss Autumn fall in love with another man."

"I don’t know about her falling for someone else. I think she just likes to chase men who are not available to her. She wanted her step father."

The courtroom buzzed with shocked whispers at Bianca’s last statement. Autumn’s face paled, her breath quickening as she felt the weight of the accusation. She wanted to protest and speak up, but could feel the walls closing in on him. She then felt Gabe’s hand holding her wrist and tried to calm down. He’d warned her this might happen... And she needed to stay strong for it...

"Order!" Judge Holden’s voice cut through the noise, her gavel striking down firmly. "We will have order in this courtroom."

Bennett, with a look of calculated concern, turned back to Bianca. "Miss Bianca, can you elaborate on this claim? Are you suggesting that Miss Autumn had inappropriate feelings for her stepfather?"

"It wasn’t just a suggestion. I saw the way she looked at him, how she would act around him. It was clear she was seeking his attention in a way that wasn’t appropriate. But more than that, she was the biggest reason for her mother and Mr Savoy’s break up. She tried to seduce him by pretending to be scared and called him to her bed. And then her mother appeared there...

Aunt Savoy wanted to protect her daughter so she begged Mr Savoy to keep quiet about the matter. However, he made it clear that he would not live in the same house as her. It was why, Aunt Savoy sent her away. She hated Mr Savoy for it. I think this is the reason she wants to keep Arabelle with her. For revenge against Mr Savoy."