Olivia 9

Summary

• The chapter is focused on the main character Olivia's perspective during a pivotal moment in a court case involving her son Asher’s involvement in the death of his girlfriend, Lily.
• During a break in the trial, Olivia reflects on the tension between her, Asher, and Asher’s defense attorney, Jordan, due to her testimony.
• Asher demands to testify, believing it may help his case, despite Jordan’s and Olivia’s advisement against it. Asher also decides to ban Olivia from attorney-client meetings.
• When court resumes, Asher's testimony culminates in the revelation that he knew Lily was trans and it didn't affect his feelings for her.
• The prosecutor aggressively cross-examines Asher, highlighting lies and insinuating that he murdered Lily after a heated fight about her being transgender.
• Jordan introduces a surprise defense witness, Dr. Oluwye, a Harvard pathologist, who suggests Lily might have had an undiagnosed condition, TTP, which could have contributed to her death.
• The pathologist's testimony introduces the possibility that Lily died from a TTP-related brain hemorrhage after an unintended fall, as opposed to being murdered by Asher.
• Dr. Oluwye's testimony is aimed at casting doubt on Asher's guilt by suggesting an alternative cause of death unrelated to Asher's actions.
• Following Dr. Oluwye's testimony, the defense and the prosecution present their closing arguments, with Jordan stressing reasonable doubt and the prosecutor maintaining Asher's guilt.
• After the trial, Olivia and Asher have a heart-to-heart conversation where they share painful memories and acknowledge their protective instincts toward each other.
• Asher breaks down, expressing his enduring love for Lily, and Olivia tells him that she believes in his innocence, not because of the legal defense but because she sees they both believe in love despite past traumas.
• The chapter concludes with a tender moment between mother and son as they share ice cream together, reflecting a possible reconciliation of their relationship.