Helen Williams, the accountant from Stellar Group who worked under Elise, was called to the witness stand.

Victor Morgan presented the evidence. "Did the defendant instruct you to transfer 700,000 through multiple transactions into this specific account?"

"Yes," Helen answered, her gaze fixed on the floor, refusing to meet Elise's eyes.

"And did she also order you to conceal the original, unaltered tax revenue report?"

"Yes," Helen confirmed, her voice barely a whisper.

"To be perfectly clear, you swear you are telling the complete truth?"

"Yes," Helen stated, a newfound resolve hardening her tone.

"Thank you. No further questions."

Victor turned to face Judge Harrison. "Your Honor, the prosecution rests its case regarding witness testimony."

"Very well. The witness may step down."

"Thank you, Your Honor."

Judge Harrison's attention shifted to Samantha. "What is the defendant's plea?"

Samantha finally looked up. Throughout the prosecution's presentation of what seemed like irrefutable evidence against Elise, she had remained deeply engrossed in her files, her demeanor unnervingly calm.

To the observers, her apparent indifference suggested she had already accepted defeat.

Only when the judge addressed her did Samantha set her materials aside and deliberately put on her glasses. The frames seemed to sharpen her features, and her tailored black suit screamed legal authority.

She moved around the defense table with deliberate slowness. "Your Honor, my client, Elise Scott, pleads not guilty."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the courtroom.

The case appeared straightforward, the evidence damning. A 'not guilty' plea seemed audacious, even foolish. All eyes were now critically assessing Samantha.

In legal circles, she wasn't a prominent figure. Her practice primarily involved handling legal affairs for the Saunders family, keeping her out of the high-profile courtroom spotlight. Some of the attending lawyers struggled to hide their smirks.

Many had already written off Elise's chances the moment they learned Samantha was representing her. The spectators weren't immune to the skepticism either; quiet snickers could be heard.

Sophia Mitchell couldn't suppress a smug smile. Thankfully, with cameras banned from the proceedings, her reaction went unrecorded.

It was understandable. How could Samantha possibly plead not guilty with both a cooperative witness and concrete physical evidence presented? Wasn't she inviting public humiliation?

Victoria Stuart, however, remained impeccably composed. Samantha's declaration didn't seem to faze her. If anything, a faint shadow of concern crossed her eyes.

In contrast, Nathan Davis, who had been fighting boredom, suddenly perked up, his interest thoroughly piqued. He nudged Andrew Saunders with his elbow. "Who knew your wife could look so commanding when she's in her element?"

Andrew's lips curved into a slight smile, though his tone was dismissive. "It's merely a performance."

Nathan shot him a look of disbelief. The man was incapable of giving a sincere compliment.

As the courtroom buzz grew louder, Judge Harrison's expression darkened. He brought his gavel down with a sharp crack. "Order! I will have order in this court!"

Silence fell instantly.

"You may proceed, Ms. Summer," Judge Harrison said, addressing Samantha.

"Thank you, Your Honor." Samantha nodded gravely. She straightened her posture, her voice ringing with crystal clarity. "After reviewing the prosecution's presentation and listening to the witness testimony, I have several questions."