SOPHIE THE HEIRESS

THE TRIAL & THE VERDICT

THE TRIAL

The courtroom was tense, charged with a quiet determination as Ali, Patricia, Alex, Lev, Dr. Luke, Annie, Ken, Ashley, and Luis entered together, taking their seats in the gallery. They were all there for one reason: to support Ali and to ensure that justice would be served for Sophie. Each of them shared glances of solidarity, and Patricia reached over to give Ali's hand a reassuring squeeze. Sophie's parents were still at the hospital, tending to their daughter, but they knew they had this unwavering circle of support standing in their place.

At the front of the courtroom, Derek stood on the prosecutor's side, dressed in his formal uniform. He looked every bit the part—serious, composed, and utterly determined. His reputation as a relentless prosecutor preceded him, and today he looked even more resolved.

Patricia couldn't help but feel a mixture of surprise and admiration; this was the first time she'd seen Derek in his role as a prosecutor, and seeing him like this, she was struck by how confident and respectable he appeared. She remembered their history, the memories they'd shared, but today he seemed like a different person—someone fiercely focused on achieving justice.

Across from Derek, Clyde sat calmly as Sophie's lawyer, his presence firm and dignified. He exuded a strength that was both protective and fierce, as though he were channeling every bit of his love for his sister into this fight. His eyes flicked over to Derek, and they shared a small, silent nod of acknowledgment—an unspoken agreement that they would both do everything in their power for Sophie.

On the other side of the room sat the defendant—the man who had caused so much harm to Sophie—and his lawyer. They both wore confident, almost smug expressions, as though they were certain this trial would go in their favor. They had prepared a defense that rested heavily on the insanity plea, but Derek had already steeled himself, knowing he would tear that argument apart.

The doors at the back of the room opened, and the judge entered, prompting everyone to stand. The room fell silent, filled only with the shuffling of feet and the soft rustle of paperwork as everyone rose. When the judge took his seat, they all sat back down, a quiet anticipation hanging over them.

Derek felt Patricia's gaze on him from across the room. He didn't turn, but he was aware of her presence, just as he was aware of all the friends Sophie had, all seated together in the gallery, here to demand justice. Knowing how much was riding on this case fueled his determination.

The judge cleared his throat and spoke, his voice echoing through the courtroom. "Today we begin the case regarding the attack on Sophie Kim. The defendant's plea of insanity will be addressed, as well as all evidence brought forth by both the prosecution and defense."

Derek stood and addressed the court, his voice steady, every word radiating conviction. "Your Honor, I intend to show that the defendant acted with full awareness and malice in his attack on Sophie Kim. The claim of insanity is a transparent attempt to escape the full weight of the law."

From her seat, Patricia watched Derek with a newfound respect. He was a force to be reckoned with, his words cutting and powerful. She saw the way he directed his arguments, carefully chosen to undermine any claim of mental instability that the defense might attempt. Patricia felt a sense of reassurance knowing that someone so dedicated was on Sophie's side.

As Derek laid out his opening remarks, Clyde glanced toward the friends in the gallery, giving them a brief nod that said, We're ready for this fight.

The defense lawyer rose, buttoning his jacket as he addressed the court with a calm, calculated tone. "Your Honor, my client is not in a state of mental stability. He suffered deeply after the recent passing of his wife, which has triggered significant psychological trauma. This tragic loss has left him unable to think clearly, driving him to actions he would not otherwise commit. We intend to show that my client's actions were the result of an unhinged mind, not one driven by malice or cruelty."