Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 380

The words “death penalty” exploded through the courtroom, shattering the heavy silence.

Cooper jerked in his seat, like someone had pulled the power right out of him. Then, just as quickly, he snapped—thrashing, wild, desperate to break free.

“No! I didn’t do it!”

“This is a setup! You can’t do this to me!”

He shouted, veins bulging at his neck, his face twisted with panic and rage.

His lawyer, sitting right beside him, looked like he might be sick. He leaned in close, voice barely a whisper but sharp with fear.

“Mr. Lincoln, you never told me about all this!”

But Cooper wasn’t listening. He glared at the prosecution, spit flying as he ranted.

“It’s them! That woman and her daughter! They’re the ones who started this! Why am I the one getting the death sentence?”

“Order!” The judge slammed the gavel, her voice ringing out and cutting through the noise.

“Prosecution, present your evidence.”

This was the turning point.

Steve didn’t flinch. He handed a thick stack of evidence to the bailiff.

“Your Honor, along with physical evidence, we have a witness.”

The side door opened and Marian walked in, unsteady but determined. The second she saw Cooper at the defense table, her eyes filled with tears and her hands trembled.

“I saw it myself! It was him! He told someone to push Mrs. Lincoln down the stairs! She was lying in her own blood and he just stood there—he didn’t even call for help! He wanted her dead!”

Cooper’s eyes went wide, rage and fear battling across his face.

“You’re lying—”

Before he could finish, a bailiff pressed a hand hard to his shoulder, cutting him off with a warning glare.

“No speaking out unless the judge says so. Wait your turn.”

Steve went on.

“Let’s have a son, okay? He can inherit Starlight Corporation for me.”

Emmy’s nails dug into her palm, her eyes cold as ice.

Teresa’s face only grew harder, frost settling in her gaze.

“No! That’s not real!” Cooper suddenly shoved the tablet away, his voice breaking as he shouted. “I didn’t do it! Teresa, believe me! I love you—it’s always been you! Claudia seduced me—”

“Order!” The judge’s gavel pounded again.

The people in the gallery couldn’t see the video, but from Cooper’s meltdown and the bits of yelling, they didn’t have to guess what was on it.

A low hum of whispers buzzed through the room.

“Classic. Men always beg for mercy when they finally get caught—only sorry when it’s too late.”

“Sorry? He’s just scared now. Can’t control himself, and look what happened. Disgusting.”

“Poor Teresa… she really deserved better.”