When he arrived at Liam's house, Liam was waiting for him on the front porch. They exchanged a tense look, and then Liam led Lucas inside."Okay, so who do you think did it?" Lucas asked, his heart racing.Liam hesitated for a moment, and then he said, "I think it was... Max.""Max? But why would he do it?" Lucas asked, incredulous."I don't know for sure," Liam admitted. "But I overheard him and Chloe arguing that night. And then, later, I saw him near the kitchen where the drinks were being served."Lucas felt a sense of shock and disbelief. Max had always been one of Chloe's closest friends. He couldn't imagine that he would be capable of something so heinous."But we need more evidence," Lucas said, trying to keep his voice calm. "We can't just accuse him without proof."Liam nodded. "I know. That's why I think we should search his house. Maybe we'll find something incriminating."Lucas hesitated for a moment, weighing the risks. But then he nodded. "Okay, let's do it."As they ma

Lucas stepped up to the podium, his eyes scanning the faces of the jurors, and began his opening statement. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we are here today because of a terrible crime. A young woman seated there was poisoned, and the person responsible must be held accountable."The courtroom was silent as Lucas continued to lay out the evidence, piece by piece. He spoke with confidence and conviction, knowing that Emily's life was on the line. "We have reason to believe that Max, the defendant, had a motive to harm Emily. He was a drug dealer who had a dangerous obsession with her. He was jealous and possessive, and when Emily rejected him, he lashed out in a violent way."The prosecution tried to counter Lucas's arguments, but he was ready for them. He poked holes in their case, exposing the lack of evidence and highlighting their reliance on circumstantial evidence. "Ladies and gentlemen, the prosecution is asking you to convict my client based on speculation and conjecture. B

As Mr. Thomas calls Max to the stand, the courtroom falls into a hush of anticipation. The veteran lawyer knows how to put a witness through the wringer, and Max's body language betrays his nerves as he takes the stand."Mr. Wallace," Mr. Thomas begins in a tone that oozes with practiced authority, "you have provided us with quite a story. A story about a woman so consumed by jealousy that she resorted to poisoning her best friend. And you, Mr. Wallace, are the star witness in this little drama."Max swallows hard, his eyes flickering around the room as if seeking an escape. Mr. Thomas leans in, his piercing eyes boring into Max's."I have to ask, Mr. Wallace, what makes you such an expert on Emily's innermost thoughts and motivations? How do we know that you're not the one with the axe to grind?"Max's eyes widen in surprise, and he stammers for a moment before finally managing to get his words out."I-I don't have any kind of grudge against Emily. I'm just telling the truth.""The t

Chloe stood frozen, staring at the note in her hand. The words blurred together, the ink running as tears began to form in her eyes. How could this be happening? They had worked so hard to prove Emily's innocence, only to have it all come crashing down because of Max's sudden disappearance.Aiden and Emily stood next to her, their faces equally stunned. Lucas, on the other hand, wore a smug expression, reveling in their despair."You see, Your Honor," he said, addressing the judge. "This is what we're dealing with. A pack of wolves who will do anything to protect their own, including framing an innocent woman for murder."Chloe wanted to scream at him, to tell him that he was twisting the truth, but her voice was caught in her throat. All she could think about was Max's confession, the damning words that would seal Emily's fate.She looked over at Emily, who was pale and shaking. "I didn't do it, Chloe," she whispered. "I swear."Chloe didn’t believe her, but would the jury? She had t

She finishes her closing argument with a flourish, and the room falls silent. The jury is dismissed to deliberate, and Chloe and her team wait anxiously for their decision.Chloe rises to her feet, feeling a rush of adrenaline course through her veins. She takes a deep breath and begins to speak, her voice clear and steady."Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," she begins, her eyes scanning their faces. "We've heard a lot of evidence in this case. But what it all boils down to is this: Emily committed this crime."As she finishes speaking, Chloe takes her seat, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over her. She's said everything that needs to be said, and now it's up to the jurors to make their decision.Minutes tick by, and Chloe can feel her heart pounding in her chest. She exchanges nervous glances with Janet and Aiden, both of whom are also on edge.Finally, the door to the jury room opens, and the jurors file back into the courtroom. Chloe holds her breath as they take their seats.