Chapter 884


    When Dorothy caught sight of Heather, she couldn''t help but do a double-take.


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    The once poised and professional chief attorney of the Lopez Corporation now looked like a


    shadow of her former self, her figure gaunt and haggard. Had Heather not been seated at the


    defendant’s bench, Dorothy might have struggled to recognize that face... a face that bore some


    resemnce to her own.


    Compared to Heather, Amanda appeared much more dignified, yet she too had noticeably lost


    weight, perhaps due to the stress of thewsuit. But her pride was intact. She wouldn''t spare


    Dorothy the slightest nce, 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 verified


    on the spot, making cross-examination particrly challenging.


    The Lopez family, eager to win and disassociate themselves from the scandal, had even summoned


    the doctors from the hospital to testify.


    Throughout, Dorothy remained detached, her attention flitting between Ephraim and the parade of


    prosecutors and defense attorneys jostling with objections and usations. Her gaze drifted to the


    gallery for the umpteenth time.


    Everett wasn''t there.


    That was probably for the best. His presence would have only added to the awkwardness. But a


    part of her wished he''de, just so she could catch a glimpse of him. Suddenly, the


    embarrassment didn''t seem all that important.


    "Now, the defendant will make a final statement," the judge announced.


    This was it—thest part of the hearing.


    Dorothy nced at Ephraim, who nodded reassuringly at her to show that everything went fine. She


    offered a small, grateful smile in return.


    Heather''s final statement was tearful and full of remorse. As awyer, she knew the power of this


    moment. The juries held the keys to her freedom, and a moving speech could influence the


    sentencing.


    Amanda''s statement, on the other hand, was read verbatim from what herwyer had prepared. It


    lacked emotion,cked expression, as if she had never feared the oue 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 mainly


    regarding the consideration of an appeal. Though it seemed premature, given that the verdict was


    still 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, she


    looked 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 the


    world, 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, handing


    over a bouquet of flowers. "Dorothy, when I said I''d always be there for you, I wasn''t joking."


    Atst, the tears Dorothy had held back in the courtroom began to fall.


    "Thank you, Karen."


    "Enough of that! Shall we head to my ce for a little celebration?"


    Dorothy wiped her tears with the back of her hand and nodded, "Sounds good to me."