Chapter 139: "The Trial"
The courtroom was packed, the murmurs of the press mingling with the sound of shoes on the polished wood floor. Cameras flashed and microphones were ready to capture every word, every emotion. Derek Rogan's case against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange had captured the attention of the public and the media, and everyone was eager to see how this battle would play out.
Derek sat at the plaintiffs' table, next to his wife, Kylie, and attorney David Schwartz. Kylie, with a determined look on her face and a serious expression, held Derek's hand, while Stassie stood next to them, also showing support.
Kylie's sisters and some of her friends from the Kardashian family were in the room, all with worried expressions, but determined to support Derek and Kylie through this difficult time.
The judge entered the room, and a reverent silence fell. He looked around at everyone present, taking his place in the chair.
"Good morning. We are here for the hearing in the Rogan v. WikiLeaks case. Both parties have been notified of the court's procedures and limitations. Before we begin, I would like to remind you that violence or threats of any kind will not be tolerated here."
Derek took a deep breath, the tension building in his chest. He knew this was his chance to express his outrage, not only at what had happened to his family, but also at Assange's cowardly behavior.
"The court is ready to hear arguments from both sides," the judge continued, looking at the lawyers on each side. "Mr. Schwartz, you may begin."
David stood and began to lay out the case, presenting the evidence of how the WikiLeaks leaks had put Derek and his family's lives at risk. He spoke of the intrusions, the moments of panic, and the constant worry that now hung over the heads of each family member.
After a few minutes of presenting, the judge turned to Assange, who was connected via video conference from an unknown location. He looked at the screen, where the image of the WikiLeaks founder was clearly visible. Assange looked impassive, but there was a tension in the air.
"Mr. Assange, you have the floor," the judge said, his tone serious.
Assange began to speak, his voice cool and controlled. "I believe that what we do at WikiLeaks is in service to truth and transparency. We were not aware of the implications our leaks could have for the Rogan family. However, our job is to expose information that the public deserves to know."
Derek could not help himself. He stood up quickly, his eyes fixed on the screen. "You are a coward, Julian!" he snapped, anger boiling in his voice. "You hide behind embassies and computer screens instead of facing the consequences of what you do. You think you are some kind of hero, but you are nothing more than a fugitive."
The courtroom fell silent, all eyes on Derek. Kylie squeezed his hand, trying to convey some measure of calm, but he was beyond control.
"You think you're brave for exposing others, but in reality, you're just a coward. If you have the courage you claim to have, then come to me. Let's have a face-to-face, man-to-man conversation. I want to see if you really are that fearless or if you're just a coward who lives in the shadows of others."
The murmurs in the room grew louder, and the judge frowned, looking at Derek with a mixture of concern and understanding. "Mr. Rogan, please remain calm. This is a courtroom, and we're here to discuss the case at hand."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Judge, but this needs to be said!" Derek replied, the anger in his voice like thunder. "You don't understand what happened to my family. I'm not just a former soldier, I'm a father who had his children threatened. If you try to do this again, I'll be like a ghost. I'll be in the shadows, waiting for you." You will be afraid of your own shadow, because I will be there, watching and waiting for an opportunity."
The courtroom went wild. Reporters were in a frenzy, and camera flashes were flashing nonstop. The judge banged his gavel, trying to restore order. "Silence in the courtroom! Mr. Rogan, please control your emotions. I understand that this is an extremely serious and personal situation for you, but we need to follow court protocol."
Derek took a deep breath, trying to regain control. "I'm sorry, Mr. Judge. But I can't let this go. What Assange did is not just about exposing information. He put the lives of my wife and children at risk. This is not a game, and I will not allow him to hide behind his lies."
The judge looked at Assange on the screen. "Mr. Assange, the court understands that your mission is noble, but it is also important to consider the consequences that your actions can have on people's lives. Mr. Rogan has made it clear how much your family has been affected."
Assange looked a little disconcerted, but quickly regained his composure. "I understand what you are saying, but WikiLeaks will always have a responsibility to expose the truth, no matter the personal consequences."
Derek then turned to the judge again. "With all due respect, Mr. Judge, I am not here to discuss WikiLeaks' intentions. I am here to protect my family and ensure that people like Assange are held accountable for their actions. He has no right to gamble with the lives of others."
The judge considered for a moment, looking up and down the table. "This court recognizes the gravity of the situation. Given the evidence presented and the nature of Derek Rogan's allegations, it is clear that WikiLeaks not only violated privacy rights, but also exposed a family's life to considerable risk."
