Due to a change in the wind direction and differing approaches to the case, Claire was granted bail. With the active support of women's rights groups, a significant amount of donations poured in, allowing her to secure enough bail money for her release.
Outside the courthouse, a crowd surged forward as reporters and supporters gathered. Members of the women's rights group held up signs, cheering for Claire's release.
"Claire, we support you!"
"This is a victory for justice!"
However, there were also many who vehemently criticized this decision, believing it was a complete inversion of justice that allowed a murderer to go free.
"This is a mockery of justice!"
"How can someone who killed get bail? What kind of world is this?"
The voices from both sides intertwined in the air outside the courthouse, creating an intense battle of public opinion. Reporters busily documented everything, their flashes going off continuously to capture every moment.
Accompanied by Lisa, Claire slowly walked out of the courthouse. She wore neat clothing and had a calm smile on her face, seemingly unfazed by the commotion around her. Lisa stood beside her, resolute, answering reporters' questions simply yet powerfully.
"Claire is innocent; we will continue to fight for her justice."
With the protection and support of the women's rights group, Claire successfully stepped out of the courthouse and breathed in the fresh air of freedom. In that moment, she felt a long-awaited sense of relief and liberation.
"Claire, we have always been by your side!"
The voices of supporters rose and fell like waves. Claire looked at those supporting her, gratitude and determination flashing in her eyes. She knew that this battle was not over yet, but she had achieved a significant victory.
As time passed, public opinion became increasingly divided. On one hand, people were angry and dissatisfied that Claire had been granted bail, viewing it as an insult to justice; on the other hand, her supporters believed it was a manifestation of justice and protection for women's rights.
"This is a victory for justice! Claire deserves a fair trial."
"How can someone who killed walk free? What kind of judicial system is this?"
With Lisa by her side, Claire walked toward a waiting car.
Standing in front of the vehicle, a gentle breeze brushed against her hair as she took a deep breath of freedom. She turned back to look at the imposing courthouse building. At the entrance, Mark's figure flickered into view; he smirked at her with cold eyes that glinted ominously.
"You know... what you really did..." Mark's voice leaked from his damaged throat, hoarse and eerie; each word pierced Claire's heart like a knife.
Claire's pupils dilated suddenly as her breathing quickened. Mark's voice continued to echo in her ears, "But dear, I will be with you... for life."
Mark laughed heartily, and the sound became harsh and terrifying in Claire's ears. Her vision began to blur, and the surroundings gradually twisted; in an instant, she felt as if she had returned to the scene of the murder in that bathroom.
On the blood-stained floor, Mark's body lay sprawled in the bathtub, a deadly knife embedded in his chest, and a bullet hole in his right temple oozing blood. The bathroom was filled with the stench of blood and despair, and Claire felt a wave of intense fear wash over her.
"You can't escape, Claire..." Mark's voice echoed in her mind, his broken body still wearing a cold smile, as if mocking her futile struggle.
Claire's body began to tremble, her hands gripping the car door tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms. Her vision cleared again, and the surroundings returned to reality, but that fear still lingered in her heart.
"Claire, get in the car," Lisa's voice broke through her daze, tinged with urgency and concern.
Claire forced herself to calm down, taking one last look at the cold courthouse building, compelling herself to look away as she stepped into the car. The moment the door closed, she still felt Mark's cold eyes watching her, accompanied by that eerie laughter.
Sitting in the car, the scenery outside rushed by at high speed while her heart felt like a chaotic storm of mixed emotions. The silence inside the car contrasted sharply with the turmoil within her; her thoughts were tangled like countless threads, impossible to untangle.
Numerous voices intertwined and echoed in her mind. One voice whispered, "You should turn yourself in; only by confessing can you find true relief." This voice was filled with regret and pain, weighing heavily on her heart.
Another voice sneered, "Great! You've finally escaped punishment; this is your victory; you should feel happy." This voice carried a sense of pride and arrogance, as if celebrating her success.
Yet another voice cried incessantly, helpless and desperate: "How could you do this? How could you kill Mark? How could you be so cruel?"
Her sense of self seemed to vanish; it felt as if her soul had been torn into countless fragments and then mixed back into different elements. She didn't know what she truly was; her sense of existence became vague and unreal.
Am I a witch? Am I a murderer? Am I guilty? Am I innocent?
Claire took a deep breath, trying to quell the chaos within her, but that fear and confusion remained unshakable. She looked at her hands—those hands that had once gently caressed Mark but had also coldly taken his life. She felt her inner self being torn apart by countless forces, each vying for her soul.
"What am I?" Claire whispered to herself, a flicker of confusion and pain crossing her eyes.
The air inside the car grew heavy and oppressive. Lisa sat beside her, seemingly sensing something was off but said nothing. She knew this was an internal battle that only Claire could resolve.
Claire closed her eyes, attempting to find a sliver of inner peace, but those voices continued to resonate in her mind, trapping her with no escape. It felt as though her soul was caught in an endless nightmare from which she could not awaken.
"What should I do?" Claire cried out internally, but no one could provide an answer.
Madness became Claire's refuge. She felt the seeds of insanity pulsating through her veins, gradually taking control of her consciousness. As the trial progressed, Claire began to immerse herself in a strange excitement; she sensed that her role in this drama was becoming increasingly significant.
Lisa has arranged various schedules for her, from interviews to speeches, as well as many large events. These activities are aimed at making Claire a new benchmark for feminists. Lisa is well aware that Claire is naturally talented at acting, and her vanity makes her thrive in these situations.
During a major speaking event, Claire stood center stage, facing hundreds of audience members. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, smiling down at the crowd. The spotlight shone on her, as if she were the star of the show.
"Friends, we gather here today to oppose oppression and pursue equality," Claire's voice was clear and powerful, tinged with excitement. "I was once a victim, but today I stand here because I believe that each of us can rise up and speak out for our rights."
The audience erupted in thunderous applause, moved by her words. A glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Claire's eyes; this applause and attention filled her with unprecedented excitement. She knew this was her stage to perform on, and she was the main character in this play.
"We can no longer remain silent; we must stand up against all injustice and oppression," Claire continued, her tone filled with determination and strength. "I am willing to be a part of this movement, to fight alongside all of you for our future."
A wild energy surged through her veins, infusing every word with power. She felt she was no longer the oppressed victim but a warrior standing at the center of the stage. This feeling intoxicated her, making her crave more applause and attention.
After the speech concluded, Lisa took Claire to meet the media for interviews. Reporters swarmed around them, pointing microphones and cameras at her.
"Ms. Claire, what are your thoughts on this event?"
"Claire, how do you think your case will impact the women's rights movement?"
Claire smiled as she answered each question, her words filled with wisdom and charm. She knew that these interviews and speeches would further solidify her position among feminists, making her a new benchmark for them.
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