The courtroom fell into absolute silence.
It was the kind of silence where even breathing felt too loud.
The Judge, the attorneys, the gallery, and the millions watching the live broadcast all fixed their eyes on Lucas.
Evidence that could overturn the entire case?
That wasn't confidence — that was a declaration of war.
Zachary Kang's practiced smile stiffened. For the first time, a trace of unease flickered in his eyes.
He couldn't imagine what kind of decisive evidence a nearly bankrupt solo attorney could possibly produce.
Judge's expression hardened. He brought the gavel down sharply, the sound echoing through the courtroom.
"Permission granted."
Lucas nodded and glanced sideways.
Lily inhaled deeply, forcing down her nerves and excitement. She stepped forward and handed a USB drive to the bailiff.
Moments later, the courtroom's display screen lit up.
A familiar green chat interface appeared.
And the very first detail caused a collective gasp.
On the left: Ethan's profile, labeled —
"My Little Puppy."
On the right: Veronica's profile, labeled —
"My Precious Baby."
A ripple of disbelief swept through the room.
Zachary Kang's pupils shrank.
Veronica's face drained of color beneath her carefully applied makeup.
"Your Honor," Lucas said calmly, "I request the court clerk to present the chat records in chronological order."
Judge nodded.
The clerk's fingers moved quickly.
Lines of conversation scrolled upward on the massive screen.
My darling Vivi, I miss you. When are you free?
Get lost, idiot. My boyfriend's watching.
Should I come over tonight? He's not home, right?
Okay. When you arrive, don't knock. Message me first and I'll send him out to buy something. Bring strawberries — sweet ones.
…
Honey, what you taught me last time… I want to do it again today.
The courtroom erupted.
This wasn't a victim and her attacker.
This was a secret affair — intimate, flirtatious, unmistakably consensual.
The livestream chat detonated.
"WHAT THE HELL?! This is a rape case??"
"I cursed that guy all night yesterday — I'm deleting my account."
"She said she was terrified! Is this acting??"
"Photoshopped?? You think fake evidence survives a federal courtroom livestream?"
Reporters typed furiously, headlines practically writing themselves.
SHOCKING REVERSAL: ACCUSER CALLED DEFENDANT 'HUSBAND' IN PRIVATE MESSAGES
LIVE COURTROOM BOMBSHELL: CHAT LOGS SHATTER NARRATIVE
Ethan's shoulders trembled violently. The pressure he'd been carrying for months finally cracked.
Lucas raised a hand.
"Please locate the conversation dated October 28th."
The room held its breath.
The screen jumped.
A message from "My Precious Baby" appeared clearly.
Honey, you were so naughty yesterday. You made such a mess… Don't do that again. Next time, be gentler.
Silence.
A suffocating, bone-deep silence.
Then the explosion.
"Next time?"
Would a woman who had just been raped promise another encounter?
This wasn't a contradiction — it was annihilation.
The livestream chat turned feral.
"YOU LIED TO ALL OF US!"
"I donated money to her stream — I want it back!"
"This is social execution."
"I feel sick. That man's life was almost destroyed."
Veronica stared at the screen, her hands shaking, cold sweat soaking through her clothes. Mascara streaked down her cheeks.
Zachary Kang shot her a sharp look.
She reacted instantly.
Veronica collapsed forward, sobbing violently.
"No… it's not what it looks like…"
Her cries were raw, desperate — perfectly performed.
"He threatened me! He manipulated me! If I didn't say those things, he would hurt me — hurt my family!"
"I was terrified! I had to pretend… I had to survive!"
A murmur spread through the gallery. Doubt crept back in.
Zachary Kang seized the moment and stood.
"Your Honor, I must object!"
Judge patience was wearing thin. "Proceed."
Kang's voice rang out, sharp and controlled.
"We challenge the authenticity, legality, and admissibility of these chat records and formally request forensic verification!"
He paused, then shifted gears.
"But even if we assume these messages are real — so what?"
"In this country, consent is the core issue."
He emphasized every word.
"A relationship does NOT grant the right to force sexual activity."
"If consent was withdrawn at the time of the act, and the defendant proceeded anyway, it constitutes rape. That is settled law."
His argument was airtight.
The livestream split again.
"He's not wrong."
"Being lovers doesn't mean automatic consent."
"This is getting complicated…"
Lily's hands were slick with sweat. Her heart pounded violently.
Zachary Kang was dangerous — precise, relentless, experienced.
She looked to Lucas.
He was smiling.
Not nervously.
Mockingly.
Lucas raised his hand.
"Your Honor."
Judge met his gaze.
"We commend the plaintiff's… performance," Lucas said evenly.
Then he continued, voice cold and deliberate.
"Since the plaintiff and her counsel insist on focusing on will…"
"I request the court play our second piece of evidence."
He turned his head slowly.
His eyes locked onto Veronica like steel hooks.
Her sobbing faltered.
"A document," Lucas said calmly.
"Proof of her true intent."
He paused.
"Ms. Weiss — don't rush to cry."
"The real evidence… hasn't even begun yet."