Bab 320: Finally Over
After Harvey's outburst, the courtroom was filled with static. At home and in the gallery, viewers held their breath while watching Bob present his evidence.
One damning email after another was read aloud, each one exposing Harvey's predatory behavior and abuse of power. Financial records revealed a pattern of hush payments. Testimonies from Harvey's victims that had previously been doubted now seemed to fit perfectly with what Bob said and what had been documented.
The prosecution constructed a case that could not be penetrated as they took apart Harvey's defense piece by piece. The lawyers representing him grew more and more defeated with each objection they made being overruled.
"I can't believe this is actually happening," a man in Texas said to his wife. "Harvey Weinstein, going down like this?"
His wife nodded, eyes glued to the screen. "And by his own brother, no less. It's like something out of a movie."
As the final pieces of evidence were presented, the judge called for closing arguments. The prosecution delivered a powerful summary, painting a clear picture of Harvey's years of abuse and manipulation.
When the jury retired to deliberate, the nation held its collective breath. Social media was ablaze with speculation:
@LegalEagle tweeted: "With evidence this strong, it's hard to see how Harvey could escape a guilty verdict. #WeinsteinTrial"
@HollywoodInsider posted: "Whatever the outcome, Hollywood will never be the same after this. #TimesUp"
Hours later, as the jury filed back in, you could hear a pin drop in the courtroom. The foreman stood, paper in hand, ready to deliver the verdict that would send shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond.
"In the case of Knight vs. Weinstein, we find the defendant, Harvey Weinstein, guilty on all counts."
The courtroom erupted. Harvey slumped in his chair, the reality of his fall from grace finally sinking in. Lucas closed his eyes, a mix of relief and vindication washing over him.
As Harvey was led away in handcuffs, the world watched, knowing they had just witnessed a pivotal moment in the fight against abuse of power in the entertainment industry.
As the judge announced the verdict, he also ordered Harvey to pay substantial damages to Lucas for defamation and emotional distress. The amount, while significant, seemed almost secondary to the fact that Harvey Weinstein was actually going to prison.
The trial had moved at a breakneck pace, concluding in just two days. As people filed out of the courtroom, many were still in a state of shock at how quickly everything had unfolded.
"I can't believe it's over already," one spectator said to another. "I thought these things usually dragged on for weeks."
Outside the courthouse, a group of Harvey's victims approached Lucas, tears in their eyes.
"Thank you," one woman said, her voice choked with emotion. "You gave us the courage to speak up."
Lucas shook his head, his expression humble. "Don't thank me," he said, gesturing towards Bob who stood a few feet away. "If it wasn't for Bob's bravery, Harvey might have walked free. He's the real hero here."
The women nodded, turning to approach Bob. Cameras captured the moment as they embraced him, their gratitude palpable.
Reporters swarmed around, shouting questions:
"Lucas, how does it feel to have won?"
"Bob, what made you decide to testify against your brother?"
As Lucas and Bob fielded questions, news anchors across the country were already breaking into regular programming with special reports.
"In a stunning turn of events, Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty and sentenced to prison," one anchor announced, her voice filled with disbelief.
Social media exploded with reactions:
"Justice has been served. This is a victory for all survivors. #WeinsteinGuilty"
"Hollywood will never be the same. The Weinstein era is officially over. #JusticeServed"
As the day wore on, the full impact of what had just occurred began to sink in.
***
The next morning, newsstands across the country were plastered with Lucas Knight's face. Headlines screamed:
"KNIGHT SLAYS HOLLYWOOD MONSTER"
"LUCAS KNIGHT: FROM SILVER SCREEN TO COURTROOM HERO"
"THE ACTOR WHO BROUGHT DOWN WEINSTEIN"
While Bob's crucial role was mentioned, it was Lucas who dominated the narrative. Social media was abuzz with celebrities weighing in:
Leonardo DiCaprio tweeted: "Proud to have worked with @LucasKnight. Your courage is inspiring. #JusticeServed"
Ty Burrell posted: "Lucas Knight: talented actor, great co-star, and now, a real-life hero. #Respect"
Taylor Swift shared: "This is what standing up for what's right looks like. @LucasKnight, you're a true inspiration. #TimesUp"
Justin Bieber tweeted: "Mad respect for @LucasKnight. It takes guts to stand up to power like that. #Hero"
Bruno Mars posted: "From one artist to another, @LucasKnight, you've set an example for all of us. #Courage"
In coffee shops and offices across America, conversations revolved around Lucas:
"Did you hear about Lucas Knight?" a barista asked a customer.
