Chapter 1024

Chapter 1024Natalie was surprised.
As Catherine had mentioned, it was best to see Sam one last time, on account of their marital
relationship.
After all, she did fall in love with him once upon a time.
Shane didn't try to get rid of Catherine. Instead, he trailed behind her.
She was no longer a part of the Thompson family. Hence, he didn't feel comfortable ordering an
outsider around.
Soon, the trial began, and Sam was brought to the stand.
Natalie was taken aback at his pale and haggard appearance filled with trepidation, similar to Susan's
from before.
Sam's gaze caught Shane and Natalie, and his lips parted as if to speak before compressing into a thin
line while being led to the front of the courtroom.
The court session proceeded for three hours before a sentence was passed, and Sam was given the
death penalty.
Though Shane had expected that, upon hearing the verdict, still his hands trembled.
Natalie felt the tremor coursing through his body and gently covered his hands with hers.
“Congratulations on one less enemy, Darling.”
She never mentioned finally avenging the death of his parents because Sam wasn't the only one
involved. Jacqueline was still free.Vengeance for his parents would only be achieved after she was brought to justice.
Shane smiled faintly. “Thank you, but where's my gift?”
“What?” Natalie arched her brows.
He glanced at her. “During Susan's sentencing hearing, I gave you a carload of roses as a
congratulatory gift. You said you would get me something too during Sam's trial. So, where is it?”
Natalie wasn't counting that he would remember her promise and definitely not demand to see it.
“Don't worry. I didn't forget about it. You'll get it a few days later. It's still a work in progress.” Mirth
bubbled in her voice.
Shane nodded in satisfaction. “Good to know.”
“What if I had forgotten about it?” Natalie rolled her eyes and asked.
He chuckled in response. “I'm fine with that. Just give me yourself. You're my greatest gift.”
Natalie's cheeks flamed flags of color at his unexpectedly corny words. “Cut it out. Sam has been led
away. Do you want to see him?”
Shane's gaze darkened as his eyes drifted to the corridor that Sam disappeared in. “No need. I've said
everything needed to be said. Let's go.”
Th€ connection to th€ §ource of thïš dat@ r€§t$ in n0v3lebook“Okay,” Natalie said, looping her arm around his elbow, and stood up.
As they exited the courthouse, she spied a police car at a distance. Sam was getting in, escorted by
the prison guard.
As if he could feel her gaze on him, he turned, and their eyes collided.Natalie tugged on Shane's sleeves. “He's looking at us, Shane.”
“I know.” He returned Sam's gaze levelly.
They stared at each other for ten seconds. Shane broke eye contact first and took Natalie's hand,
walking away in the opposite direction.
She threw glances over her shoulder twice as she tried to keep up with him.
Both times, she saw Sam following them with his eyes, and something deep in his gaze bewildered her.
He should be hating them, seeing as Shane played a big part in his doom.
However, she didn't detect a hint of resentment in his eyes, only puzzlement.
She didn't understand Sam, but she didn't give it a second thought either.
His fate was sealed, and there was no need to expend energy on a dead man walking.
At that, Natalie looked straight ahead and stopped glancing back.
Sam withdrew his gaze, and the prison guard nudged him into the car.
Three days later, Sam was executed, expedited by the Garcia family.
Shane was worried that if the execution took place next year, Sean might interfere.
Although there was no love lost between them, Sam was still his biological father, and Sean might feel
compelled to break him out of prison at a surge of filial piety.
Thus, Shane allowed the Garcia family to intervene and oil the wheels of the execution, similar to
Susan's case.