In the shadows, Julian leaned against a cold pillar, his thumb hovering over a screen. He had the files, the bank trails, and the sworn statements ready for a judge, but this moment wasn't for a courtroom.
It was for her. He watched her, remembering the girl from their school days, the one who had been the sun everyone wanted to bask in. Back then, every rich heir on campus had wondered how a man like Seb had won her whole heart. Their love had been the gold standard, a story people whispered about with envy.
To see that gold turn to lead was a tragedy no one saw coming.
Amara didn't look at Julian. She didn't need to. She felt the weight of his support like a shield at her back. She turned her gaze to a man standing near the edge of the crowd, a man with rough hands and a face full of shame. One of Seb's "loyal" workers.
