Chapter 6

I really wasn't planning to get involved anymore, but that comment really got to me, and a mischievous impulse stirred inside me.

So I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Harrington, how about this - you don't need to pay me. Let's make a bet. If I win the case, you kneel down and kowtow to me. How about that?"

"What did you say!" Amelia looked ready to lose it again.

Why did I feel like this woman was the crazy one? If it weren't for her status as a lawyer, I felt like she might actually get physical at any moment.

"Are you scared?" I deliberately provoked her.

Amelia's cold expression instantly cracked, her brows furrowing sharply, her voice rising eight octaves higher than before, sharp with offense.

"Me, scared? Scared of a little bi... little brat like you? What a joke! Fine, if you win, I'll kowtow to you. Talk about ignorance being bliss - so young and already acting so full of yourself. Well, I'll let you show off all you want!"

Looking at that ugly, twisted face in front of me, a barely noticeable flash of disgust crossed my eyes as I suppressed the urge to roll them.

"How about I call someone else to join us?"

"What? You have a fellow patient? By the way, what if you lose? Don't blame me for being harsh when the time comes!" Amelia's tone was full of malice.

I let out a cold laugh. "Whatever you want. If I lose, do whatever you like with me."

"Young lady, who are you calling?"

"My friend."

With that, I pulled out my phone, walked to the side, and made a call.

"Hey, don't you want to become a top lawyer? Courthouse entrance across from the hospital, get here now. The show's about to start."

After I hung up, Amelia said sarcastically, "Going to get backup, huh? Someone with a brain just as..."

Before she could finish, the male lawyer stopped her in time.

My expression remained calm - I couldn't be bothered with people like her.

"Young lady, the hearing is about to start. Should we go in now? We can have your friend find you inside later?"

"No need, he'll be here any minute."

Just over three minutes later, Michael came running across the street, out of breath. The four lawyers looked up, shock written all over their faces.

"Isn't... isn't that Mr. Eli Johnson's grandson?"

"It really is. I had dinner with Mr. Johnson a few days ago and saw photos of his grandson. Plus, his grandson works at this hospital."

Seeing their expressions, I was very satisfied. Michael's grandfather, Eli Johnson, was a top lawyer renowned both domestically and internationally. Michael had often used his grandfather's name to cause "trouble" before, and with his own exceptional medical skills on top of that, his identity was easily recognized.

Michael was breathing heavily, loosening his tie. "Why... why haven't you left yet? What did you mean on the phone?"

Before I could speak, the male lawyer was already fawning over him. "Dr. Johnson! Hello, I'm your grandfather's student. We've met before - do you remember me? Your grandfather is truly amazing."

Michael hated this kind of flattery, so he simply shook his head and said, "I don't remember."

Then he asked me, "What's this about?"

I pulled him aside and briefly explained what had happened. Michael was so angry that he was about to confront Amelia, but I stopped him.

"Don't rush. Wouldn't it be more satisfying to watch her get humiliated later?"

Michael thought for a few seconds and agreed that it made sense.

With fifteen minutes until the hearing, Michael and I followed them into the courthouse. Quite a few people looked our way - probably no one in the legal system didn't know Eli's status, and Michael benefited from that association.

Walking into Courtroom 11, the defendant was already there. When the defendant's lawyer saw Michael, his face showed absolute terror. Sitting next to him was a plainly dressed, burly man who looked like a typical bully.

Amelia and the male lawyer took their seats at the plaintiff's table. Michael and I sat beside them, while the other two lawyers sat in the gallery - probably junior associates.

Amelia pulled out a power of attorney form and tossed it at me. "Sign your name on this. You should feel honored to participate in the trial."

I burst out laughing. "Lady, anyone can book to attend court hearings directly on the court's website."

At that, Amelia's face flushed bright red. She was about to speak, but with Michael present, she forced herself to stay composed. "I... I meant that this trial is the first pet rights case, different from other cases."

"Well, you could just win it yourselves." I gave Amelia no face whatsoever.

Amelia was furious, but in front of Michael, she had to suppress her anger. Each breath she took came with a heavy wheeze, her chest violently expanding and collapsing, the veins at her temples throbbing visibly.

Seeing her unable to vent her anger gave me great satisfaction.

That was exactly the effect I wanted.

The trial was about to begin. The presiding judge and court clerk entered, and when they saw Michael, the judge showed visible shock.

He quickly walked over to us, his face full of smiles, asking obsequiously, "Mr. Johnson, what brings you here? And sitting at... the plaintiff's table?"

Michael raised an eyebrow slightly. "Here to watch the show."

"Huh?" The judge looked confused.

But given the serious setting, I still held back my laughter.

Meanwhile, Amelia's temple veins were throbbing, the fury in her eyes almost burning through.

"It's nothing. Please go ahead, shall we start?"

"Yes, yes, if you need anything, just let us know."

"Okay."

Except for Amelia, the eyes of the other three lawyers were fixed on Michael and me. I could even sense their nervous yet admiring expressions.

"What do you need me to do later?" Michael asked me in a low voice.

I shook my head. "Just be decoration."

"What?" Michael looked confused for a moment.

Just then, the gavel tapped lightly. I signaled to Michael with my eyes, and the courtroom fell silent.

"We will now verify the attendance of the parties and litigation participants. Plaintiff's side..."

"After verification, all parties and their litigation representatives are present..."

"The court will now read the courtroom rules..."

After going through the procedures, the trial officially began.

The presiding judge sat upright at the center of the bench, his voice loud and solemn. "The plaintiff's side will now state their claims and the facts and reasons supporting them."

Amelia put on airs, sitting up straight, and began reading the contents of the complaint.

The scene was exactly like a student sitting up straight in class to get the teacher's attention.

"..."

"Does the defendant's side have any objections to the plaintiff's claims and the facts and reasons presented?"