**Chapter 124: The Second Time**

**"A High-Profile Lawsuit"**

**"Trial Concludes: Supermodel-Author Kate Kelly Found Not Guilty"**

**"The Full Story of the Bordeaux Car Crash Case"**

**"Reflections on the Bordeaux Trial: How Many More Raul Barmeis Are There in the Fashion World?"**

**"Winning the Case but Losing the Future: How Much Further Can Kate's Supermodel Career Go?"**

A few days after the trial, newspapers, radio stations, and television networks around the world reported on the event.

Some focused on the celebrities present at the trial, calling it a "high-profile lawsuit."

In the courtroom were the defendant, supermodel-author Kate Kelly, witnesses Adriana Lima, Miranda Kerr, and Gisele Bündchen. Also in attendance, sitting in the audience, were Luca Kelly and several French actors and models who came to observe. 

Everyone was dressed to impress, turning the courtroom into something akin to a mini fashion show.

Other newspapers focused on the events of the case.

*The Guardian* covered the entire story in great detail in its social news section, from the fashion party that night to Raul Barmei kidnapping Miranda, to Kate and Lima's rescue attempt, the chase, the shootout, the car crash, and finally the court battle.

The reporting aimed to remain neutral, without praise or criticism.

But after reading the article, readers could clearly see Kate and Lima's bravery and kindness, as well as Raul's despicable and shameless actions.

Some reports focused on Raul, the true villain of the story, listing several of his past actions.

In the last five years, Raul Barmei had been a defendant in at least four cases, all involving allegations of sexual harassment, indecent assault, or rape.

The author then shifted focus to other cases in the entertainment and fashion industry involving similar figures like Raul.

In these cases, women were the victims. They faced harassment in their work, but justice was rarely served, and their rights remained unprotected.

Some newspapers centered on Kate Kelly herself, describing her as a standout in this situation—just, courageous, kind, and compassionate—like a female superhero.

At the same time, these reports expressed concern over her approach. Handling the issue with such force would inevitably make her a "unique figure" in the modeling industry.

One newspaper called her the "female Don Quixote"—brave but perhaps overly ambitious. It also suggested that her career would undoubtedly suffer as a result.

In addition to covering Kate, Adriana Lima, Gisele Bündchen, and Miranda Kerr were frequently mentioned.

Lima was seen as Kate's close ally, and the two worked together to rescue the "Snow White" from the evil villain.

Brazilian newspapers praised not only Kate and Lima but also Gisele, who alerted authorities and testified in court, calling the three of them the pride of Brazil.

Finally, there was Miranda, who narrowly escaped becoming the victim.

Both TV and newspapers featured photos of Miranda, portraying her as innocent, fragile, and sweet, evoking a desire to protect her. Thanks to this ordeal, she gained significant popularity worldwide.

"Miranda, the Barmei family wants you to drop the lawsuit and is offering compensation. What do you think?" asked Nina, putting down her phone at the hotel.

"Settle?" 

Kate raised her eyebrows and glanced at Miranda. After the last trial, Delilah had become Miranda's lawyer and filed a lawsuit against Raul Barmei. With video evidence, the chances of winning were high.

"Kate, should I drop the lawsuit?" 

Miranda sat cross-legged on the sofa, resting her chin in her hands as she asked.

After some thought, Kate replied, "Drop it. You're new to this industry, and there's no need for you to fight them head-on like I do. It won't benefit you. Like the papers said, you might win the case but lose your future. Now that they've offered to settle, take it. You avoid making enemies, and you can make some extra money. You won't have to worry about rent for a while."

Nina nodded slightly, adding, "Kate's right. You're new here, so no need to get a 'feminist' label like Kate. It won't help your career. As for the compensation, I'll make sure the company negotiates the best terms for you."

"Thank you, Nina, but..." Miranda pointed outside, cautiously saying, "Delilah and her team are still busy with the case. Wouldn't it be wrong to suddenly drop it?"

"It's fine, Miranda. The Barmei family has already lost their reputation and a lot of money. Raul is still lying in the hospital. Delilah has basically achieved her goal," Kate said with a knowing smile.

That night, the private detective had planned to capture the entire attack on Miranda, hoping to use that strong evidence for a large payout.

But luckily, Kate and Lima had arrived just in time, stopping Miranda from being hurt.

Because of that, the strength of the evidence was significantly weakened. Even if they won, Raul wouldn't go to jail. Dropping the case was the best option.

"Alright, Nina, I'll agree to drop it!"

"Great! We'll start negotiations immediately." Nina grabbed her phone and hurried out.

"Nina misses Eve. She wants to go home," Kate said with a soft smile, watching her leave.

"Yeah, I want to go home too." 

Miranda stood by the window, gazing out at the Garonne River. The sunlight glimmered on the water as boats passed by, a beautiful scene.

Stretching, she sighed, "I used to think Bordeaux was beautiful. Now it just feels tiresome. I want to go back to New York."

"New York? I thought you'd want to go back to Australia."

"No, I love New York!" Miranda smiled, dimples showing on her round face.

"It won't be too long now," Kate said, also gazing at the sunshine outside. She was beginning to miss New York too—with family, friends, and her career, how could she not long for it?

"Kate, the book signing is about to start. Can we go now?" Han Li asked as she entered.

"Let's go!" 

The first Bordeaux signing had been interrupted, and Kate had promised to hold a second one, once again at the Bordeaux City Art Museum.

"Miranda, care to join us?"

"Why not!"

Bored at the hotel, Miranda decided to tag along.

The museum wasn't far from the hotel, and after just a few minutes, they arrived at the plaza in front of it.

"Wow, look at all the people!" Miranda exclaimed, covering her mouth in surprise.

"Haha, Kate, stop with the phone calls! Get ready for a surprise!" Han Li laughed loudly.

"Surprise?" Kate glanced out the window. On the plaza, there were two long lines of people, each holding copies of *Twilight* and posters, waiting for autographs. Most were teenagers and young adults, both boys and girls.

Outside the lines, many more onlookers stood around, and dozens of reporters moved through the crowd, turning the small square into a bustling scene.

Compared to the quiet first event, this felt more like a small concert.

"Are there really this many book fans in Bordeaux?" Kate asked curiously.

"Not just from Bordeaux. Fans from other regions came too. After what happened, your popularity skyrocketed in France. *Twilight's* sales have nearly doubled."

"Kate, I love you!" 

"Kate, we support you!" 

"Kate, I came all the way from Switzerland! We support you!"

As the car pulled into the plaza, the shouting from outside grew louder. Fans turned to the car, and reporters rushed over, snapping photos like they were welcoming a celebrity.

"Luca, I'm at the art museum. Thousands of fans are here—listen to their cheers! Way better than the first time. Thanks for everything. Hope things are going well for you in LA." 

Kate spoke quickly, hung up the phone, flicked her golden hair, and stepped out in her high heels. Cheers erupted from the crowd.

"Kate, I love you!" 

(End of chapter)