CHAPTER 2: THE NAME THAT SHOCKED THE COURTROOM
The courtroom erupted into chaos.
Reporters jumped to their feet.
Spectators shouted questions.
The judge slammed his gavel repeatedly.
"Order! Order in this courtroom!"
But the boy didn't stop.
His trembling finger remained pointed across the room.
Straight at the older man in the expensive suit.
"It was him!" the boy cried.
Silence crashed down like a hammer.
The man's face turned white.
The maid gasped.
"No..." she whispered.
The judge narrowed his eyes.
"Young man, are you accusing Mr. Richard Hawthorne?"
The boy nodded.
Tears streamed down his cheeks.
"He pushed me."
The courtroom froze.
The wealthy businessman immediately stood.
"That's absurd!"
But panic had already entered his voice.
The boy shook his head.
"It's true."
His small hands trembled.
"The night Mr. Harrison died, I was playing near the staircase."
Everyone listened.
Every word felt heavier than the last.
"I accidentally broke a vase."
The boy swallowed hard.
"I got scared and hid behind the curtains."
The maid lowered her head.
She already knew what was coming.
Then the boy continued.
"I saw Mr. Hawthorne arguing with Mr. Harrison."
Gasps filled the room.
"He was angry because Mr. Harrison wanted to tell everyone about the stolen company money."
The businessman suddenly shouted.
"He's lying!"
But the jury had already noticed something.
His hands were shaking.
The boy looked directly at him.
"I saw you push him."
A collective gasp swept through the courtroom.
The businessman stumbled backward.
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For the first time, fear completely replaced his confidence.
And everyone knew the trial had just changed forever.
