Chapter 1029: In Court (7) – There’s No Plagiarism

“You’re lying! You’re spouting nonsense!” Minerva’s agitation grew, escalating into a courtroom disturbance.

“Quiet! The plaintiff must be quiet. Disrupting court order will result in consequences.”

Minerva subsided, remaining silent.

“Your Honor, that concludes the defense for my client’s alleged plagiarism.”

The judge nodded. “Does the plaintiff wish to respond?”

Minerva attempted to speak, but her lawyer, Wynne Simmons, interjected, “No.”

“What do you mean, ‘no’?!” Minerva exclaimed.

Simmons knew further argument would be detrimental. He said plainly, “The facts are clear. Further defense is pointless. I suggest you listen to the court’s judgment.”

“I didn’t plagiarize!” Minerva cried. “Besse plagiarized my work!”

“The court will decide,” the plaintiff’s lawyer reiterated.

“I don’t accept it!” Minerva declared.

“Acceptance is irrelevant. Any objections can be addressed in a subsequent appeal. This hearing is adjourned.”

Tears welled in Minerva’s eyes. Her lawyer’s surrender left her feeling defeated.

After a final confirmation, the judge announced, “Adjourned for half an hour.”

The judge and jury retired to deliberate. Immediately, a commotion erupted in the courtroom.

“I sympathized with Phantom, but copying someone else’s work? Unbelievable!”

“Me too! I anticipated justice, but this is a complete reversal!”

“Maybe Besse didn’t copy anything, or even if she did, it might not constitute plagiarism. She might have forgotten about a similar existing design.”

“Speaking of Hannah Cooper… when she worked at Celina, she designed a friendship-themed wedding dress series for a best friend’s wedding. It was breathtaking.”

Susan overheard, tears streaming down her face. Hannah’s wedding dress design had symbolized their deep friendship.

“Don’t cry,” Manuel comforted her.

Overwhelmed by memories of Hannah, Susan’s gaze fell upon Besse’s back at the defense table, eerily reminiscent of Hannah.

Half an hour later, the judge and jury returned. The courtroom fell silent.

“The First Court of the Capital has rendered its judgment on Minerva’s plagiarism accusation against Besse. First, Besse suffered amnesia four years ago, and Water Ripple Design Magazine folded after selling only 500 copies that season. Therefore, Besse couldn’t have seen Minerva’s work. Second, Hannah Cooper is the original designer of the Angel series. This court dismisses Minerva’s accusation. The full judgment will be delivered within five days.”

The gavel fell. The judge and his team departed, followed by others. Manuel turned, searching for someone who had already left. He assisted Susan. “Let’s wait for Besse outside.”

Susan waited at the door with Doyle, the tension between Manuel and Doyle palpable. Susan couldn’t understand their animosity. Could it be because of her occasional glances at, or compliments toward, Doyle?

As Susan pondered this, Minerva erupted in a furious argument with her lawyer.

“Who do you think you are, abandoning my defense?! How dare you!”

“Mr. Simmons, you shouldn’t practice law! I’ll expose your incompetence online!”

Simmons finally snapped. “Enough! Who would represent someone as dishonest as you? You’re not original! I didn’t come here to settle scores, and now you’re threatening me?! Do you have any shame?”

“You took my fees and speak to me like this?!”

“Knowing you’re not original, I shouldn’t have represented you! It’s ridiculous!”

“Who made you the judge?!”

“You know the truth,” Simmons interrupted. “I hoped protecting you would keep reporters away, but I was wrong. You can handle the media yourself! Goodbye.”

“You stop right there!” Minerva screamed.

Simmons left. Minerva stamped her foot in fury. Susan approached; Manuel didn't intervene. Minerva saw Susan and her expression hardened.

“What? Don’t you remember your old classmate?” Susan began.

“What?”

“Nothing much,” Susan replied casually. “Just observing your pathetic downfall. Why are you so foolish? Why disgrace yourself publicly?”

“Susan!!”

“In school, I sensed your jealousy towards Hannah,” Susan continued relentlessly, “but who knew you’d steal Hannah’s designs, even attempt extortion! How does karma feel, Minerva?”

“Susan, stop…” Minerva lunged, but a cold voice halted her. “Don’t even think about touching her.”