Chapter 559 Second Trial (2) Begins the Counterattack
As Joe and the jury members filed out of the courtroom, the tension eased a bit. The audience started chatting, speculating on how many years Alaric might get, given his situation.
Some folks were convinced Alaric would get the death penalty, given that it involved a human life.
In the Yakurosean Empire, crimes committed by officials were treated more harshly.
The courtroom buzzed with noise.
But Cecilia couldn't take her eyes off Alaric.
Even in his thin frame and prison uniform, he still had that handsome aura. Alaric noticed her staring.
He gave her a faint smile, staying incredibly calm despite everything.
Cecilia felt tears welling up again.
She didn't know if Alaric would be acquitted; she just knew he always smiled at her, no matter what.
It seemed like he was never sad when he looked at her.
Seraphina could sense Cecilia's emotions fluctuating.
She squeezed Cecilia's hand and said, "Don't worry; everything will be okay."
Seraphina wasn't naive. She knew Alaric was likely to get a heavy sentence. She couldn't understand why he was found guilty when he had no motive.
Not knowing much about the law, she could do nothing. All she could do was stay by Cecilia's side and share her worry.
Half an hour later, Joe and the jury members came back.
Everyone settled down, and the room got serious and quiet again.
Joe struck the gavel, ready to announce the sentence.
"Your Honor, I have evidence proving Mr. Whitaker's innocence," Preston suddenly declared.
It was clear Cecilia had signaled him earlier.
After all the maneuvering, it was finally his time to shine.
Everything that had just happened was him using words to twist the facts and buy time.
Joe's expression changed visibly.
Felix objected, "Mr. Collins couldn't produce evidence earlier, and it's impossible for him to have it now. He's just wasting our time."
Joe said, "Objection sustained..."
"Wait," Gideon stood up.
As the prosecution's representative, he had the right to speak.
Not wanting to offend Gideon, Joe quickly asked, "Mr. Hotchner, do you have something to add?"
Gideon said, "Since Mr. Collins is certain he has evidence proving Alaric's innocence, he has the right to speak before the trial concludes."
Joe looked troubled.
They were so close to the final verdict.
Once Alaric was sentenced to death, it would be over.
Without waiting for Joe's consent, Gideon said, "Mr. Collins, this is your last chance to defend. If you fail to produce any evidence, all your subsequent statements will be legally invalid. More importantly, we will consider Mr. Whitaker's uncooperative attitude and refusal to confess, and sentence him to the maximum penalty."
His words carried a sense of authority.
Preston hesitated for a few seconds, drawing a few mocking laughs from the audience.
Dominic also smirked. He initially thought Gideon's arrival would mess up the trial, but to his surprise, it turned out to be an assist!
It made the harsher judgment against Alaric sound even more justified!
The Hotchner family knew better than to mess with the Monroe family.
In the future, the world would probably belong to the Monroes!
Dominic, almost giddy with excitement, knew that by using the Monroe family, he could climb to power and rule the world.
He struggled to keep his cool; at this crucial moment, he couldn't afford any slip-ups from Penelope.
Despite the thrill, he had to stick to his plan.
With the staff's permission, he left the audience area, with Cassius trailing behind him.
Dominic was about to make a call in the restroom when Cassius showed up. "Mr. Kingsley, aren't you eager to see Alaric sentenced? Why leave now?" Cassius asked.
Dominic's face darkened.
With Cassius there, he couldn't make the call.
Cassius smirked and asked, "What? Weren't you here to use the restroom?"
Dominic shot him a glare, gritted his teeth, and went into a stall.
But Cassius followed him into the next stall and made some noise.
Unable to make the call and not wanting to leave evidence by texting, Dominic realized Cassius was doing it on purpose.
Dominic paused, then left the restroom.
Cassius followed at a careful distance.
Sensing something was off but unsure, Dominic wandered around the courthouse.
As a suspect, he couldn't leave until the trial was over.
Eventually, Dominic returned to the audience area.
With phones not allowed, Dominic turned his off and sat back down.
Cassius laughed and returned to his seat, just in time.
At that moment, Preston spoke up, "Alright, if I don't have evidence, Mr. Whitaker is willing to accept the maximum penalty under the law."
"Mr. Whitaker, do you accept?" Gideon asked Alaric.
Alaric's thin lips parted slightly, and he answered in a somewhat hoarse voice, "I accept."
"In that case," Gideon said, "Your Honor, I suggest giving the defendant a little more time for defense."
"Alright," Joe agreed immediately.
At this point, he had no choice but to agree.
Moreover, he couldn't afford to offend the Hotchner family.
"Mr. Collins, please continue your defense," Gideon said and returned to his seat.
Throughout the process, Gideon remained serious, reserved, and composed, exuding an air of unwavering integrity.
It truly showed the grace and capability of a noble family.
Cecilia had never interacted with noble families, not even in her past life.
She realized that true heirs of noble families were indeed different from ordinary people. Their upbringing, knowledge, and attitude towards life exuded a sense of superiority.
Preston expressed his gratitude.
He took a deep breath and spoke gravely, "The prosecution has presented two pieces of evidence regarding Mr. Whitaker's embezzlement: first, the financial statements, and second, the bribery cash, along with witnesses involved in Mr. Whitaker's alleged embezzlement projects."
He paused for a moment and continued, "However, I have evidence proving Mr. Whitaker was framed. Regarding the so-called bribery cash, I have a video showing someone maliciously moving a large amount of cash into Mr. Whitaker's house without his knowledge. Please, Your Honor, take a look."
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