Female Novel
Chapter 884
When Dorothy caught sight of Heather, she couldn't help but do a double-take.
The once poised and professional chief attorney of the Lopez Corporation now looked like ashadow of her former self, her figure gaunt and haggard. Had Heather not been seated at thedefendant’s bench, Dorothy might have struggled to recognize that face... a face that bore someresemblance to her own.
Compared to Heather, Amanda appeared much more dignified, yet she too had noticeably lostweight, perhaps due to the stress of the lawsuit. But her pride was intact. She wouldn't spareDorothy the slightest glance, as if she were beneath her notice.
Not that Dorothy cared.
The trial dragged on since it was crammed with evidence. And some evidence needed to be verifiedon the spot, making cross-examination particularly challenging.
The Lopez family, eager to win and disassociate themselves from the scandal, had even summonedthe doctors from the hospital to testify.
Throughout, Dorothy remained detached, her attention flitting between Ephraim and the parade ofprosecutors and defense attorneys jostling with objections and accusations. Her gaze drifted to thegallery for the umpteenth time.
Everett wasn't there.
That was probably for the best. His presence would have only added to the awkwardness. But apart of her wished he'd come, just so she could catch a glimpse of him. Suddenly, theembarrassment didn't seem all that important.
"Now, the defendant will make a final statement," the judge announced.
This was it—the last part of the hearing.
Dorothy glanced at Ephraim, who nodded reassuringly at her to show that everything went fine. Sheoffered a small, grateful smile in return.
Heather's final statement was tearful and full of remorse. As a lawyer, she knew the power of thismoment. The juries held the keys to her freedom, and a moving speech could influence thesentencing.
Amanda's statement, on the other hand, was read verbatim from what her lawyer had prepared. Itlacked emotion, lacked expression, as if she had never feared the outcome of this so-called trial.She seemed convinced of her imminent exoneration.
"Court is now adjourned. All rise."
Hearing these words, Dorothy stiffly rose from her chair and offered a formal gesture of thanks.
As they stepped out of the courtroom, Ephraim bombarded her with advice that were mainlyregarding the consideration of an appeal. Though it seemed premature, given that the verdict wasstill pending, Ephraim wanted her to think it over carefully.
"No need to bother yourself any further, Ephraim." Dorothy said.
"It's no trouble! Most criminal cases go to appeal; it's standard practice."
"Not this one." Dorothy smiled and walked out of the courthouse. Descending the grand steps, shelooked up at the sky one more time.
It was as blue and boundless as ever. So vast, it seemed to swallow all the inequity and filth of theworld, and it made her feel inconsequential in its expanse.
"Dorothy!"
A voice pulled her back to reality.
She turned and saw Karen standing a short distance away, waving at her.
"What are you doing here?"
"How could I miss out on such an important day?" Karen approached and embraced her, handingover a bouquet of flowers. "Dorothy, when I said I'd always be there for you, I wasn't joking."novelbin
At last, the tears Dorothy had held back in the courtroom began to fall.
"Thank you, Karen."
"Enough of that! Shall we head to my place for a little celebration?"
Dorothy wiped her tears with the back of her hand and nodded, "Sounds good to me."