But the bailiffs were already moving toward her, their faces impassive. They had heard it all before. Every convicted criminal claimed innocence.
"I didn't kill her!" Shuyin screamed as they grabbed her arms. "She was my Popo! I loved her! Please! Someone has to believe me! Please!"
The courtroom watched as she was dragged toward the side door, still screaming, still pleading.
Some people looked satisfied and others looked uncomfortable. Most just looked eager to get out and share the gossip, to tell their friends they'd been there when the famous socialite was convicted.
As the door closed behind her, cutting off her view of the courtroom, Shuyin caught one final glimpse through the crowd.
On someone's phone screen, she saw a news notification flash:
"Lin Family Returns from Vacation, Expresses Shock and Grief Over Conviction, 'We Never Suspected She Was Capable of This.'"
