Edwards' former aide Christina Reynolds was testifying about an argument Elizabeth Edwards had with her husband in October 2007 about a story published in a tabloid about his affair with his mistress, Rielle Hunter.
As Reynolds recounted the occurrence at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Edwards turned to his daughter Cate and was heard saying, "I don't know what's coming. Do you want to leave?"
Her response was inaudible, but she walked away wiping away tears. Edwards was heard saying, "Cate, Cate" as she walked out. Cate Edwards later returned to court after a recess.
Elizabeth Edwards died in December of 2010 after a years-long fight with cancer.
Wednesday's hearing at the campaign finance corruption trial also included an account from another aide, Josh Brumberger.
Brumberger testified that he accompanied Edwards to the home of Rachel "Bunny" Mellon in 2005. Shortly after, the wealthy heiress who is now 101 years old, made several substantial donations that eventually totaled more than $6 million.
Prosecutors said Edwards used money from Mellon and another wealthy donor to hide his mistress. Edwards' attorneys have said he didn't know it was being used to hide Hunter and that another former aide, Andrew Young, spent much of it on his dream house.
Edwards has pleaded not guilty to campaign-finance violations. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison and $1.5 million in fines.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