The tension rose as the judge began to make his statement. "Therefore, after reviewing all the evidence and hearing the arguments, this court finds in favor of the plaintiff, Derek Rogan. WikiLeaks and Julian Assange will be held accountable and must pay $10 million in damages to the Rogan family. In addition, they will no longer be allowed to refer to Derek or his family in any form of media or publication."
The courtroom erupted in murmurs. Kylie breathed a sigh of relief as Kylie's sisters hugged each other in tears. Derek felt a surge of satisfaction, not only for the victory, but for the protection he was securing for his family.
"Thank you, Judge," Derek said, his voice now more controlled. He knew there was still a long way to go, but this was an important step.
"I realize this victory may not fix everything, but I hope it brings some relief to you and your family," the judge replied, looking directly at Derek.
As the courtroom emptied, reporters surrounded Derek and Kylie, asking questions about the victory and the judge's ruling. Derek, now calmer, answered a few questions, but his mind was still on the battle he had fought and the protection he needed to ensure for his family.
Kylie approached him, holding his hands. "You were amazing, love. I'm so proud of you."
"I just wanted to make sure you and the kids were safe," Derek replied, looking into her eyes.
"And I'll do whatever it takes to protect them." Stassie walked over, smiling. "You really beat the crap out of him, Derek. I've never seen anything like it!"
The three of them laughed, and the tension began to dissipate, but Derek knew the road ahead was still full of challenges. He was determined to ensure the shadow Julian Assange had cast over his family would never again threaten their safety.
With the support of his wife, family, and friends, he felt stronger than ever. The battle was won, but the war to protect his family was still ongoing. And he was ready for whatever came his way.
Chapter 140: "The Family's Reaction"
After the tumult of the trial and the ruling in Derek's favor, the courtroom began to empty. The cameras were still on, recording the last moments of the case, but attention was turning to the Rogan family, who had gathered in a corner of the room, still processing everything that had happened.
Kylie was still in shock. The expression on her face reflected a mix of relief and concern. She looked at Stassie, who looked just as stunned as she was. "Did you hear what he said?" Kylie whispered, her heart pounding.
"Yes! I didn't know he could get so... intense," Stassie replied, her eyes wide. "Derek is always so calm and collected. Seeing him like that... was surprising."
Kendall, who was sitting next to Kim, looked at the two of them with an expression of disbelief. "I've never seen Derek like that. He looked so... fierce. It was kind of scary, actually."
"But at the same time, it's amazing!" Kim chimed in, beaming with pride. "He was standing up for his family. That's something we all respect about him. He's become a real lion in the room."
Kourtney, who was standing next to Kim, nodded. "I was just worried the judge wouldn't be happy with the way he phrased it. But in the end, it seems to have worked out. The decision was what we all hoped for."
"Yeah, but I can't stop thinking about what he said about becoming a ghost," Khloé said, grimacing. "It's like he's on a revenge mission. That's really dangerous, girls."
Kylie squeezed Stassie's hand, thinking about the implications. "What he said about Assange… I don't want him to put his life on the line like that. He's been through so much."
Kris, who had been listening intently, joined the group, placing her hand on Kylie's shoulder.
"Babes, Derek is a strong man. He knows how to protect himself. But I understand your concern. I was also scared to see this side of him, and at the same time, I felt relieved that he stood up for himself."
Kylie looked into her mother's eyes, seeking comfort. "He's a great father and a great husband, but I don't want him to lose control like that. It's not good for him."
Kendall, trying to ease the tension, said, "He was just trying to protect you guys. Sometimes when you push someone into a corner, they react in unexpected ways. That's natural."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I want him to put himself in danger," Kylie replied, her voice shaking. "Julian Assange is not someone to be trifled with. He can be dangerous."
Kim, ever the pragmatist, suggested, "Maybe we should have a talk with him about this. Let him know that while his determination is admirable, he also needs to be careful with his words and actions. He's in a very vulnerable place right now."
Stassie agreed. "Yeah, he may be a great soldier and protector, but family is what really matters. He needs to remember that."
As they talked, Derek, who was nearby, approached the group with a look of relief. The hustle and bustle of the courtroom was finally dying down. He saw the tension on Kylie's face and felt the weight of worry that hung in the air.
"Hey, how are you?" Derek asked, looking each of them in the eye. "You look like you just saw a ghost."
"Yeah, just a little," Kourtney replied, trying to contain a smile. "You really put on a show in there. I didn't know you had such an intense side!"
