Chapter 19%
A former thug, now protected under witness immunity, stood before the court and revealed every single detail.
“Olivia Lancaster and Trisha Evans contacted me months ago, the man stated, his voice steady. “They paid me to attack Claire… to throw acid on her. They wanted her gone. And if that didn’t work they were ready to go further
Gasps nippled through the crowd. The judge remained unfazed, his expression cold and unreadable. Olivia’s lawyer scrambled to object, but the evidence was ironclad.
Even as their legal team fought, it was useless.
The ruling was inevitable.
“The court finds both Olivia Bennett and Trisha Caldwell guilty of conspiracy to commit grievous harm and attempted murder. Effective immediately, you are sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison–without bail”
The room fell silent for a fraction of a second
Then-
“No! No, this is wrong!” Olivia screamed, her voice hysterical. She turned to her lawyer. “Do something! Fix this!”
Trisha was no better. She clung to the table, eyes wide with disbelief. Fifteen years? You can’t do this to me! It was Olivia’s idea! I was just caught up in her jealousy!”
“Bitch, don’t tum this on me!” Olivia snapped, whipping around to glare at her former best friend. “You were the one who encouraged me! You were the one who told me,I should teach that whore a lesson!”
“You agreed!” Trisha shrieked back. “You were the one who gave the final order
They tumed on each other like wild animals, clawing, blaming, screaming
The courtroom watched in disgust as the two former socialites–once so poised, so untouchable–now fought like cornered rats. And then Olivia made her final mistake
She spun toward the judge, her voice breaking with desperation.}
“Ethan was involved too! He knew! He helped me plan it!“}
A murmur of shock swept through the crowd.X
All eyes shifted to Ethan, Unlike the others, Ethan did not react with anger or horror.!!
Instead, he exhaled heavily, shaking his head in disappointment. He turned to Olivia, his voice low and measured.
“I should have known you’d try to drag me down with you.”
Olivia’s face twisted in rage. “Don’t pretend you’re innocent! You-
But Ethan cut her off.
“No, Olivia. Unlike you, I didn’t cross the line. You did this. You and Trisha. You made your bed–now you’ll lie in it.”
For the first time, real fear settled in Olivia’s eyes.X
Trisha sobbed beside her, hands clasped together, begging.
“P–please,” she wailed, looking at me now. “Claire, you’re merciful, right? You won already! Please–don’t let them send me away!“% I stared at her coldly.
Mercy?
For them?
I stepped forward, my voice calm, unshaken.
“You both tried to end me. You wanted to see me burned, broken, destroyed. And now you beg for mercy?”
Olivia trembled, shaking her head violently. “No, please-
I took another step closer, my gaze locked onto hers.X
“You showed me no mercy. And now you will get none in return.”
Tears streamed down her face. The bailiffs approached, placing them in handcuffs, their fate sealed.8
As they were dragged past me, Olivia turned one last time, her expression a mixture of hatred and despair,
‘Til never forgive you,” she hissed.
I smiled. “And I will never think of you again.”
And with that, she and Trisha were taken away–forever.
Outside the courthouse, the crowd had not dispersed.
Journalists, investors, former allies–they all watched as Richard Blackwood and I stepped onto the steps, our presence commanding the attention of everyone present
And then, thud. A sound I never expected I turned and saw Ethan on his knees. Before me. Before Richard.
His suit was disheveled, his usually proud, arrogant face filled with shame
“Claire,” he rasped, his voice breaking “I was wrong. I was so wrong Please Don’t destroy me.“1
I didn’t respond]
I simply watched him–this once–powerful man–reduced to nothing.
But Richard Richard laughed. A deep, numbling, mocking laugh.
“You dare grovel now, boy?” Richard said, amused. “After everything you’ve done? After you humiliated my granddaughter? Betrayed ber? Stole from her? And now you expect mercy?“)
Ethan’s hands clenched into fists. “I’ll do anything–please don’t pull the investors from my company! Don’t let me go bankrupt!” Richard tilted his head. “Do you remember the day you threw Claire away?“!
Ethan swallowed hard. Richard’s tone darkened.
“You should have cherished her. But you treated her like trash”
He leaned down slightly, his voice lowering.
“And now, you will leam what it feels like to lose everything.
Ethan’s shoulders shook, his body trembling.
his own filth.”
Richard straightened, turning his back to him, “Come, Claire. Let the dog rot in his own
I didn’t even glance at Ethan as I followed my grandfather down the courthouse steps.
Behind us, Ethan collapsed further, whispering my name one last time.”
But I never looked back.
A month passed, and life had never been more peaceful. Liam’s birthday was a grand celebration. The entire Blackwood estate was tansformed into a paradise for my son–balloons, performers, a massive cake that towered over the dessert table. Every child in attendance was treated like myalty
But the real joy was in Liam’s eyes.
He ran into my arms, hugging me tightly. “Mommy! This is the best birthday ever!”
I held him just as tight. “Anything for my little prince.”
Richard, standing nearby, chuckled. “That’s my boy. You deserve nothing b
Lucas ruffied Liam’s hair. “And next year, we’ll make it even bigger.
but the best
Liam giggled, his eyes sparkling. But then, in the midst of his happiness, his expression darkened.
“Mommy,” he whispered, glancing down, “can I tell you something?”
I crouched to his level, holding his hands. “Always, baby.”
Liam hesitated, his little fingers gripping mine tightly. “Before… before you came back for me… Olivia used to hit me. His voice trembled. “She would get so mad, and sometimes… Daddy would get mad, too. I wanted to tell someone, but I was scared.“”
Every muscle in my body tensed with fury.
Olivia that vile woman.
And Ethan–he let it happen?
My neart ached for my son. I stroked his cheek gently. “Liam, listen to me.” I looked him straight in the eye, my voice firm and unwavering “You never have to be afraid again. No one will ever hurt you–not while I’m here. You are safe now. Forever?
Tears welied up in his eyes, and he threw himself into my arms again. “I love you, Mommy”
I pressed a kiss to his hair. “I love you more, baby.”
Richard placed a hand on my shoulder. His voice was softer than I’d ever heard. “You’re a good mother, Claire—And that boy.. he’s lucky to have you“?
I smiled, holding Liam close. This was my real victory. Not wealth. Not reven
