"She instructed me to forge Elise Scott's signature on a massive stack of documents."

"When did this occur?"

"Approximately one month ago."

"Do you possess any proof of this transaction?"

"Yes. I have our conversation logs."

Samuel Mitchell retrieved his phone.

Samantha took the device and projected its contents in the courtroom, displaying the exchange between Samuel and Helen for all to see.

The messages clearly showed Helen instructing Samuel to assist with signing documents. Included were photographs of the signed papers and records of the financial transfers.

This was undeniably substantial evidence.

A murmur swept through the courtroom. Sophia Mitchell's face drained of color, horror-struck.

She never anticipated Helen could be so reckless, leaving such a blatant trail of evidence.

Conversation histories. Transfer receipts. Images of forged signatures. Sophia had repeatedly warned Helen to be meticulous, to leave no traces behind.

Had all her cautions been utterly ignored? Victoria Stuart felt her entire body tense.

With the case unfolding this way, securing a conviction against Elise seemed increasingly improbable.

She drew a slow, inward breath, compelling herself to remain composed.

Meanwhile, Samantha addressed Helen with severe gravity. "The evidence clearly demonstrates that the hard copy tax report in question was not personally signed by Elise. You are fully aware of your company's approval protocol. My client's secretary requires original handwritten signatures on hard copies before granting system approval. You exploited this procedural gap to frame my client!"

"I... I didn't..." Helen stammered, trembling visibly.

"If you didn't, then how do you account for this documented conversation with Samuel? And what explanation can you offer for the substantial, unexplained funds that recently appeared in your account?" Samantha pressed forward aggressively.

Helen was rendered utterly speechless.

Sophia hadn't prepared her for this scenario. Her instructions had been simple: insist relentlessly that Elise was the instigator, promising payment upon completion of the tasks.

"Your Honor," Samantha turned to address the bench. "Based on the testimony and evidence presented, it is unequivocally clear that my client is innocent and has been deliberately framed. I implore the Chief Judge and this court to render a fair and just verdict. I rest my case. Thank you, Your Honor."

With that, Samantha returned to her seat.

"Does the Prosecution have any further remarks?" Judge Harrison inquired.

Victor Morgan's gaze flickered toward the spectator gallery. A brief, almost imperceptible glance was exchanged with someone seated there.

"Your Honor, given the evidence currently before me, I cannot definitively ascertain the full circumstances of this case. I have no wish to cause undue harm to any individual involved. I recommend this case be returned to the procurator's office for further, more thorough investigation."

Naturally, he could not allow Elise to be further entangled in this legal web.

Judge Harrison's eyes seemed to briefly sweep over the gallery before he spoke. "This court will adjourn for thirty minutes. The bench and I will confer and deliver the final judgment regarding the charges of bribery and tax evasion against Elise Scott."

Thirty minutes later, Judge Harrison resumed his position.

"Regarding the tax evasion case against Elise Scott, the official verdict of the People's Supreme Court is now declared. All rise."

The entire courtroom stood. The air vibrated with a palpable tension, a charged excitement, even though the outcome now seemed a foregone conclusion.