"Yeah, it's not something I usually do," Derek admitted, blushing slightly. "But when someone puts my family at risk, I can't help myself."
Kylie hugged him, relieved to see him. "We just wanted to make sure you were okay. You know you can be more careful, right? You don't have to turn into a ghost to protect us."
"I know, and I promise I'll try. It's just… the situation has left me so frustrated," Derek said, looking around at the worried faces of his wife and family. "Assange is a person who doesn't think about consequences. I can't let him threaten what we have."
"But you have to remember that we're here for you, Derek," Khloé said softly. "No matter what happens, we're with you."
"Yes! And you don't have to be a lone wolf in this fight," Stassie added. "It's okay to feel angry, but don't let it consume you."
Derek looked at each of them, feeling the love and support that was emanating from them. He nodded. "Thank you, guys. I don't want you to worry, but this situation has affected me deeply. It's hard for me to know that someone like Assange could put everything we've built at risk."
"We're here, and we're going to get through this together," Kylie said, her eyes steady on his. "The only thing we need to make sure of is our family's safety. The rest is secondary."
Derek felt stronger at hearing her words. "Yes, together we are stronger. And I will remember that. I just... I hope you guys are okay."
Kendall, looking at her brother, added, "And if Assange tries again, we can be sure that we have all the resources to deal with him. You are not alone in this. We are together as a family, and we all have your back."
Kris, with a soft smile, approached. "Besides, Derek, you can always count on me. As a mother, it is my duty to make sure that you and Kylie are okay. We will plan together to avoid any more situations like this."
Derek smiled, feeling grateful to have such a strong family around him. "This means a lot to me. I promise that I will be more careful and not let anger consume me. However, I will not give up on protecting what is mine."
The group gathered in a group hug, and even amidst the tension of the trial, they found comfort in each other's strength. Each of the Kardashian-Jenner sisters and Kris showed their love and support for Derek, further solidifying the family bond.
As the courtroom emptied and people began to file out, Kylie looked at Derek with a smile. "If you're going to turn into a ghost, I hope you bring candy or a nice bottle of wine when you come back."
"Or a new car!" Kourtney joked, making everyone laugh. "Who wouldn't want a ghost car?"
Derek smiled, relieved to be able to laugh again. "Okay, but I promise I won't turn into a ghost. I'll just make sure the shadows that surround me are the ones that protect you."
"That's all we can ask for," Kim said, winking at him. "Now, let's celebrate this victory and put the anxiety behind us."
With that, the family left the courtroom, still united and stronger than ever. Derek knew he had challenges ahead, but with the support of Kylie and everyone around him, he felt ready to face them.
Chapter 141: "Media and Celebrity Reactions"
News about Derek's trial and the controversial threat made to Julian Assange spread like wildfire. As soon as the cameras began to capture the family's exit from the courtroom, social media and news sites exploded with commentary, analysis, and opinion. The scene was marked by a frenzy that made it clear that the story would not be forgotten any time soon.
At E! News headquarters, the team of journalists prepared to cover the repercussions of the trial. Anchor Maria Menounos looked into the camera with a broad smile.
"Good evening, everyone! We are here to discuss what was one of the most emotional trials of the year. Derek Rogan, husband of influencer Kylie Jenner, not only won his legal battle against the WikiLeaks website, but he also made his mark by directly threatening Julian Assange. Let's see what celebrities and the public are saying about it."
As Maria presented, a screen behind her displayed tweets and celebrity posts about the trial. One of the most notable was from Khloé Kardashian, who said: "Derek is a true lion! He is fighting for his family and I couldn't be more proud! 💪🏼 #FamilyAboveAll."
"This tweet says it all," said one commenter, Michelle. "The way he stood up for his family is something many are applauding. Social media is full of support for him."
"But not everyone feels the same way," chimed in another commenter, Justin. "Some people believe he crossed the line and that this threat could hurt him even more. What do you think, Maria?"
"I think Derek was driven by emotion and protecting his family, but some see it as irresponsible," Maria responded, as she switched the camera to a panel discussion.
The celebrity reaction footage was shown, starting with a video of Taylor Swift. "Derek Rogan really showed that he is a man who loves his family. We need more men like that in the world!" she said with an encouraging smile.
A clip of Chris Evans then came on. "I can't believe Assange put himself in the line of fire. He should know that there are consequences for his actions. And what consequences they can have on people's lives."
Chris's comments drew a round of applause. Maria commented: "I think Chris captured the essence of what a lot of people are feeling. There is a growing respect for the way Derek handled the situation."
