Chapter 1027: In Court (5) Reverse Testimony

The courtroom was tense.

"Mr. Simmons," the defendant's lawyer began, "the court agrees with my assessment that my client couldn't have seen this magazine recently. Your sudden questioning of your previous statements seems unreasonable, even contradictory."

"I admit I overlooked certain factors," Simmons conceded. "I didn't anticipate such cunning diversionary tactics."

"Mr. Simmons," the defendant's lawyer pressed, "we require reasonable evidence and logic, not arbitrary assertions. Remember your duty as a lawyer."

The plaintiff's lawyer, seemingly unwilling to continue the argument, intervened. "Your Honor, the defense has maliciously guided us toward accepting their viewpoint. Their arguments are riddled with loopholes—claims of only 500 copies sold or the magazine disappearing from circulation are baseless. Magazines on market shelves circulate for far longer than eight years!"

The defendant's lawyer, now agitated, responded, "My viewpoint is not unfounded! It's based on witness testimony deemed acceptable by this court. Now it is plaintiff's counsel who is being unreasonable and aggressive."

Before the plaintiff's lawyer could interject, the defense cut him off. "I have proof of my client's innocence."

"What proof?" the judge inquired.

"I present my client's design portfolio from her time in the industry, including market feedback and numerous international awards. Her exceptional design ability speaks for itself. She's not on the same level as the plaintiff. Why would someone of her stature risk plagiarism, knowing the inevitable consequences? Logically, it's impossible unless she was unaware of the Angel collection's similarity."

"I object!" the plaintiff's lawyer exclaimed. "The defense's arguments are purely speculative."

"Mr. Simmons," the defendant's lawyer challenged, "can you prove our client read the magazine, which disappeared from the market four years ago? Can you prove she saw Phantom's original design?"

Simmons was speechless.

"Mr. Simmons," the defendant's lawyer continued, "evidence is crucial, not only to defend my client's innocence but also to prove guilt if necessary. Otherwise, it's mere speculation or slander!"

"Nonsense!" Simmons retorted.

The judge banged his gavel. "This legal defense ends here. The court will make a judgment after a half-hour recess."

As the judge and jury prepared to leave, the defense stepped forward. "Your Honor, I have evidence proving my client did not plagiarize Phantom's work. On the contrary, Phantom plagiarized someone else!"

An uproar erupted in the courtroom. The plaintiff became the defendant. The unexpected turn of events created excitement.

"Quiet!" the judge commanded.

The audience calmed slightly, but Susan's excitement grew. This was the climax she'd awaited. She looked at Besse, shocked by the turn of events, unaware of these developments.

"I object!" the plaintiff's lawyer shouted. "This trial concerns only Besse's plagiarism."

"Your Honor," the defense countered, "this is relevant to my client's alleged plagiarism, the original work's authorship, and Phantom's qualifications to accuse my client."

"Allowed," the judge ruled.

"May I present my witness?"

"Yes."

A woman of some age entered.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Zeny Hutcherson, former editor-in-chief of the Conspiracy Design Society," she stated.

The defense lawyer presented the Angel collection designs. "Ms. Hutcherson, have you seen this work before?"

"Yes."

"In this magazine?"

"No. I see this magazine for the first time today."

"As someone in the design industry, you haven't seen this design magazine?"

"The Water Ripple Design Magazine was unpopular and rarely recognized. I ignored their publications, which is normal." Hutcherson's tone held a certain authority.

The defense continued, "When and where did you see this design?"

"At a design competition nine years ago."

"Was the designer present?" The defense lawyer pointed to Minerva.

"No," Zeny confirmed.

The audience stirred.

"Who was it?"

"Hannah Cooper," Zeny replied calmly. "Competitions require real names; I know her real name."

Susan wept. She hadn't heard that name in years.

"Hannah Cooper?" the plaintiff's lawyer repeated slowly. "Are you sure it's not Minerva Bird, 'Phantom'?"

"I'm certain," Zeny stated confidently. "The competition required on-site participation. As a judge, I saw the participants personally. Hannah Cooper was present, not Minerva Bird."