Chapter 122: The Trial Begins

**Knock, knock, knock—**

At 10 a.m., the Bordeaux District Court.

In the solemn main courtroom, the judge, clerk, and a jury of nearly 20 people sat in the upper seats. 

Opposite the bench were the parties involved, witnesses, and the audience. 

Today's hearing had drawn a large crowd, with over a hundred people filling the seats. Among them were prominent local figures, notable individuals from the fashion world, media personnel with permits, and friends and family members. 

Luca, Lima, Nina, and Han Li sat in the audience, directly behind Kate.

Surprisingly, Raul, who had been completely covered in plaster casts and was sitting in a wheelchair, was wheeled into the courtroom, perfectly garnering sympathy from the jury.

**Clang, clang, clang!**

The trial began, and the defendant's lawyer, Ms. Della Coble, started her defense. However, with the evidence and exhibits from the Balmé side destroyed, Della struggled to present compelling proof and was clearly at a disadvantage.

"Your Honor, at 10 p.m. on the night of April 9th, after the party at Commandy Estate, Raul Balmy drugged Miranda and forced her into a car," Della began.

But she was quickly interrupted by the plaintiff's lawyer, "Objection! The defendant's lawyer is slandering my client."

"Objection sustained. Defendant's lawyer, please present evidence to support your claim," the judge reminded with a knock of the gavel.

Ms. Della produced a cellphone and printed text messages. "On the night of the incident, while my client was urgently searching for Miranda, she received a text message stating that Raul Balmé was seen forcing Miranda into a car. This message was sent by Ms. Gisele Bündchen, who can testify that the message is true."

"Please call the witness to the stand!"

The judge summoned, and a guide escorted Bündchen to the witness stand.

"Ms. Bündchen, did you personally compose and send this text to Ms. Kate Kelly's phone?" the judge asked.

"Yes," Bündchen replied after a brief glance.

The plaintiff's lawyer stood up to question her, "Ms. Bündchen, did you personally witness my client helping Miranda into the car that night?"

"Yes," Bündchen said calmly.

"Did you see my client *helping*, *holding*, or *forcing* her?" the plaintiff's lawyer asked.

"Helping," she replied.

"Based on your observation, did Miranda have the ability to move on her own?" 

"No," Bündchen confirmed.

"Very well," said the plaintiff's lawyer, nodding. He then turned to Raul, "Mr. Balmé, why did you help Ms. Miranda Kerr into the car?"

Raul chuckled, "I'm a gentleman. I saw Miranda was drunk, so I was just trying to take her home, but then I was attacked on the way."

He shook his head, looking indignant.

The plaintiff's lawyer smiled lightly and looked toward the witness stand, "Ms. Miranda Kerr, how well do you handle alcohol?"

"Quite well," Miranda confidently answered.

"How much red wine did you have that night?"

"Less than two glasses," Miranda said firmly.

"You're lying. That night you were examined at the hospital, and your blood alcohol level exceeded 90 mg/100 ml, meaning you were intoxicated."

"I'm not lying. I only had two glasses, and I took a small sip of Raul Balmé's drink before passing out," Miranda explained.

"This is the blood test report from Bordeaux General Hospital's Hematology Department. The data clearly shows you were drunk," the lawyer added.

"Objection!" Della protested. "I question the fairness of this report."

The judge reviewed the report and had it verified. "The test report is valid. Objection overruled."

"Thank you, Your Honor!" The plaintiff's lawyer gave a small bow and continued, "Miranda, you were intoxicated and asked Mr. Balmé to take you home. Mr. Balmé, out of goodwill, agreed, but the situation was misunderstood, leading to this accident. I believe Ms. Kate Kelly is largely responsible."

A murmur swept through the courtroom as the spectators began to discuss the validity of this argument.

Luca glanced at Della, wondering if there was any way to prove that Miranda wasn't drunk. Without such proof, there was no evidence to support the righteousness of Kate's actions.

"Don't worry, Della has a plan," Lima whispered softly.

"You know Della's ace?" Luca asked, confused.

"Yes," Lima smirked. "Knowing the ace is like knowing the movie's ending—it makes the trial seem boring."

Luca chuckled, a bit envious. "Dear, there's something I've never understood. Why is Della so guarded against me and keeps things secret from you and Kate?"

"Don't you know why?" Lima laughed softly, covering her mouth.

Luca thought for a moment. "Because I'm a man?"

"That's not the point. The point is you cheated, and that's something Della can't tolerate."

"Ow, Lima, don't hit me!" Luca winced, grabbing her playful hand.

"Hmph, didn't you deserve it?"

"Okay, okay, I deserved it," Luca admitted, defeated.

Ms. Della then stood, "Your Honor, I have evidence to prove that my client acted justly. Raul Balmé tampered with the wine, causing Miranda to pass out, not mere drunkenness."

"Please present your evidence!"

Vito, one of Della's assistants, handed over a videotape. "This is surveillance footage from the night of the incident. It clearly shows Raul Balmé's disgraceful actions."

"Surveillance?" Raul's eyes widened in shock. He had no idea there was surveillance footage from that night.

The courtroom buzzed with excitement. If there was surveillance footage, this trial seemed pointless. Some spectators even glared angrily at Crowley, the owner of the Commandy Estate.

"Is this the ace?" Luca asked in confusion.

"Of course not!" Lima smiled, pointing to the audience seats where Hubert Balmé and his companions were sitting. "Look at their expressions."

Luca glanced over and saw Hubert and his group looking relaxed, with smug smiles on their faces.

"Why aren't they worried?"

Just as Luca was wondering, the courtroom erupted in laughter. 

Looking up, Luca saw a cartoon of *Tom and Jerry* playing on the courtroom's projector, with the mouse chasing the cat around, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

"Ha ha ha!" Hubert and his group laughed especially loud, their back teeth showing.

"Did they bring the wrong tape?" Luca raised his eyebrows, perplexed, when he overheard a conversation nearby.

"Hubert, what's going on?" asked Crowley, the owner of the estate.

When the tape was first produced, Crowley thought they were doomed, but to his relief, it turned out to be a cartoon.

Hubert Balmé shot him a nasty look and replied nonchalantly, "I spent 5 million euros to buy that tape."

"Five million euros?" Crowley was shocked.

"Hmph. I'll spare no expense to beat these women!" Hubert clenched his fist, a pained expression on his face. He then sneered coldly, "Astin, you'll have to compensate me for my loss, or I'll tell everyone about your secret filming at the party."

"Oh, dear Hubert, please don't! We can work something out," Crowley pleaded.

"Hmph, since we're old friends, I'll give you one chance," Hubert replied disdainfully.

Crowley nodded repeatedly. "Hubert, how did you manage to buy such a crucial piece of evidence? Della wouldn't have sold it to you."

"Della may not care about money, but others do. That foolish woman was careless enough to let her assistant handle such critical evidence," Hubert laughed smugly.

"Brilliant! Your strategy is ingenious, Hubert. As the saying goes, you 'pulled the rug out from under them.' Let's see how Della responds to this," Crowley praised with admiration.

"Small matter. A bunch of women think they can take me on," Hubert chuckled darkly.

(End of Chapter)