Reborn as Mr.CEO's Fat Wife-Chapter 790: Before the Storm

July 20th was the date of Brandon Piers’s court hearing. Adam Piers and Bertha Swift’s wedding preparations were in full swing. In comparison, the third branch seemed increasingly miserable.

However, the groom-to-be wasn’t in a good mood at all, in stark contrast to his father, who was overjoyed.

Grayson Piers was slightly dissatisfied with his son. "Your wedding is tomorrow. Why do you look so gloomy?"

"What kind of wedding? That monster is having a court hearing today. I’m getting married tomorrow. If nothing happens to him, it’s fine. But if something goes wrong, we still proceed with the wedding. What do you think the media will say about us?" Adam Piers replied irritably.

His father, however, didn’t see it that way. "The wedding was planned way in advance. Who knew he would get into trouble? Besides, you’re my son, Grayson Piers’s son. The wedding is already so low-profile. Does Brandon Piers still expect to overshadow us? Just because he’s in trouble, does that mean my son should become a monk?"

Adam Piers thought to himself that though he was a dandy, at least his brain didn’t follow his father’s lead. He looked at his father with a complicated expression but remained silent. Instead, he asked one of his subordinates, "Has the person from Moon Lake Manor departed yet?"

The subordinate responsible for gathering information shook his head at Adam. "No."

Adam nodded and checked the time. There were still three hours before the hearing, so there was no need to rush.

Meanwhile, at Rose Valley, Abigail looked at the time, picked up Teddy, and headed towards the car. Threo followed hurriedly, and Aunt Claudia slowly climbed in.

"Take Teddy back to the manor first," Abigail instructed Hughes once she got into the car.

Hughes nodded and was about to start the car when they saw Joshua Piers’s car approaching slowly. Pullan sat up straight, watching the other car warily.

On the contrary, Abigail’s impression of Joshua Piers had improved after several previous encounters. She smiled and greeted him as his car stopped.

Joshua gave Abigail a look. "Going to the court?"

Abigail nodded. "Yes."

"Do you really believe Brandon is innocent?" Joshua’s gaze lacked the deliberate exaggeration from before. Instead, there was a sense of regret as he looked at Abigail.

Abigail furrowed her brows, her tone firm. "Yes, I believe in him."

Joshua didn’t say more and gestured for the driver to drive on.

Abigail watched as Joshua’s car slowly drove past her, his words echoing in her mind. Was he hinting at something, or just trying to unsettle her?

"Madam?" Pullan noticed Abigail staring at Joshua’s car in a daze and reminded her softly.

Abigail snapped back to reality. "Hmm, let’s go."

Although the distance between Rose Valley and the manor was far, the road was spacious, with few cars and traffic lights. Driving fast, it only took thirty or forty minutes. When they arrived at the manor, Elder Piers was also ready to head out.

However, there was no sign of Brandon Piers.

Abigail hadn’t seen Brandon for several days. On the way, she wondered if it would be awkward when they met. Unexpectedly, he didn’t even give her a chance to feel awkward.

After settling Teddy, Abigail walked up to Grayson Piers. "Grandfather, where is he?"

Grayson Piers now felt a painful sensation whenever he saw Abigail, not as intense as cutting flesh, but still painful. The initial discontent he felt in the manor over the past few days had gradually faded. He also knew it wasn’t really Abigail’s fault, so he replied honestly with a bit less coldness in his tone. "I haven’t seen him for three days."

Abigail was slightly stunned. "What do you mean by three days? He hasn’t come back for three days, or he came back but you didn’t see him?"

"He didn’t come back at all." Grayson Piers had been so angry that night he didn’t sleep well. In the morning, he planned to scold his grandson again but didn’t see him. Over the next few days, he didn’t see him either. Initially, he thought Brandon was deliberately avoiding him by coming and going early, but the security informed him that Brandon hadn’t returned for three days.

Grayson’s words made Abigail’s expression solemn. Although she was confident that Brandon would be fine at this hearing, especially with Benjamin Jones’s capabilities ensuring no one would frame him, Brandon being absent for three days made her think of Joshua Piers’s words earlier.

So, was he hinting at something?

"Did he contact you at all?" Abigail hadn’t contacted Brandon since he called her a "green tea" three days ago. She felt a bad premonition.

"No." Grayson Piers scolded his grandson that day and was still angry over the past few days. He didn’t pay attention to his grandson, let alone contact him. Hearing Abigail’s question, he felt guilty, looking dejected.

