Chapter 291 It Can Only End This Way
Seeing that Edgar had said all he needed to, Jolene calmly took over.
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“Just as the witness stated,” she said, her voice resonating with quiet power, “we have substantial evidence proving that Thomas is the true perpetrator–the one who attempted to assault the plaintiff, Sarah.”
“Asher’s only mistake was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He happened to show up on Tri Street that night and was branded with a crime he didn’t commit. He became the scapegoat.”
Her words rang clearly through the courtroom, cutting through the tension like a blade.
“I sincerely hope the judge and presiding magistrate will take everything into account and give this young man the justice he deserves. And I hope the real criminal will be held accountable.
Silence.
The entire courtroom fell still.
The presiding judge lowered her gaze, deep in thought. After a moment, she turned to Sarah and her attorney. “Plaintiff, and plaintiff’s counsel–do either of you have anything to say?”
Sarah looked pale.
Her lips pressed into a thin line, worry etched across her brows.
At this point, any arrangement she’d made with Thomas meant nothing.
If the judge–or the public–found out she’d taken money from Thomas to frame Asher, she’d be done for.
She’d go from victim to perpetrator. Maybe even face prison time…
She had to protect herself.
She had to sever any ties to Thomas. It was her only way out.
“I don’t know.” The words spilled from her mouth in a rush. Sarah furrowed her brow, pretending to be uncertain. “Honestly, I’m not even sure anymore. That night was so chaotic… maybe I got the wrong person…”
A complete reversal.
The same girl who had once confidently pointed her finger at Asher was now backpedaling hard.
Because she knew–this was how she could play innocent.
Her lawyer, however, wasn’t so quick to let it slide. His brow tightened, and he let out a frustrated “Tch.”
He wasn’t just some average public defender–he was under specific orders from Thomas. And unlike Sarah, he wasn’t about to flip sides mid–game.
“Ms. Sarah,” he said carefully, eyeing her with restrained irritation. “That’s not what you said earlier. I urge you to think carefully. The man you saw that night–wasn’t it Asher?”
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Chapter 291 It Can Only End This Way
The lawyer pressed, “But you did say it was Asher-”
“When did I?” Sarah snapped, her eyes widening in mock surprise.
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“Enough!” The judge’s voice cracked through the room, her expression grim. She had clearly had enough of their brewing argument.
“I asked for a statement, not a shouting match.”
More whispers bubbled up from the gallery.
“This is ridiculous!”
“The plaintiff’s about to start a full–blown fight with her own lawyer–this is gold.”
“Internal meltdown, just like that. Amazing.”
“She was so sure earlier, now she’s saying she’s not? Unreal.”
“She’s either lying now or she was lying before.”
“After thorough discussion with the bench,” the judge finally announced, “we have concluded that there are still elements of this case that require further investigation. Additionally, the evidence against Asher remains insufficient. Therefore, no verdict will be issued today. This hearing is officially adjourned and will be rescheduled.”
The ruling was met with collective relief.
It was the only decision that made sense.
To convict Asher now would be reckless–and Thomas, the most likely suspect, hadn’t even been investigated yet.
This trial could only end one way: unfinished. For now.
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