Chapter 18: Trial (Part 1)

The morning air was crisp, the kind that carried a chill despite the bright sun. The courthouse was surrounded by reporters, cameras flashing as high-profile figures arrived. It was finally the day of the trial, and the tension in the air was almost suffocating.

DeSean adjusted his dark three-piece Italian suit, smoothing out the fabric before stepping out of his car. He always drove whenever he had a high profile case. His black brogues tapped against the pavement as he approached Nick, who was already waiting for him.

“You ready for this?” Nick asked, crossing his arms.

DeSean exhaled, glancing around at the growing crowd. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

His attention was momentarily stolen by the sound of a car door shutting. He turned his head just in time to see Mercedes stepping out of a sleek black sedan.

His breath hitched for a second.

She looked… stunning.