The morning of the hearing, crowds clogged the entrance of the New York Second District Court.
Media vans, stacked cameras, and aggressive microphones created a wall outside the courthouse, but the loudest weren't reporters — it was livestreamers, yelling into selfie sticks as if they were storming a battlefield.
"Alright folks! It's 9 AM sharp today — the retrial of the Ethan Walker false accusation case! The whole internet's watching this one, and I'm right here at the front lines!"
"Brothers, smash that like button! Today we're all here to watch that rookie lawyer get crushed by Attorney Kang!"
The "Open Court Broadcasting Act," a recent reform, had turned public hearings into national spectacles.
On the court's official livestream, with ten minutes still left before the session, viewership shot past five million — and kept rising.
Under the weight of all eyes watching, a yellow cab pulled up to the curb.
Lucas stepped out first.
His suit was simple, nothing expensive — but perfectly pressed, matching his clean, sharp features.
Behind him, Lily followed in a white shirt and black skirt suit. She clenched a stack of documents to her chest; her usually bright first-love-like face looked tense, her double ponytail tied into a more formal style today. Her eyes betrayed nerves she was trying to suppress.
Ethan stepped out last.
His suit fit poorly, his face thin from months of stress, but for the first time in a long while, there was light in his eyes.
Just as they reached the steps, a black Maybach rolled silently up.
Zachary Kang stepped out, surrounded by assistants.
Bespoke Italian suit, Patek Philippe watch, slicked-back hair — every inch of him radiated elite arrogance.
He walked straight past Lucas without even glancing his way.
Lucas didn't look at him. Without missing a step, he led his team inside the courthouse.
Inside the CourtroomThe gallery was already full.
On Kang's side: a row of junior attorneys, paralegals, and stacks of binders piled like a miniature fortress.
On Lucas's side: only the three of them.
Lily swallowed nervously — the pressure from across the aisle was suffocating.
Lucas leaned back calmly, tapping the table with his knuckles in that familiar rhythm.
"Thump—"
Presiding Judge Harold Sullivan struck the gavel.
"Everyone rise."
After identities were verified, the court moved to Lucas.
"Counsel for the petitioner?"
"Lucas Carter, attorney at Carter & Associates," Lucas replied calmly.
Before Judge Sullivan could continue—
"Your Honor, I object."
Every head swung toward Zachary Kang.
He rose smoothly, straightened his tie, and addressed the bench with confident disdain.
"Your Honor, to my knowledge, Mr. Carter is still within the probationary period for his bar license. Under New York State law, trainee attorneys cannot independently represent a client in formal litigation. I question the legality of this appearance and request immediate suspension for verification."
The courtroom erupted.
Lily's face drained of color.
How could she have forgotten that? Lucas had mentioned he was relatively new…
The livestream exploded:
"WHAT? He's just an intern??"
"Attorney Kang strikes blood immediately! This is a fatal procedural hit!"
"Bro, the trial didn't even start and he's already done for!"
Kang's smile widened — exactly the humiliation he wanted.
Lucas calmly reached into his case file, pulled out a navy license card, and handed it to the bailiff.
"Your Honor, this is my bar license, legally obtained three years ago. Please verify it so we don't waste judicial time due to someone else's ignorance."
Then he turned to Kang, his tone light and razor-sharp:
"Attorney Kang, is your eyesight failing, or do you have a unique interpretation of New York's Judiciary Law?"
"Would you like me to give you a refresher course?"
"Pff—"
Someone in the gallery couldn't hold back a laugh.
The livestream chat went feral:
"HOLY— this man is venom incarnate!"
"'Unique interpretation of the law' LMFAO he cooked him ALIVE."
"That smirk! That confidence! Bro I'm switching sides!"
"Zachary Kang's face looks like he swallowed a brick."
Lily's eyes sparkled like stars.
Boss… you're incredible.
Kang's smirk vanished, replaced by a tight jaw and burning humiliation.
"Order!"
The Judge struck the gavel hard.
After examining the license, he nodded.
"The court verifies that Attorney Lucas Carter possesses a valid and active bar license. Representation is lawful."
He turned a stern eye toward Kang.
"Counsel for the respondent, this is a courtroom. Not a place for you to parade credentials."
And to Lucas:
"Counsel for the petitioner — maintain court decorum. Refrain from personal remarks."
Lucas nodded slightly.
Opening Arguments"Proceed," The Judge announced.
"Respondent's counsel first."
Kang rose, instantly slipping back into polished theatrics.
He painted Veronica Weiss as pure, fragile, tormented.
He portrayed Ethan as a monster.
He portrayed Lucas as manipulative, reckless, and unethical.
Some people in the audience sniffled.
The Judge face didn't move an inch.
When Kang finally sat down, Judge Sun turned to Lucas.
"Counsel Carter — your statement."
The entire courtroom — and millions watching — turned toward him.
Lucas stood.
He didn't glance at Kang.
He didn't look at the audience.
He faced the judge directly.
"Your Honor, before my statement, I request that the court play our first piece of evidence."
He paused, eyes sweeping the courtroom like a blade.
"One piece of evidence is enough to overturn the entire foundation of this case."