Jerry Hogarth is a fledgling lawyer, not a sociologist. With her limited perspective, she failed to notice that her nation was rapidly aging—a critical issue she overlooked. However, being highly educated, she had sufficient foresight. After a thorough investigation, she realized the potentially explosive nature of pension issues, recognizing them as societal problems.
This would capture the attention of everyone, from judges to janitors in the courts—no one could afford to ignore their pension concerns. The more people who paid attention, the greater her fame would grow. Win or lose, of course, winning would be best.
After her speech, the judge and the court clerk remained unmoved, but the jurors, ordinary people from society, were visibly affected.
Next, the defense lawyer spoke, giving a very official response.
They spoke of discretionary handling and the need for time to reassess, flatly denying the plaintiff’s accusations and firmly believing in their client’s innocence.
Following protocol, Jerry Hogarth asked the defense’s representatives numerous well-prepared questions.
“Be careful, try to answer cautiously,” she quietly advised Bella.
She was also nervous. Bella was too young, and so was she. Against a regular company, they would almost surely win this case.
But what about facing Stark Industries? A multinational corporation with hundreds of lawyers who prosecute globally daily, even several law professors Jerry knew provided legal counsel to Stark Industries. They were experts in laws from around the world, capable of turning black into white, a formidable force.
She was uncertain about Bella’s adaptability but could only wait for the defense’s move.
The defense lawyer, tall and slim with an air of sophistication and dressed like a Caucasian elite, had fought similar cases too many times. He didn’t take the rookie duo of Bella and Hogarth seriously, thinking he could easily trap them with simple verbal traps.
He adjusted his cufflinks, stood up, and walked over to the plaintiff’s side: “I’d like to ask the plaintiff a few questions. You—”
He met a pair of dazzling, righteous eyes. The emotion in those eyes was overwhelming; for a moment, he even thought he saw divinity. How could he sully such a gaze with baseless accusations?
His words faltered, and after stammering in front of the puzzled, bearded judge, he blurted out: “You—you haven’t lied, have you?”
Bella responded calmly: “I have not lied.”
The bearded judge almost threw his gavel in frustration—what a ridiculous question! Not even a three-year-old would answer that, honestly!
The jury members were also stunned by the honesty of the defense lawyer—it was a rare sight!
Realizing his blunder, the defense lawyer internally urged himself to remain calm and composed, struggling to get his questioning back on track.
Despite having many pressing questions, his words failed him: “Your age?”
“Seventeen.”
“Ah, so young. That’s nice you weren’t paid to file the lawsuit, were you?”
“Of course not. I didn’t receive a penny; this is a matter of public interest.”
“It’s nice, really nice, that you haven’t been influenced or coerced by anyone, right?”
Bella responded with integrity: “Of course not!”
This type of questioning left the bearded judge and the two clerks dumbfounded. In their many years of service, it was the first time they had seen such harmony between a defense lawyer and a plaintiff! What was this? A victory for the rule of law, a shining example of humanity!
The defense’s client was left gaping.
Where was the mudslinging they had prepared for? They could have asked about corrupt dealings or illicit influence, inquired about any hidden figures pulling strings, or how much money was exchanged! Their strategy was to muddle the waters and pin the plaintiff to the pillar of moral shame!
No longer caring about etiquette, the defense’s client stood up during their lawyer’s questioning of the plaintiff and shouted, “Your Honor, I object!”
The bearded judge wiped the sweat from his brow, relieved by the objection. If you hadn’t objected, I would have removed your lawyer from this courtroom myself!
What kind of absurd questions were these?
Questions like whether you’ve eaten, whether you’re happy in school, and which university you plan to attend—were these appropriate for a courtroom?
The bearded judge, no longer young and naive about the inviolability of the law, had seen too much in his courtroom. Today’s proceedings were unusual but still within the bounds of reason. He glanced at Bella and Hogarth again.
Bella’s eyes sparkled with an undefinable luster, clearly a person of unyielding integrity.
Looking at Miss Hogarth, one couldn’t fault her appearance, but the sharpness between her brows and the stubborn set of her mouth indicated a strong-willed nature, unafraid to use any means to achieve her goals.
The bearded judge concluded that this female lawyer was tough! She must have uncovered some leverage over the opposing lawyer, which explained the ridiculous scene that had just unfolded in his courtroom.
Whether the defense lawyer embarrassed himself or risked his job was not his concern, but he had to maintain order in the court.
He banged his gavel twice, signaling the defense lawyer to return to his seat.
Mechanically moving back to his seat, the defense lawyer suddenly paused, bewildered. Oh God! What was I just doing? Where am I? Who am I?
He glanced at Bella again, his expression a mix of confusion, hesitation, and delight, shifting to an embarrassingly subservient look in less than three seconds. As Bella turned away, he resentfully withdrew his gaze.
He sighed, drawing a glare from his client.
Are you really on our side? The middle-aged man, the assistant manager of Stark Industries’ Phoenix branch, was furious.
He quickly concluded that the opposition had covertly threatened their lawyer. Such occurrences were not new in courtrooms; today was not the first, nor would it be the last instance.
Clutching his chest, he shakily stood up, suggesting he was afflicted with the ‘I will die if a court isn’t adjourned today’ illness.
The bearded judge was happy to feign ignorance and immediately adjourned the session with a bang of his gavel.
“How did you do it?”
Outside the courtroom, Jerry Hogarth couldn’t help but lower her voice and ask Bella.
She then speculated aloud, “Did you obtain some incriminating evidence against that defense lawyer? Is that why he acted so out of character?”
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