Betrayed by Blood: My Second Life as a Queen novel Chapter 231

"The recording provided by the defense completely contradicts the defendant's actions. We also have evidence to submit: photographs taken at the scene of the kidnapping," Tristan Sterling stated. As soon as he finished, a member of his legal team stepped forward to present the photos.

In the pictures, the kidnappers held a camera pointed directly at Willow Shaw, and one man was even caught mid-motion, reaching out to tear her clothes.

The photos were chosen perfectly. They didn't expose any of Willow's privacy, but the kidnappers' intentions were unmistakably clear. Combined with the audio recording provided earlier, the truth was glaringly obvious.

Tristan adjusted his glasses with one hand, his tone steady and leaving no room for argument. "If my client hadn't been vigilant enough to send a preemptive message to her emergency contact, she would have fallen victim to their brutality. It is highly likely she wouldn't be standing here in one piece today. If that had happened, would the defendant's status as her brother make the public blind to the truth?"

His gaze shifted to the defense stand, his tone growing sharper. "Is biological relation the ultimate shield? Does it allow you to spin premeditated malice into a mere prank? Regardless of the motive, kidnapping is a vicious criminal offense. No matter who orchestrated it, they must face the consequences."

"Furthermore, even if the intent was solely to take illicit photographs, does that absolve him of accountability? A woman's bodily autonomy is her fundamental right. No one, familial ties or not, has the authority to strip that away."

"Most importantly, the audio provided by the kidnappers leads to a very clear conclusion: the reason you ordered them to maliciously photograph my client was for extortion. Defendant, let me ask you—does kidnapping and extortion not constitute a crime?"

"Your failure was entirely due to my client's quick thinking. It is not an excuse to rebrand an attempted crime as a prank to escape justice!"

"Therefore, I argue that the defense's recording is insufficient as evidence. My client refuses any out-of-court settlement. The defendant must go to prison!"

Tristan spoke rapidly, leaving no room for anyone to interrupt. By the time he finished, the color had completely drained from the Shaw family's legal team.

How could they possibly refute that?

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