2026-08-03 01:02:39
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A flicker of anger flashed across Andrei's eyes.It was gone almost as quickly as it appeared, hidden beneath his usual polished smile.Then, slowly, he began to clap."Brilliant." His applause echoed through the office. "A truly brilliant defense, Professor Aliyah."His voice remained as warm and composed as ever, but beneath that calm exterior, something darker was beginning to surface."Occupational hazard..." He let out a faint, humorless chuckle. "That's certainly... an original argument."This time, he abandoned the theoretical debate entirely. Instead, he played his strongest card."Since you believe that's all this is," he said, "allow me to ask you one more question."He picked up the remote control on the table and pressed another button.The livestream split into two screens once again. On the right side appeared surveillance footage.The location was instantly recognizable.Platform 7.The infamous haunted platform. A wave of unease swept through the millions watching.The
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The livestream began. In an instant, millions of eyes were fixed on Aliyah's sunlit office.The screen split neatly into two halves.On the left was Aliyah, composed and elegant, every bit the gentle psychology professor. On the right was Andrei, impeccably dressed, wearing the calm, confident smile of a man who belonged among society's elite.The viewer count skyrocketed.Thirty million.Then it climbed even higher at an astonishing speed.The live chat exploded, comments pouring across the screen like a river bursting through a broken dam."The Final Trial is starting!" "No way! Who is this Andrei? He looks incredible!" "He's judging Michael? Seriously? Michael's my idol!" "Stop being blinded by fandom! Read the title, this is a psychological trial. They're using professional analysis!"Andrei ignored the flood of comments completely.His attention never left Aliyah. There was just enough regret in his eyes to make him seem sincere, and just enough determination to convince the a
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Ashley's heart shot into her throat. Then, at last, a woman's voice came through the phone.It sounded remarkably like Ashley's, about seventy percent alike, but it was clearer, calmer, and carried not the slightest hint of fear."I need five minutes. I'm going to the restroom."A satisfied smile tugged at the corner of Michael's lips."Good."Aliyah sat behind the spacious rosewood desk in her office, her posture graceful and composed.Warm afternoon sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, wrapping the room in a soft golden glow. A cup of freshly brewed black tea rested in front of her, thin wisps of steam rising into the air, filling the office with its rich aroma.To anyone passing by, it looked like an ordinary afternoon. Only Aliyah knew how deceptive that appearance was.Hidden beneath the collar of her blouse was a pinhole camera no larger than the head of a pin. Buried against the bone behind her ear, a flesh-colored bone-conduction earpiece quietly relayed Micha
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Michael's words struck Ashley like a bolt of lightning.Her entire body trembled violently, and her mind went completely blank.Her sister. Aliyah.The little sister who had always trailed behind her since they were children, timid and quick to tears. The quiet scholar she had always protected, someone she believed was too innocent and sheltered for the harshness of the world.A fear buried deep in her instincts seized her heart in an instant. Cold spread through every inch of her body, leaving her limbs stiff and numb. Almost on reflex, she reached into her pocket for her phone. She needed to hear Aliyah's voice. Right now.But her hands were shaking so badly that she couldn't even hold the phone. Again and again, her trembling fingers slipped against its cold metal frame."Calm down."A hand reached over and gently covered the back of hers.It wasn't a large hand, but it was unbelievably steady. The simple touch stopped her frantic, futile movements.It was Michael.Only moments ago
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"That incident became a wound buried deep in your heart," Michael said. "And because of it, when you grew up, you chose to become a police officer. You've spent your whole life chasing control and order with almost obsessive determination."Ashley stared at him without speaking."Every time you try to help me," Michael continued, "every time you try to drag me back onto what you think is the right path, you're not saving me."He stepped closer, leaning toward her just enough that only she could hear his next words."You're trying to make up for your childhood regrets."His voice dropped even lower."You're trying to save that powerless little girl you used to be."Ashley's body stiffened.She staggered backward until her shoulders struck the side of the mobile command vehicle. For a moment, she nearly lost her balance.Her face was drained of color. Her breathing became shallow. Disbelief filled her eyes.He was right. Every word of it.As she looked at Michael, she finally understood
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The audio in the video was crystal clear.Young Michael's voice filled the mobile command vehicle as he passionately delivered his argument from the debate stage."We believe that under any circumstances, the dignity of the law must be protected."His voice was steady and confident."Because due process is justice made visible. It is the final barrier between the powerless and the powerful."The audience in the lecture hall listened attentively.Michael continued. "If we destroy due process in pursuit of so-called 'justice in the outcome,' then how are we any different from the very abuses we claim to oppose?"He paused.His eyes swept across the crowd before settling firmly ahead.Then he delivered his conclusion."Therefore, we firmly believe—""Due process must come before everything else."The video ended abruptly.Silence filled the command vehicle.Ashley and Lorenzo slowly turned toward Michael.Both wore complicated expressions.The glow from the monitor illuminated half of hi
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