Abigail hadn’t tried to contact Brandon either these days. Hearing Grayson’s words, she couldn’t afford to be petty and immediately dialed Brandon’s number. It rang a few times before being hung up.

Listening to the mechanical female voice, Abigail’s face turned gloomy. Brandon hadn’t come back for three days, and now he wasn’t answering his phone. What was going on?

"When did he leave? Did Peter drive him?" Abigail didn’t know why the call was cut off. She tried calling with Grayson’s phone. This time, no one answered, confirming that Brandon wasn’t just being petty. She asked Grayson.

"He left late at night on the 17th, alone. I initially thought he went to find you." Grayson now had no idea what was going on. "Why don’t you call Lawyer Jones?"

Abigail nodded and dialed Benjamin Jones’s number. Benjamin was silent for a moment after listening to her. "It’s not time for the hearing yet. Don’t worry too much. Master Brandon is a prudent man and won’t be late."

"Thank you, Benjamin." Abigail thanked him and hung up, but she still didn’t feel at ease. She dialed Brandon’s number again. Still, no answer, it rang until it hung up automatically.

Abigail, unsure of what was happening, stopped calling. She sent Brandon a message: "Grandfather and I will be waiting for you at the courthouse."

After sending the message, she stopped waiting anxiously. She placed Teddy in Aunt Claudia and Housekeeper Piers’s care, brought Grayson into the car, and asked Hughes to drive them to the courthouse.

...

Airport.

Brandon Piers hadn’t slept much in three days. Feeling his phone stop vibrating inside his trousers, he leaned heavily against the car, exhaling deeply, and turned to look at Luke Scout, who looked even more disheveled.

Three days ago, he received a call from Kelvin Max, informing him that Oliver Piers had made a move. Not wanting to alert anyone, he went downstairs at night, unexpectedly encountering Eva Bell.

Since her surgery, Eva had been bedridden. Brandon didn’t expect her to appear at the main residence late at night. When they met, his usually proud mother showed embarrassment for the first time. Sadly, Brandon didn’t have time for awkwardness. He took out his phone, trying to call for a servant, but Eva stopped him.

"I know what you’re looking for. It’s in Gills City."

Brandon looked at his dirty clothes, remembering Eva’s resolute face when she said that, followed by a moment of relief.

He called Luke afterward, and they quietly went to Gills City, tracing everything back to Piers’s oldest branch there.

During this period, they discovered Oliver Piers’s anonymous investments but couldn’t pinpoint which branch was collaborating with European gangsters. The Piers Group was too large, with branches and partners nationwide, making a complete investigation difficult.

Particularly, Gills City was where the Piers family started, with intricate interests and multiple transport routes. To be cautious, Brandon decided to personally take Luke there.

It was unexpected that despite their caution, they almost fell into a trap. Luckily, they gathered a lot of information. As for Kennan, he followed Oliver’s lead and went to Harbor City.

Three days ago, Oliver used the excuse of needing better treatment to go to Harbor City, with the real purpose of diverting their attention. To coordinate with the plan, he sent his most trusted Kennan over.

Right now, the car was speeding along, but not heading to the courthouse.

Brandon Piers glanced at his phone with a complicated expression, seeing several missed calls. He held his phone the entire way and did not call back.

Seeing this, Luke Scout turned his head to look at him, "Not calling back?"

"We’ll see them soon." Brandon replied, his emotions low.

Luke guessed the reason and did not ask further.

Their trip to Gills City had been fruitful, but they also knew the upcoming trial would be even harder. The evidence obtained from the court last night showed that the other side was determined to get Brandon Piers convicted.

"Abigail isn’t an unreasonable person. He’ll understand." Luke had little experience in relationships and didn’t understand the nuances between men and women, so he could only offer a vague comfort.

But his attempt at comfort received a disapproving glance from Brandon.

Luke wisely shut his mouth.

The car drove all the way to Brandon Piers’ apartment in the CBD Business Center. He went in to take a shower and change clothes. Luke left, replaced by Kelvin Max.

The man who came downstairs, completely transformed, wore a silver suit. Handsome and distinguished, he exuded pride and unique elegance. Kelvin sneaked a glance, thinking that the Second Young Master was surely trying to leave the best impression on the Young Madam.

While Kelvin was pondering, he heard his boss coldly instruct, "Go to the courthouse."

