Carlos clarified that Matthew had decided to hold off the case because there was some conflict between him and his wife.

The man sitting beside Carlos believed the explanation. After all, Matthew's wife was defending her husband's portraiture right in the case, and Matthew's seal and fingerprint were on the documents. He concluded, just like Carlos, that the disagreement between the couple had affected the case.

"Mr. Huo, you know I can't afford to offend either you or your son. May I make a suggestion? How about I call your son and let him know..." Telling Matthew that his father had come to visit him might reduce some of his wrath. Otherwise, he might offend Matthew if it seemed as though he had heard Carlos and supported him.

'Alas! The father and son made an interesting pair.'

"That is your choice. I approached you as I want to conclude the matter. I hope the case can be held as scheduled," Carlos said. As far as he knew, the young couple argued because of Phoebe. If the trial could be held as planned, Phoebe would come to a miserable end, and he wouldn't have to deliberately remove the source of trouble between his son and daughter-in-law.

It would be like killing two birds with one stone.

As the couple was still in a stalemate, the case was going to be held as scheduled.

When Matthew received the phone call, his face darkened with anger.

But his wife was pregnant. He had no choice but to let her do what she wanted.

The night before the trial, the pregnant woman stood by the bed with an arm around her baby bump, and proudly declared, "Oh, my God! You can't protect your mistress anymore. Your wife is going to turn the tables!"

A hint of danger glimmered in the man's eyes as he said, "Are you happy now?"

"Of course!" She was so overjoyed that she didn't notice she was inviting trouble.

"Come here!" Matthew ordered with a wave of his hand.

Erica was so excited that she didn't overthink. She glided up to him, and lovingly ran her hand over her smooth belly. "Do you want to greet your sons?"

"Okay."

This had been Matthew's routine every night since he learned of her pregnancy. Without hesitating, Erica climbed onto the bed and put her belly close to him.

What began as Matthew bonding with his unborn children soon turned into something more passionate. Despite her slight unwillingness at the beginning, Erica gave in to his desires.

Later, in the middle of the night, she placed her hands on her hips and groaned, "My waist hurts..."

The man had just stepped out after a shower. After a moment's pause, he thought he

d Erica, "She is ZL Group's lawyer. Matthew asked her to help me."

Erica wanted to wipe the smug grin off of Phoebe's face, but it was too late. They had already walked to their respective positions in the courtroom.

Paige sensed that something was wrong, and so, she walked to Erica and whispered, "Mrs. Huo, are you okay? What happened?"

Erica shook her head to dispel the negative emotions coursing through her. She smiled at Paige and said, "I'm fine." 'Humph! She is just a lawyer. Phoebe would lose the case even if Matthew were physically present.'

"That's good. If anything happens, call me at any time, Mrs. Huo!" Paige said before she took her seat a short distance from Erica.

"Okay."

Now that the proceedings had formally begun, it was Erica's turn, as the plaintiff, to make a statement regarding her claim, before the defendant, Phoebe, could explain herself.

According to the H Country's law, the plaintiff and defendant could negotiate about suitable compensation on the day of the trial. If the plaintiff and the defendant couldn't reach an agreement, the court would make a final decision.

In this case, Phoebe didn't need to defend herself. The portrait of Matthew she had sketched was taken by someone who worked for Erica. Now, it was Matthew who had entrusted his wife to sue Phoebe. This left no chance for her to reverse the situation.

So, she and the lawyer started with the compensation negotiation. Erica asked for ten million dollars, while the defendant had hoped that the court could settle the matter with damages amounting to one million dollars.

Of course, Erica didn't agree. 'Matthew's portrait right is worth one million only? How dare she undervalue my husband's right!'