Chapter 118 The Court Only Looks at Evidence
They were photos of Skyla hanging out with friends at a bar.
Xander stood up.
but
“As everyone can see, the defendant may be a young woman, after speaking with her classmates and friends, we have direct evidence proving that she’s not an exemplary student. Instead, she frequently visits bars.
“On the night of the incident, the party in question was also held at the school’s bar. As we all know, bars aren’t particularly safe places. Now, we’re not saying that everyone who goes to a bar is a bad person, but it’s undeniable that many who frequent such places often lead chaotic personal lives.”
Xander then displayed photos of the male defendant.
The photos showed him studying in the library and playing basketball with classmates, along with his excellent academic
records.
“What you’re looking at are pieces of evidence we obtained from my client’s friends and teachers. Clearly, my client has always been an outstanding student who excels academically, physically, and socially.
“A model student forcing himself on a stranger–a girl who frequently hangs out at bars–seems completely illogical.
Chapter 118 The Court Only Looks at Eviden… 2/6 prove whether the relationship was consensual or not. But what we can see is that my client is now in critical condition, and the person who caused these injuries is the defendant.”
The audience murmured amongst themselves after hearing this.
“The girl looks so quiet and innocent, but it turns out she hangs out in places like that. Doesn’t seem very decent, does she?”
“Who knows what else she’s up to outside? You meet all kinds of people at bars.”
“Exactly. And if she had a bit to drink, who knows how many people she’d…”
The audience trailed off, holding back from saying anything
further.
Abigail heard it all, gritting her teeth but knowing she had no standing to respond.
The three judges exchanged glances and leaned in to quietly discuss.
After a while, the presiding judge returned to their seat.
“Next, the defendant’s lawyer will present their closing argument,” the judge announced.
It was the final stage of the trial, but it was clear that the audience seemed to favor the prosecution.
It had to be said that Xander’s approach was highly effective.
Chapter 118 The Court Only Looks at Eviden… 3/6 Meanwhile, he framed the male as a model student.
It seemed perfectly logical that an immoral girl might seduce an inexperienced boy who’d never crossed the line before.
The courtroom fell silent as all eyes turned to Sophia.
Sophia, her expression serious, stood under the weight of everyone’s gaze to deliver her closing statement.
“The opposing side has shown many photos and pieces of evidence, trying to label my client as immoral or a bad person.
“But I’d like to ask everyone here. Who decided that going to a bar makes someone a bad person? Who decided that boys can frequent these places freely while girls are condemned for doing the same?
“And who can guarantee that model students don’t commit crimes, or that people who enjoy drinking can’t also be kind and decent? Who decided all of this?”
Sophia’s string of questions left the courtroom in silence once. again.
Sophia paused before continuing, “People are used to seeing the world through tinted lenses, assuming that obedient model students can’t have bad intentions and that those who enjoy going to bars must not be good people. But that’s far from the
truth.
“We’ve seen countless cases where seemingly perfect students commit heinous crimes while so–called delinquents rescue stray animals or donate to disaster relief.
Chapter 118 The Court Only Looks at Eviden…
4/6 “Too often, we categorize people as good or bad based on a label, forgetting that the world is never black and white. We must allow good people to make mistakes and bad people to change.
“Lastly, I want to say this. No woman willingly exposes her painful past to public scrutiny and criticism. But if she seeks fairness and justice, if she wants the perpetrator punished, she has no choice but to do so.”
Sophia glanced at Skyla and patted her shoulder.
“I think my client is incredibly brave. As a woman, I believe that women are already at a disadvantage in society. If the law cannot protect our basic rights, then I’ll feel despair for all
Women.
“That concludes my argument.”
When Sophia finished speaking, the courtroom fell silent for several seconds.
It took a moment before the audience came to their senses and started clapping.
The judges nodded in acknowledgment.
After the defense concluded, the judges retreated to deliberate the final verdict.
Abigail sat below, feeling her heart in her throat.
It was clear that Sophia and Skyla were equally tense on the stand.
Chapter 118 The Court Only Looks at Eviden…
“Mr. Zane, are you confident? Can we win this appeal?” they asked anxiously.
Sophia’s carlier words had clearly moved everyone.
The parents were now uneasy, their confidence shaken.
But Xander appeared calm and unbothered.
5/6
“Don’t worry. The court only looks at evidence, not emotions,”
he said.
The male defendant’s parents finally relaxed but glared sharply at Skyla.
Abigail noticed Skyla flinch, quickly lowering her head and grabbing Sophia’s hand for reassurance.
Sophia seemed to be comforting her, and Skyla slowly calmed
down.
After a short wait, the judges returned to the courtroom with the final verdict.
Everyone held their breath, intently watching the judges.
“I will now announce the final verdict for this trial…” the presiding judge began.
Felix had already met with the mediator and obtained evidence of the male defendant transferring assets during his marriage.
Judging that the timing was about right, he went to the courthouse to wait for Abigail and Sophia.
Chapter 118 The Court Only Looks at Eviden… Twenty minutes later, the courtroom attendees began to exit, their expressions heavy.
6/6
Felix waited a while longer but still didn’t see Abigail or Sophia.
So, he went inside to look for them.
Upon entering, he saw Sophia slumped in a chair, her face buried in her hands.
Abigail sat next to her, looking equally distraught.
It was obvious from their expressions–they had lost.
He walked over and handed them each a bottle of water.
“Where’s the client?” he asked.
Sophia didn’t respond, and Abigail’s voice was hoarse when she answered.
“She ran off crying after hearing the verdict,” Abigail said.
