Dawm

The courtroom felt miles away as Jade caught up with me, his hurried footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. He grabbed my shoulder with a firmness I hadn't expected, forcing me to stop. His expression was a blend of awe and suspicion, his eyes searching mine for something I couldn't name.

"You've had this planned from the start, haven't you?" he asked, his voice low but intense. "The ambush, the timing, even the way Rephradre fell apart. Tell me the truth, Milo."

I couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips. "Planned?" I echoed, shaking my head slowly. "No, Jade. I didn't plan for any of this." I turned to face him fully, letting him see the sincerity in my eyes. "The pieces just... fell into place. Nothing more."

He frowned, clearly unconvinced. "You expect me to believe that? You outmaneuvered a viscount and dismantled his entire operation like it was nothing. That's not luck."