Mara Yang sat alone at the defense table, her fists tight in her lap. The courtroom felt cold, and the weight of her father's empty seat beside her was a sharp reminder of everything she'd lost. Around her, rows of strangers whispered, watching her with eyes that didn't care about her struggle. Mara tried to hold her head high, the way her father would have wanted, but her heart pounded as her gaze drifted to the opposing side.
The lawyer representing the creditors smirked as he spoke. "It's not realistic, Your Honor," he said, his voice filled with smug confidence. "Miss Yang's father left behind enormous debts. She's young and inexperienced, and she doesn't have the resources to keep Yang Studio afloat. The creditors deserve to reclaim their losses."
A surge of anger rushed through Mara. She straightened her back and fought to keep her voice calm as she spoke. "Yang Studio isn't just a business to me. My father spent his life building it from nothing. It's a legacy, and losing it would be like erasing everything he worked for."
The judge watched her with a hint of sympathy, but she could see that it wasn't enough. Sympathy wouldn't keep the studio alive.
The courtroom doors opened with a soft creak, and Mara's attention flicked toward the figure walking in. A tall man with a calm, self-assured presence strode down the aisle, his dark suit sharp and his gaze focused. It was Ryder Hale, heir to Hale Industries and one of the city's most successful businessmen. People whispered his name in surprise, and Mara felt her stomach twist. Ryder Hale didn't deal in art studios or small family businesses. He was known for his ruthless approach and his empire of steel and real estate. He was the last person she'd expect to see here.
Mara tried to ignore the nerves building inside her as Ryder walked right up to the front. His eyes settled on her, steady and assessing, and she fought the urge to look away. He turned to the judge, speaking with a calm authority. "Your Honor, I'd like to make a proposal."
The gallery murmured again, a low hum of excitement and curiosity filling the room. The judge raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Hale, this is highly unusual. What exactly are you proposing?"
Ryder's eyes didn't leave Mara's, a hint of challenge in his gaze. "I believe Yang Studio has potential, despite the current debt. I'd like to invest in it on one condition."
Mara's chest tightened. An investment could mean survival for Yang Studio, but from him? She didn't trust it.
"And what is your condition, Mr. Hale?" the judge asked.
Ryder's eyes remained on Mara as he spoke. "Miss Yang will manage the studio as she intended," he said, his tone smooth and unwavering, "but under my guidance. With my resources, and her passion, I believe we could turn Yang Studio into something even greater than her father envisioned."
Mara's jaw clenched. The audacity of him, offering help as if she couldn't do it on her own. She'd rather face the creditors than work under someone like Ryder Hale, someone who had no heart for art, who only saw things in terms of profit and power.
But as much as she hated the thought, a small, uncomfortable truth settled in her mind: she didn't have the resources to do this alone. She could barely afford rent, let alone cover the debts threatening to bury her father's legacy. Ryder Hale's offer might be the only lifeline left.
She met his gaze, her eyes defiant. "And if I refuse?"
Ryder's lips quirked into a faint smile, amused but challenging. "You're free to walk away," he replied, calm as ever. "But if you want to keep the studio, you'll need a partner with deep pockets and a strong vision. And as far as I can see, I'm the only one offering."
The judge watched them both, clearly intrigued by the tension between them. Mara's fists tightened, and she took a deep breath. Working with Ryder would be like dancing with a wolf, but if it meant saving Yang Studio, maybe she could survive it.