#Chapter 361: Innocence

The courtroom fell into a hushed silence as the judge, a stern figure in black robes, entered and took his seat at the bench. His presence commanded respect, his gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd with a sense of authority that brooked no dissent. "Good morning," he began, his voice carrying across the room with the weight of authority. "This court is now in session for the trial of Timothy Hayes, charged with the murder of Stella Fitzgerald. The prosecution alleges that Mr. Hayes, driven by jealousy and rage, intentionally took the life of the victim on the night of December 28th. The defense contends that Mr. Hayes did not, in fact, kill the victim but was instead framed." A ripple of anticipation swept through the courtroom at the judge's words, the gravity of the situation sinking in as the trial officially commenced. I could feel the tension mounting with each passing moment. "Are both parties ready to proceed?" the judge inquired, his gaze flickering between the prosecutio