Chapter 272

Serena's POV

Benjamin Kennedy immediately stood up, "Your Honor, we object to the admission of this new evidence. According to Rule 26 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, all evidence should be disclosed before trial unless the defense can prove just cause for the delay."

I watched the jury members diligently taking notes. In American courts, the final verdict rests with the jury, while the judge's role is to ensure the trial proceeds fairly and legally.

Dylan quickly responded, "Your Honor, we only obtained this crucial information last night. Given its significance to the case, I request the court's permission to submit it, and we're willing to give the prosecution ample time for review."

Suddenly, someone from the gallery called out, "Why not accept reasonable evidence? This is about someone's life!"

"Order!" The judge struck his gavel. "The gallery will maintain silence, or you will be removed from the courtroom." I watched as the court officers moved toward the person who had spoken.

Kennedy addressed the court: "Your Honor, I request that you allow the defense to present their evidence. As the prosecutor, I have a responsibility to ensure the truth comes to light. I ask that we continue with this trial."

Though his tone was outwardly respectful, I could detect an underlying assertiveness. It wasn't surprising, given that everyone knew the Kennedy family's significant influence in Massachusetts politics. Their connections reached the highest levels of government, making them a force that even judges had to consider carefully.

I noticed the judge's hesitation after Kennedy's request. I understood why-the Thorne family had specifically intervened earlier, insisting that if the verdict seemed to be turning against Lucas Harrington, the trial should be suspended for later deliberation. Now, the judge was clearly weighing the implications of disappointing either family. Moreover, with the Kennedy and Thorne families currently aligned, and Benjamin Kennedy himself requesting to continue, the judge could deflect any future criticism from the Thornes onto Kennedy.

As expected, the judge spoke: "Given the importance of this evidence, I suggest a fifteen-minute recess. During this time, the prosecution may conduct a preliminary review of this evidence. Afterward, we will decide whether to admit this new evidence. The jury will please exit the courtroom."

Hearing this decision, I couldn't help but feel relieved. Honestly, I hadn't expected Benjamin Kennedy to make such a request-he was clearly helping Lucas. Could it be that he truly valued justice over maintaining good relations with the Thornes?

I glanced back at Quinn Ashford. As an attorney, she had a deeper understanding of every move made in court. She gave me a reassuring look, seeming to confirm that Benjamin Kennedy was indeed being impartial and just.

When the trial resumed fifteen minutes later, I watched as Dylan handed the evidence back to the bench, the judge, and Benjamin Kennedy. Everyone in the courtroom studied the documents intently. I could see clear transaction records with detailed timestamps and transfer amounts, all following a logical sequence.

Benjamin Kennedy finished his review quickly and challenged: "Defense counsel, how can you prove these accounts have no connection to Lucas Harrington?"

I had to admit, Benjamin Kennedy always managed to cut straight to the heart of the matter.

"Because..." Dylan paused deliberately, holding another document, "these accounts all belong to the Thorne Group."

The courtroom erupted in shocked murmurs before falling into dead silence. I was as stunned as everyone else. What started as accusations against Lucas Harrington had suddenly implicated the Thorne Group. This twist was absolutely incredible.

"What evidence supports this claim?" I noticed Benjamin Kennedy maintained his composure.

Dylan proceeded to submit the additional evidence. My heart was racing. While I had always known Lucas was innocent, I never imagined the Thornes were behind it all.

Suddenly, I remembered Lucas's confident smile when I visited him, saying the Thornes couldn't touch him. Now I understood-had he been gathering evidence of their crimes during his time working with them? And I had doubted him all this time!

Watching Benjamin Kennedy, my biggest concern now was whether he would allow the trial to continue, given the Thornes' involvement. Previously, the case hadn't directly threatened the Thornes' interests, but now everything had changed. I noticed the judge repeatedly glancing at Benjamin Kennedy, seemingly waiting for his cue on whether to proceed.

The silence stretched for at least five minutes. Finally, Benjamin Kennedy appeared to complete his review of the evidence and addressed Dylan: "The defense's evidence suggests these accounts are linked to the Thorne Group. However, based on all the evidence we've gathered, the Thorne Group has never been involved in Lucas Harrington's case. This sudden shift in focus requires further examination."

Though he hadn't fully accepted the defense's evidence, I noticed Benjamin Kennedy showed no intention of halting the trial. This gave me some relief. Perhaps there was still hope for justice to prevail, regardless of the powerful families involved.

"There was another person's voice in the recording I just played for everyone," Dylan reminded. The tension in the courtroom was palpable.

"Regardless of whose voice that is, the recording itself is highly controversial and inadmissible as evidence in court." Benjamin Kennedy, the opposing counsel, immediately rose to object. His aggressive demeanor lived up to his reputation as one of the city's top litigators. The sharp lines of his tailored suit seemed to mirror his cutting words.

Dylan appeared unfazed, as if he had anticipated this challenge. "Your Honor, with your permission, I'd like to first establish the authenticity of this recording."

The judge turned to Kennedy, who gave a curt nod. Dylan proceeded to play a video clip. When the footage appeared on the courtroom screens, I, along with everyone else present, drew in a sharp breath. Though brief, the video was crystal clear, completely unobstructed, and most crucially, the audio perfectly matched the intimate conversation from the previous recording.

Kennedy remained relentless in his objection. "This still fails to provide sufficient proof. The audio could have been recreated after obtaining this video. It doesn't conclusively establish the recording's authenticity." I had to admire his quick thinking - he had indeed identified a critical weakness in the evidence.

Dylan turned to address the witness stand. "Mr. Burton, according to the records I've reviewed, you claim you were systematically ruined by my client in December 2020. Why have you waited until today to come forward and accuse them of wrongdoing?"

Arthur Burton took a deep breath, his shoulders squaring as if gathering courage. "I was under duress at the time. My son had earned a full merit scholarship to Harvard that year entirely on his own merit. He's always been independent, working his way up through sheer determination. Lucas Harrington threatened that if I spoke out against him, he would use his connections to have my son's scholarship revoked. Even though my son offered to take out student loans to continue his education, as a father, I couldn't bear the thought of him shouldering such a massive debt."

"What changed? Why are you willing to testify now?" Dylan pressed.

"Last month, my son voluntarily took a leave of absence from university. He decided to work and save money before continuing his education - it was entirely his choice. Now Harrington no longer has that leverage over me. When I think about how he deceived me, and how many others are still silent because he has leverage over them, I knew I had to speak up. This isn't just about seeking justice for myself; it's about preventing him from harming more people."

"Do you have any evidence of Mr. Harrington's threats?" Dylan asked. Burton's expression showed confidence.