Chapter 1025: In Court (3) Reversal

"My deduction is as follows," Len replied. "My client saw this magazine eight years ago and retained the design in her memory. Recently, she recalled it and, inadvertently, plagiarized it."

Laughter erupted. Was the plaintiff's lawyer attempting to convict his own client? He was practically surrendering before the court even ruled.

"If a designer has a strong impression of a design, they'll remember it for years," Len stated bluntly, simultaneously defending Phantom. "Besse is an internationally renowned designer. It's plausible she saw this design eight years ago and recently reproduced it unknowingly." In the design world, plagiarism is unacceptable.

Besse's lawyer speculated, "Is it possible my client saw Phantom's work recently and copied it?"

The defense's strategy seemed self-sabotaging, yet the audience understood. Besse's lawyer, also from Northfield, where copyright is fiercely protected, appeared to be conceding defeat. Besse seemed doomed.

"That's unlikely," Len countered. "This magazine wouldn't have been preserved unless deliberately collected, like by Phantom, whose work was featured. Since Besse is foreign, obtaining it abroad is improbable; Northfield fashion wasn't internationally recognized then. The only possibility is that Besse encountered it upon release."

"Thank you, Mr. Shaw," the judge said. Len left.

The defense resumed: "Your Honor, the magazine's publisher confirms only 500 copies were sold, with minimal industry buzz. It quickly faded into obscurity. My client's recent exposure is highly improbable."

"Objection!" the prosecution cried. "Your witness stated that a well-known designer, having seen a design eight years prior, could reproduce it now. This means Besse didn't copy it recently, but used a design she saw eight years ago."

"I agree with the plaintiff's lawyer. My client saw the magazine eight years ago and plagiarized from it."

"If you say so, what's left to argue?"

The defense addressed the judge: "Your Honor, do you concur with the plaintiff's attorney and me?"

The judge consulted the jury, who deliberated before giving their answer. "This court agrees with both lawyers' views," the judge declared.

"Then announce the verdict!" the plaintiff's attorney exclaimed, anticipating an easy victory.

"Your Honor, I have another question for my client," the defense requested.

Before the judge could respond, the plaintiff's lawyer sneered, "Hurry up and make your client admit plagiarism and beg for leniency."

"Watch your words," the judge cautioned.

"The defendant's attorney may question his client," the judge stated.

The defense attorney bowed respectfully before turning to Besse, who remained composed amidst the accusations. "Miss Besse, based on the evidence and testimony, we've determined your 'Angel' series copies Phantom's original work."

"I didn't copy anything," Besse firmly denied.

"What evidence proves you didn't plagiarize?"

"I've never been to Northfield or seen Phantom's work."

"While only 500 copies were sold, they circulated. Even if the chance of seeing this design recently is zero, evidence suggests you saw it eight years ago. What proof do you have?"

Besse fell silent under the aggressive questioning. Minerva, nearby, enjoyed the spectacle. Besse, realizing the Northfield bias, felt victimized. Then, unexpectedly, Besse stated, "I don't remember anything from four years ago."

Confusion erupted.

The judge restored order. The defense lawyer asked, "Miss Besse, clarify 'you don't remember anything from four years ago.'"

"I was in a serious car accident four years ago," Besse explained calmly. "I spent a year hospitalized, nearly becoming a vegetable. My family never gave up. Upon waking, I'd lost all memories from before then."

"Do you have evidence of your amnesia?"

"I have an official hospital diagnosis certificate."

The lawyer produced it for the jury's examination.

"Objection!"

The prosecution realized their mistake. The defense had successfully argued the impossibility of recent exposure, and Besse's amnesia absolved her.

The prosecution, agitated, retorted, "That certificate might be invalid! Was it issued in Northfield? Besse could easily forge it! She might be feigning amnesia!"