CHAPTER 110: ADJOURNED

~LAYLA’S~

"What?!" I blurted out before I could stop myself, drawing a sharp look from the judge. Axel squeezed my hand beneath the table, silently telling me to keep my cool.

"That’s absurd," I whispered to him. "The video clearly shows..."

"Shh," he murmured. "Let Brennan handle it."

"Objection, Your Honour," Brennan said, standing. "The video evidence clearly shows acceleration, not brake failure. The defendant’s vehicle sped up before impact."

Harlan smiled slightly. "Which brings me to exhibit D-1." He produced a thick report. "This is from an independent mechanic inspection conducted post-accident. It confirms that the brake line on my client’s vehicle was severely compromised. The brakes failed catastrophically that day due to mechanical wear."

He handed copies to the bailiff, who distributed them to the judge and our legal team. Brennan scanned it quickly, his frown deepening.

"Your Honour," Brennan said, "this report could easily be fabricated or the vehicle could have been tampered with after the fact."

"Not according to these certified stamps and signatures," Judge Thornton said, examining the document. "This appears to be legitimate documentation from a licensed automotive expert. Do you have evidence to dispute its authenticity?"

"Not at this time, Your Honour, but we request time to have our own expert examine the vehicle."

"Noted. Defence, continue."

"Thank you." Harlan’s confidence grew. "Now, regarding the miscarriage, which the prosecution has conveniently glossed over. My client lost her child as a direct result of this accident."

He slid another folder toward the bench. "These are my client’s hospital records. They show that the miscarriage occurred within hours of the crash. The medical opinion states that the trauma from the collision likely triggered the pregnancy loss."

I felt sick.

They were using her miscarriage to paint her as the victim of an accident she caused. They are just playing the sympathy card right now.

"Your Honour," Harlan continued, his voice taking on a righteous tone, "this wasn’t just an accident. This was a tragedy that cost my client her unborn child. And now, instead of receiving sympathy and support from her family, she’s being dragged through court, accused of attempted murder by the very sister who should be comforting her."

"Objection!" Brennan was on his feet. "Counsel is making inflammatory statements designed to manipulate emotion rather than present facts."

"Sustained," Judge Thornton said. "Mr. Reed, stick to the evidence."

"Of course, Your Honor. I’m simply pointing out that the narrative presented by the prosecution is incomplete. They want this court to believe my client is some kind of villain, when in reality, she’s the victim of a terrible accident that cost her everything."

The courtroom buzzed with whispers. I could see some faces in the gallery softening, buying into his performance.

Judge Thornton studied both the dashcam footage and the mechanic’s report. "These pieces of evidence present conflicting narratives. The video could be interpreted as showing deliberate intent, but it could also be consistent with brake failure and panic. Without additional corroborating evidence, I can’t make a definitive determination at this stage on the assault charge. More evidence would be needed by both sides to back their claim."

My heart sank.

Brennan cleared his throat. "Your Honour, if I may shift to the other charges. On defamation: the deepfake videos distributed by the defendant have caused measurable harm to Mrs. O’Brien’s reputation and business. Our forensics show tampering, and distribution traces lead back to contracted hackers."

Harlan countered smoothly. "Those traces are circumstantial at best. No direct link to my client; could be hackers or third parties exploiting a family rift."

"Corporate espionage," Brennan pressed on. "Attempted data breach and listening devices planted in the O’Brien home, with fingerprints matching Erica Chen, who we’ve established collaborated with the defendant."

"Ms. Chen is missing, probably out of town at the moment," Harlan shot back. "And without her testimony, that’s hearsay. My client denies any involvement."

Judge Thornton nodded. "The espionage and defamation charges show probable cause based on the presented evidence, but the reckless endangerment ties back to the accident, which remains disputed."

"Furthermore," Harlan pressed his advantage, "we’re filing a counter-suit against Mrs. O’Brien for emotional distress, wrongful accusation, and contributing to the loss of my client’s unborn child through her relentless persecution."

"You can’t be serious," I hissed to Brennan.

"We’re seeking full dismissal of all charges against my client," Harlan continued, "along with damages for the pain and suffering she’s endured."

Judge Thornton held up a hand. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is a preliminary hearing, not a trial. However, Mr. Reed, you may file your counter-suit through the proper channels."

"Thank you, Your Honour."

"Given the complexity of the evidence and the serious nature of the charges, I’m ordering a full trial on all counts except the assault, which I’ll bind over pending further expert review. Bail will be placed at five million dollars with the previously stated conditions." She banged her gavel. "Court is adjourned. Trial date will be set within thirty days."

As we stood, Cassandra caught my eye across the courtroom. Her smile was small but victorious, and all it did was send anger coursing through me.

What the hell?

As we filed out of the courtroom, the buzz of reporters and spectators felt like a swarm closing in.

Axel kept a protective arm around me, shielding me from the flashes and shouted questions. "Keep walking," he muttered. "Don’t engage."

Once we reached the car, I sank into the seat, my mind reeling. "How did they twist everything like that? Brake failure? And using the miscarriage for sympathy? It’s all lies."

The engine started, and Axel placed his hand on mine. "Charles’s influence. That mechanic’s report is probably bought and paid for. We’ll get our own experts on it... discredit it before trial."

"But the judge bought it. And now a counter-suit? They’re turning me into the villain." Frustration boiled over, tears stinging my eyes. "After everything she’s done..."

He reached over, squeezing my hand. "This is just the prelim. We’ve got time to build our case stronger. I have someone already digging into evidences and all, might give us leverage."

I nodded, but doubt lingered.

Back home, I paced the living room while Axel made calls to the legal team. The court hearing replayed in my mind, and something struck me... Daniel.

He wasn’t present in court. Where was he? Was he avoiding court? Or was something else going on?