Collecting his thoughts, Kelvin quickly started the car.

At the same time, Abigail and Elder Piers had already arrived near the courthouse. Abigail opened her phone but saw no reply from Brandon Piers. Instead, she saw reporters gathered at the entrance waiting for them.

Seeing this, Abigail’s face turned serious. She turned to the elderly Grayson Piers, "Grandfather Piers, please stay in the car. I’ll handle them. I’ll let you know immediately if there’s any news from the court, is that okay?"

Grayson shook his head, "Don’t worry, girl. I’m fine."

With that, the old man grabbed his cane and prepared to get out of the car.

Seeing this, Abigail knew the old man had made up his mind and did not stop him. She got out with him. Pullan and the other bodyguards stood in front of the car.

As soon as the car door opened and Abigail’s foot hit the ground, there was a flurry of camera clicks. She supported Elder Piers as they got out of the car one after the other. Pullan led the way, and amidst the reporters’ frantic photographing and questioning, they slowly walked towards the courthouse.

They arrived early. The court had not yet convened, but the judicial personnel were already in place. Even Joshua Piers was sitting in the audience.

When Abigail entered and saw Joshua, she was momentarily stunned. She frowned slightly, helped Elder Piers to his seat, and instructed Hughes to keep an eye on him. She then turned and left the courtroom, with Pullan following her like a guardian.

Finding a quiet place, Abigail dialed the number again, but no one answered. However, she saw Benjamin Jones walking in.

Abigail quickly went up to him, "Benjamin, what’s going on on your side? Why can’t I get in touch with Brandon Piers?"

"He just sent a message saying he’ll be here in ten minutes." Benjamin paused before responding to Abigail’s question.

Abigail was slightly stunned, "Are you sure it was him?"

Benjamin looked at her with a complex expression, "Did you two have a fight?"

"I..." Abigail was embarrassed and wanted to deny it, but realized they had indeed fought. But even if they fought, didn’t he know she’d be worried in such a major incident?

Her initially worried heart felt both furious and annoyed upon knowing Benjamin could reach Brandon while she couldn’t.

When had Brandon Piers become so willful?

No, maybe it wasn’t willfulness, just a simple disregard for her feelings.

"Let’s go inside first." Seeing Abigail’s changing emotions, Benjamin knew he was right. Over time, Benjamin had gotten to know Brandon Piers a bit and didn’t think he was an emotional person. Given how much he cared for Abby, it’s unlikely he’d disregard her feelings. There must be another reason.

With this in mind, Benjamin’s stern face grew more serious. He thought of the message he had just received, indicating the prosecution had new evidence from last night. He still didn’t know what that new evidence was.

Nor did he know how this new evidence would affect Brandon Piers’ case.

Maybe it was his professional instincts developed over the years, but for the first time, Benjamin felt uneasy and suspected he might be trapped by Brandon.

Abigail’s keen senses and long-time acquaintance with Benjamin made her notice the subtle changes in his emotions, which others might miss. When she heard him suggest going inside first, she sensed a difference and immediately refocused, asking, "Has there been any change in the case?"

Benjamin was surprised by Abigail’s sensitivity. After thinking a moment, he decided she should be prepared, "Ten minutes before I arrived at the courthouse, I received news that the prosecution found new evidence. But no one knows what this evidence is yet, so the case’s outcome might change."

Abigail’s eyes filled with tumultuous emotions, "You mean..."

She didn’t finish, but Benjamin understood and nodded.

Abigail’s face turned pale, "What’s the worst outcome?"

"Eight to twelve years." Benjamin answered honestly.

Abigail couldn’t accept this result and shook her head at Benjamin, "You’ll find a way, right?"

"I’ll do my best. But the outcome depends on what evidence the prosecution has." This time, Benjamin couldn’t promise Abigail anything.

Abigail knew she would be making things difficult for Benjamin if she pushed further. She lowered her head and nodded, "I understand."

Benjamin felt sympathetic, "Abby..."

"No need to comfort me. I get it." Abigail quickly composed herself, smiling at Benjamin to show she didn’t want him to worry.

Just then, they heard a commotion outside. Abigail and Benjamin looked over to see a handsome, tall man in a silver handmade suit walking elegantly through the crowd. The reporters parted to make way for him, and he slowly walked in their direction.

Having not seen him for five days, Abigail stared blankly at the man. All her emotions turned into two words, "show-off!"