Free Web NovelChapter 224: Chapter 224
Aria’s POV
I looked up, frowning. Sophia stood there, frozen in shock. My wolf snarled softly at the scent of fear and tension rolling off her in waves.
Inside, the sign read: Plaintiff’s Attorney. The opposite side was empty. Stephan had already rushed over and seated himself.
I understood in a heartbeat. My first formal case after being released was against Sophia. Against her. My wolf growled low, muscles tensing.
Sophia’s face looked grim, her confidence faltering beneath the weight of my presence. She had replaced me in the Hemsworth Group, yes, and in people’s eyes, she was skilled, but she wasn’t me. My wolf curled its claws inside me at the thought.
Most of her "successful cases" relied on Ken’s assistance. Her own skills, while superior to the average lawyer, were far from reaching the industry-leading level mine had achieved.
“Ms. Sophia Darvin,” her client said, looking at her with satisfaction. “It’s all on you now.”
The plaintiff’s eyes glimmered with excitement, clearly sensing an opportunity. His gaze flicked toward Francis, my wolf recognizing the challenge, the scent of anticipation.
Sophia stammered. “I... I am the plaintiff, Lucious Kendrick’s attorney, Sophia.” She sat back down after making the announcement.
Ken’s aged voice rumbled softly beside her, like a warning growl as he asked her if everything was alright. He had noticed her nervousness.
Sophia bit her lip. My sharp ears caught on her words “I didn’t expect them to bring in Aria.”
“So what?” Ken scoffed dismissively. My wolf’s ears twitched.
Stephan rose to his feet, his voice broke through, calm and measured, but the electricity in his eyes mirrored my own. “I am the defense attorney for Francis, Stephan.”
I noticed Sophia exhale a small sigh of relief. Realizing that I wasn’t the lead attorney for the case must have made her a bit more comfortable. My wolf laughed inside, low and menacing.
The gavel struck. The trial commenced. My senses sharpened. My wolf prowled beneath my skin, hungry for the challenge.
“This case involves a dispute between the plaintiff Lucious Kendrick and the defendant Francis Murray regarding infringement. According to the plaintiff’s complaint and evidence, the plaintiff claims the defendant’s announcement of the latest research at their institute infringed upon his legal rights.”
Sophia presented the evidence first, fumbling slightly, trying to appear composed. “Ladies and gentlemen, please observe. The initial research timeline provided by Starsource Institute follows after the timeline presented by the plaintiff, Lucious Kendrick.”
Once the timeline discrepancy was exposed, I could almost taste the inevitable shift in the air. To a wolf, truth has a scent, and the moment Stephan pointed it out, I knew the defense’s argument was already bleeding out.
Sophia lifted her chin and looked straight at me, pride blazing in her eyes.
I curled my fingers beneath the table, my nails pressing into my palm as I kept my expression calm. Years of restraint had taught me control. My wolf stirred anyway, bristling at the contempt directed my way.
Stephan stood up, his voice echoed through the courtroom, confident, sharp and predatory.
“I disagree with the authenticity of the evidence produced unilaterally by the opposing party,” Sophia declared crisply. “The initial research timeline provided by the plaintiff for Starsource Institute is inaccurate.”
“Additionally,” he continued, “here is the evidence we are submitting. Please have a look, Your Honor.”
Stephan moved with the smooth precision of a seasoned hunter. He handed the documents to the court staff. I followed the papers with my eyes as they reached the judge.
The judge accepted them, her brows knitting together as she read. The room fell into a heavy silence. Even the murmurs seemed afraid to breathe.
When the judge finally closed the file, her gaze lifted, landing directly on me.
For a brief moment, I felt seen.
She set the documents aside and gestured for the defense to continue.
Stephan and Sophia clashed head-on after that, their words like claws, logic like fangs. Neither yielded easily. If anything, Sophia seemed to gain the upper hand, her arguments slick and polished.
She glanced at me several times, provocatively, as if daring me to flinch.
I didn’t.
My wolf remained still, coiled, watching.
Just as Sophia straightened with confidence, clearly expecting the judge to strike down Starsource Institute and Francis in one clean blow, the gavel came down instead with a different verdict.
“The court dismisses the case due to insufficient evidence.”
The words landed like thunder.
“The judgment will be announced within a month,” the presiding judge added solemnly. “Court is adjourned.”
“What?” Sophia shot to her feet, disbelief ripping through her composure. She slapped the table, the sharp sound echoing. “Why?”
Lucious’ eyes widened. “We submitted comprehensive evidence. Why was the case dismissed?”
The judge’s gaze turned icy. “Await the judgment.”
Her tone brooked no challenge, it was absolute and final.
Sophia bit her lip, fury simmering beneath her controlled exterior, but she had no choice but to sit back down. ƒrēewebnovel.com
Lucious Kendrick rose abruptly, his earlier respect for Sophia cracking under frustration. Still, mindful of her background and status, he turned away and unleashed his anger on his subordinates instead.
The plaintiff’s side was drenched in pressure and resentment.
My side? It was calm, quiet and lmost relaxed.
We gathered our files, and just as I turned to leave, a voice stopped me.
“Aria.”
My muscles tensed instinctively.
