Chapter 9 - The Courtroom Confrontation
The courtroom was packed, a sea of cameras and reporters clamoring for a glimpse of the fallen dynasty.
Ethan walked into the gallery, his hand holding Olivia’s tightly.
They took their seats in the front row, just as the defendants were led in through a side door.
Derek looked different.
The arrogant smirk that had once defined his expressions was gone, replaced by a twitching, nervous energy.
He caught Ethan’s eye, and for a split second, the malice flickered.
But then, Ethan didn't even look at him.
He looked through him, as if Derek were nothing more than a smudge on the glass.
The trial was a systematic dismantling of the Carter Holdings legacy of corruption.
Witness after witness took the stand, detailing the financial maneuvers, the falsified records, and the internal memos that proved the systematic fraud.
When the prosecutor played the video evidence, the courtroom went deathly silent.
The video showed Derek laughing as he discussed the "necessary casualties" of their business plan—referring to Olivia.
Olivia squeezed Ethan’s hand until her knuckles turned white.
Ethan felt the rage rising, but he held it in check.
"They lose everything today,"
May you like
Ethan whispered to her.
"Let them watch their pride burn."