Meanwhile, at the Kardashian-Jenner family home, Kylie and her sisters watched the media coverage. Kylie was dressed casually, but her gaze was fixed on the screen. "I can't believe this is happening," she muttered, squeezing Khloé's hand.
"This is crazy! He's never lost control like this before," Khloé said, looking at the screen. "But I'm so proud of him for standing up for his family."
Kendall, who was sitting on the couch with a thoughtful look on her face, commented: "It's impressive but also terrifying. What's going on in Assange's head right now? He might have more reactions. This is dangerous."
"If he's smart, he'll keep quiet," Kourtney said, looking worried. "But we know he's not exactly known for that."
Kim, ever the pragmatist, picked up her phone. "I'm going to post something now, something that will reassure our followers and show that we're united. We don't want them to think we're scared."
She quickly typed: "Family is everything. Thank you all for your support and love. We're together and strong! ❤️ #KardashianFamily." She hit "send" and looked back at the screen.
That same night, the hashtag #DerekRogan began trending on Twitter. Several celebrities posted their opinions. Halsey wrote: "Derek is right to protect his family. Any father would do the same." And this generated a wave of retweets and likes.
The reaction was not unanimous. Actor and comedian Patton Oswalt made a sarcastic comment: "Derek Rogan, the new 'James Bond' or just an overprotective father? One of the two, definitely. #FamilyDrama."
Meanwhile, a statement from Demi Lovato caught attention: "Seeing Derek defend his family so fervently is inspiring. But it's also a warning about the consequences that fame brings."
"Exactly, Demi! Fame has a dark side," commented one follower. "We all love a good story, but this shows how serious things can get."
On CNN, an analysis of the situation began airing. Political analyst Jake Tapper discussed the impact of Derek's words. "This isn't just about what Derek Rogan did; it's about how fame can amplify anger and fear. It brings up questions about free speech and privacy."
"So what happens now?" co-host Ana Navarro asked. "Derek has become a polarizing figure. The support is overwhelming, but so is the backlash. Could Assange fight back, and what does that mean for the safety of Rogan and his family?"
The next morning, the family gathered for breakfast. Derek, now a little more relaxed, walked into the room with a nervous smile. "It seems like I'm the new media sensation," he said, trying to break the ice.
"You have no idea what you've started," Khloé laughed, scrolling through her phone. "The amount of memes about you and Assange is insane. There's even one where you're portrayed as a superhero!"
"Yeah, and another where you're on the cover of an action movie!" Kourtney added, laughing. "I think you should consider a career in film!"
"Who knows? But to be honest, I wasn't planning on being famous like that," Derek replied, still a little dazed by the situation. "I was just standing up for my family."
"And he did it in style!" Kylie congratulated him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "But you know we have to be careful now, right? Assange might try to get revenge."
"Yeah, and we'll be ready for anything," Derek assured, looking into his wife's eyes. "But I want you all to know that I'm here to protect you all, no matter what."
Meanwhile, at a fancy restaurant in Los Angeles, a group of celebrities gathered to discuss the recent riot. Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik were in attendance, and Gigi expressed her concern.
"Did you see how Derek handled himself in court? That's pretty intense," Gigi commented. "But at the same time, who wouldn't stand up for their family? No matter who you are."
"It's a tough situation," Zayn agreed. "With fame comes a responsibility that not everyone is ready to handle. Derek is strong, but it can backfire on him."
Rihanna, who was also at the table, chimed in: "I respect his defense. It's something we all need to consider. If it were my family, I would fight tooth and nail too."
"Defending family is paramount. And we all need to remember that," Gigi added. "But I hope he knows it doesn't end here. The media is going to be all over him now."
The next day, a charity event was scheduled to raise money for a charitable cause. Derek and Kylie were among the special guests. When they arrived, the cameras were immediately trained on them.
The press was eager to capture their every move. Kylie, ever charismatic, smiled for the cameras. "We're here to support an important cause, but also to show that we're a united family, no matter what."
Derek, by his side, seemed more relaxed. "Yes, and I want to thank everyone for their support. These past few weeks have been intense, but we have a purpose and together we are stronger."
As they posed for photos, the celebrities began to approach. "Derek, you were amazing in court!" Hailey Bieber said, with a look of admiration.
"Yeah, really impressive," Justin Bieber agreed. "You were so focused and determined. We all felt the intensity of that."
Derek smiled, grateful for the support. "Thank you, guys. This means a lot to me. Family is everything."
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