Defending Mr. Billionaire (Sandoval Trilogy #1) | COMPLETED

Chapter 71

Atty. Christine Villeza

"Send my condolences to your boyfriend, babe." I mockingly uttered to Noel while emphasizing the endearment that John Tyler made for him.

"SHUT UP, CHRISTINE!" sigaw sa akin ni Noel na animo'y sumabog na sa sobrang inis. I smirked at him after Judge Magnaye pounded her gave to shut him up. "Y-Your Honor, h-h-hindi totoo ang mga pinagsasasabi niyan!"

"So you're taking back all the words that you've said earlier, huh?" I asked, trying to catch him.

"Y-Yes—! I mean n-no!"

"What an inconsistent answer." I said and chuckled. Bahagya akong lumapit sa kaniya't ngumiti ng nakaloloko. Kita na sa kaniyang mga mata ang nerbyos dahil sa naibunyag kong sikreto niya. "Okay, let me ask you one more question. Are you ready?"

Nanatiling nakatitig sa akin si Noel na animo'y walang narinig. Even the judge are waiting for our conversation, but she won't hear anything unless Noel responded. Tinamad na ako sa paghihintay kaya napakamot ako sa tainga ko't hinampas ang kahoy na nakaharang sa pagitan naming dalawa. "ARE YOU READY—?"

"YES, MAAM!" Hindi pa ako natatapos sa pagtatanong ay napasagot agad siya sa sobrang gulat. Nakita kong bahagyang natawa si Jelsey na nasa gilid samantalang si Sandoval at tila natakot sa akin. The judge gave me a sharp glance after I startled them all.

I chuckled then threw Noel a question. "Witness, is it true that you applied to work in the Rivamonte Hotel but Mr. Sandoval didn't let you in?"

"The question is irrelevant to the case." Dark coldly objected while still sitting on his chair. Napatingin ako rito't ngumiti para maasar siya. Dark did nothing while Bright crossed his arms with his deadpan expression.

Humarap ako kay Judge Magnaye para depensahan ang aking sarili. "No, Your Honor. This question will yield something relevant to the case."

"What's that 'something' that you're referring to, Defense Attorney Villeza?" Judge Magnaye asked.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you know, Your Honor. The witness might lie if ever he knew what will I point out." I answered confidently. Ngumisi ako kay Noel para asarin ito't lalong kabahan.

The judge nodded and reclined her back on the back of her chair. "Objection overruled. Defense, please proceed to your question."

I thanked Judge Magnaye then faced Noel with my serious face. "I repeat. Is it true that you wanted to work in the Rivamonte Hotel but Mr. Sandoval didn't let you in?"

Noel hesistated to answer and stared at me for a few seconds. I don't know if it was just me or he really smirked as if he realized something. Mukhang alam niya na ang patutunguhan ng mga tanong ko. "No, that's not true."

Bahagyang napakunot ang noo ko dahil sa sagot nito. "So you're saying that you didn't applied for a job in Rivamonte Hotel?" paninigurado ko pa, nagbabakasakaling magsasabi siya ng totoo.

"Yes, that's what I'm saying." Noel simply answered with his deadpan expression. Talagang sinusubukan ako ng manlolokong 'to.

Napakamot ako sa aking noo't tinanong muli siya ng isang beses. "I'm talking about last few months, Noel. Are you sure that you didn't applied for a job in Mr. Sandoval's hotel?"

"Objection. Asked and answered." Dark objected again while sitting pretty on his chair. Sinamaan ko ito ng tingin bago humarap kay Judge Magnaye at ngumiti.

I bowed my head slightly and defended myself. "Your Honor, I just wanted to give him a chance to be honest after taking an oath."

Judge Magnaye's forehead curled and asked me, "What do you mean, Defense?"