Chapter 155: CHAPTER 155

CHAPTER 155

THIRD PERSON'S POV

The morning sun cast long shadows across the courtroom as Elysia arranged her documents on the prosecution table.

She had barely slept, her mind churning with the weight of the threat letter and the battle ahead. Kieran had insisted on driving her himself, his presence a steady reassurance.

The gallery was fuller today. News of the trial had spread, and reporters filled the back rows, their notebooks ready. Maya's family sat in their usual seats, their faces etched with worry.

Kieran and Thomas were in the second row again, their presence a silent pillar of support.

Victor Kane was already at the defense table, his expression one of cold indifference. Beside him, Harrison Crane was reviewing his notes, his silver hair gleaming under the fluorescent lights.

"All rise!" The bailiff called out. "The Honorable Judge Margaret Chen presiding."

Judge Chen entered, her robes flowing behind her. She took her seat, her gaze sweeping across the courtroom. "Be seated. We will resume with the prosecution's witness."

Elysia called her next witness: Dr. Sarah Mitchell, the forensic expert who had examined the evidence. Dr. Mitchell was a tall woman in her forties, her face lined with the seriousness of her profession.

"Dr. Mitchell," Elysia began, her voice steady. "Can you describe the evidence you examined in this case?"

Dr. Mitchell nodded, her voice clear. "I analyzed DNA samples, fibers, and other physical evidence collected from the scene. The DNA found on the victim's clothing matches the defendant, Victor Kane. The probability of a random match is less than one in a billion."

The jury leaned forward, their attention fixed on the witness. Elysia felt a surge of hope. This was powerful evidence, evidence that could not be easily dismissed.

Crane rose to cross-examine, his voice smooth. "Dr. Mitchell, you claim the DNA matches my client. But is it possible that the DNA was transferred through secondary contact? That someone else handled the clothing before it was examined?"

Dr. Mitchell met his gaze, her voice steady. "The DNA was found in a location consistent with a sexual assault. It is not a transfer sample."

Crane pressed further, questioning her methods, her conclusions, her credibility. He suggested that the lab had made errors, that the evidence had been contaminated.

Dr. Mitchell held firm, her voice unwavering. "The lab follows strict protocols. The evidence was handled with care. There is no contamination."

The morning continued with more witnesses. The paramedic who had treated Maya testified to her injuries. The police officer who had responded to the scene described the alley, the blood, the scattered belongings.

Crane's cross-examinations were relentless, his questions designed to sow doubt, to undermine the credibility of each witness.

But Elysia had prepared her witnesses well. They held firm, their testimony consistent and compelling.

At midday, Judge Chen called for a recess. Elysia stepped outside for some fresh air, her mind still racing. Kieran found her in the hallway, his hand on her shoulder.

"You're doing great." He said, his voice warm. "Crane is trying to shake you, but you're not letting him."

She nodded, her jaw tight. "I know. But it's exhausting. Every witness, every piece of evidence, he attacks everything."

"That's his job. And your job is to keep fighting. Which you're doing brilliantly."

She smiled, the tension easing slightly. "Thank you. I needed that."

The afternoon session brought a surprise. Crane called a surprise witness: a man named Mark Davis, who claimed to have been with Victor Kane on the night of the attack.

"Mr. Davis," Crane began, his voice smooth. "Where were you on the night of September 15th?"

Davis's voice was steady. "I was with Victor. We were at a business meeting. We were there all night."

Elysia rose, her voice sharp. "Your Honor, this witness was not disclosed prior to trial."

Judge Chen's expression was unreadable. "Mr. Crane, explain this."

Crane's voice was smooth. "We only recently discovered Mr. Davis's testimony. He is a key witness in my client's defense."

Judge Chen nodded slowly. "I'll allow it. Proceed."

Elysia cross-examined Davis, her questions sharp. "Mr. Davis, you claim you were with Victor Kane all night. Can you provide any evidence to support this?"

Davis's voice was steady. "We were at a restaurant. I have the receipt."

Elysia took the receipt, her eyes scanning it. "This receipt is dated September 15th. But the attack occurred at 11 PM. The receipt shows the meal was at 7 PM. That still leaves time for the attack."

Davis's face paled. "I... I don't remember the exact time."

Elysia pressed further, her questions relentless. She questioned his relationship with Kane, his motivations, and his credibility. She exposed inconsistencies in his story, leaving the jury with doubts about his testimony.

The day ended with a sense of cautious optimism. Elysia had made progress, but she knew the battle was far from over. The threats continued, the pressure mounting.

As she gathered her documents, Kieran appeared beside her. "You were brilliant today." He said, his voice warm.

"Thank you." She said, her voice tired. "But I'm worried. Crane is going to pull more surprises. He's not done yet."

"We'll be ready!" Kieran said, his voice firm. "We'll face whatever comes. Together."

Elysia nodded, her resolve hardening. She would not let Victor Kane win. She would fight for justice, no matter the cost.