"Yeah, can you believe it? An actor actually doing something good for once," the customer replied.
"My daughter's had a crush on Lucas Knight for years," a woman told her coworker. "Now I can actually say I'm glad she looks up to him."
The narrative was shifting. Lucas was no longer just another handsome face on the big screen. He had become a symbol of change, a beacon of hope in an industry long plagued by abuse and silence.
In their lavish Beverly Hills home, Vince Knight sat in his leather armchair, scowling at the TV. His wife, Myla, perched on the sofa, her face a mask of disdain.
"I can't believe this," Vince shook his head again as another news segment praised Lucas.
Myla snorted, tapping her perfectly manicured nails against her wine glass. "I never thought I'd see the day when Harvey Weinstein would fall like this. And it's because of that ungrateful brat."
Vince's scowl deepened. "If it weren't for Bob Weinstein turning on his own brother, Lucas would've had to come crawling back to me."
Myla turned towards Vince, narrowing her eyes at him. "What do you mean? You would've helped him?"
"Obviously," Vince's tone was matter-of-fact.
"You're serious?" Myla's voice got louder and the wine in her glass sloshed dangerously. "After everything he's done? After how he's treated us?"
He held up a hand calmly but firmly. "It's not about helping him, Myla. It's about control. If he had needed my help, I could've finally gotten some leverage over him."
Anger deflated slightly in Myla's chest; curiosity took its place instead. "Leverage?" she asked.
"To bring him back into the fold," Vince's eyes were calculating now and there was something predatory behind them. "To make him understand that he can't just do whatever he wants without consequences.. To remind him who is responsible for all of his success."
Myla considered this quietly. "I guess that makes sense," she admitted grudgingly. "But now what? Everyone thinks he's some kind of hero or something."
Vince nodded, his jaw clenching in annoyance. "It's something I didn't see coming, that's for sure. Who would've thought Bob Weinstein would grow a spine and help my son like that?"
***
Lucas lounged on Jennifer's plush sofa, his team scattered around the living room. The constant buzz of phones and the muted sound of the TV provided a backdrop to their conversation. Outside, they could hear the occasional shout of a persistent paparazzo, held at bay by Jennifer's security.
Neil shook his head, still looking slightly dazed. "I still can't believe it, kid. We went in there expecting a long, drawn-out battle, and two days later, Harvey Weinstein is behind bars."
Vincent nodded in agreement. "It's unprecedented. I've never seen anything like it in all my years in this business."
Lucas chuckled. "Trust me, I'm as surprised as you are. We owe it all to Bob, really. Without him coming forward, who knows how this would have played out."
Just then, Jennifer walked back into the room carrying a tray of sandwiches and drinks. "Alright boys, time to eat," she said balancing the tray on one hand and kicking the door shut behind her with one foot. "You can't fight Hollywood monsters on an empty stomach."
Lucas reached up and took one of the plates out from under her drink tray so she could set them down.
"Thank you so much, Jen," he said warmly and she couldn't help but smile at him.
Jennifer settled beside Lucas, her hand resting lightly on his knee. "So, what's next for the hero of Hollywood?" she asked, a hint of teasing in her voice.
Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "Hero might be stretching it a bit. But I'm thinking of heading back to New York. The record label's got another artist they want me to collaborate with."
Neil perked up at this. "Speaking of music, you might want to check your streaming numbers, kid. Your old songs are suddenly getting a lot of attention. People are rediscovering your album from years ago."
"Really?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, surprised. "I guess that's one unexpected perk of all this madness."
Jennifer turned to him, curiosity in her eyes. "What about your acting career? Is that on hold for now?"
Lucas shook his head. "Actually, that script I pitched to Fox Searchlight? They've greenlit it. We're set to start filming soon."
"Wow," Jennifer said, impressed. "Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate."
Vincent chimed in, "It's a good problem to have. Strike while the iron's hot, as they say."
Lucas nodded, taking a sip of his drink. "Yeah, the plan is to wrap up this collaboration in New York, then dive into the film project. It's going to be a busy few months."
Neil leaned forward, his expression serious. "Don't forget, Lucas, people are going to be watching you more closely than ever now. Every move you make, every project you take on... it's all going to be scrutinized."
"I know," Lucas said, his voice quiet but determined. "But I can't let that paralyze me. I've got to keep moving forward, keep creating. That's the best way to use this... this platform I've suddenly found myself with."
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