Chapter 312 Recess

Ella

The familiar rap of the gavel echoed through the room, announcing a brief and sorely-needed break.

“We will resume in fifteen minutes,” the judge declared, eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of objection. Logan and I quickly retreated from the central floor, seeking a quieter corner of the bustling courthouse. The weight of the recent testimonies bore

down on me. My head was full of images of the struggling tenants, their tales of hardship, and most of all, the young boy with Leukemia and his resilient mother. But it was the mask of indifference Logan wore that disturbed me the most.

The courthouse buzzed with activity as people got up to take their breaks, but in the midst of the chaos, I found a small, secluded alcove in the stairwell. The hushed voices and distant murmur of conversations created a curtain of white noise, but it was quiet enough for what needed to be said.

I motioned for Logan to follow me, and although there was reluctance in his stride, he didn’t resist. As we stepped into the shadowed space, I took a deep breath, preparing to confront him.

“Logan,” I started, forcing my voice to remain even, “after everything we’ve just heard in there, can you honestly tell me you still want to go through with this? Now is your chance if you want to change your mind.”

He looked a tad defensive, his dark eyebrows drawing together. “What are you implying?” With a mixture of frustration and urgency, I pulled out a thin folder from my bag and thrust it towards him.

“I’ve done my research. I’ve looked into every tenant in that building. Miss Smith was telling the truth about her son’s condition. And the landlord? He’s been a godsend to her, allowing flexibilities that no one else would.”

He scanned the documents, then looked up, confusion marring his handsome features. “Why am I only seeing these now?” he asked. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

saw the human side of this, you might-just might- realize the gravity of what we’re dealing with here. But your indifference…” I trailed off, struggling

of realization crossing his face. “I don’t recall seeing

me,” I growled. Logan swallowed, nodding as he handed the folder back to me. “You’re right. I must have… I must have overlooked them,

been distant in this entire case. Your negligence isn’t just risking my professional reputation-it’s

a clear sign of distress. “Ella, I

personal issues are just that-personal. I don’t need to know the specifics. But when you decide to involve yourself in a legal battle, you owe it to everyone to be present. To be aware. To care about the outcome. Especially when it concerns people

if my words had physically struck him. There was genuine remorse in his eyes, but it did little to quell my frustration. “This past month has been an anomaly,” he said quietly. “I’ll be sure to be more aware for the next case, so I don’t miss

my disappointment. “It’s not just about the files,” I said. “Logan, your actions have consequences. If you continue down this path, it’s not just our reputation that’s at

head, folding his arms across his chest. “So you’re still on that whole thing. I thought that

Didn’t I just prove to

the fact that it’s all blown out of proportion, Ella,’ he whispered, not meeting my eyes. “Sure, they’re true. But

his eyes becoming a challenge. “Do you truly believe that?

flinched away from mine, ant imperceptible movement that would have gone unnoticed to anyone else.

to you, I’ll cut Miss Smith a check so she can buy a little

to cut a check,” I hissed. “I’m asking you to do the right thing here. Now is your chance to back out of

even more. “Don’t patronize

letting my voice soften just a touch. “This could be your moment, you know? Your chance to demonstrate that you’re more than your past,

all too familiar stubbornness flickering in his gaze.

on, knowing I had touched a nerve. “Your mother would want you

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