The courtroom was colder today, or perhaps it was just me. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to steady my breathing as the proceedings began. This was our chance to finally push back against the Blackwoods' relentless attacks. Meredith had planned carefully, choosing witnesses who could expose the truth about what my mother and I had endured.
Today, one of those witnesses would take the stand—a servant who had worked for my family for decades, someone who had seen everything.
Damien squeezed my hand under the table as the judge entered, signaling the start of the session. His silent support was a small comfort in the midst of the storm. Across the room, Dante sat with his lawyer, his expression one of smug confidence. He had weathered every revelation so far with unnerving ease, as though nothing could touch him.
