New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 323 The Trial

Claire tossed and turned in her bed, her eyes wide open as she stared at the ceiling. Sleep seemed impossible after everything that happened at the press release. It was supposed to go smoothly, but of course, nothing ever did.

Her mind raced, going back and forth between Frank's message, which Matthew delivered with that ever-present calm of his, and the mess with Venus AMD. Every time she thought she had things under control, something new popped up to throw a wrench into the works. "This is a nightmare," Claire muttered to herself, grabbing a pillow and covering her face with it. As if that would block out the reality.

The next morning came way too fast. Claire barely felt rested but had no choice but to get up. She had a trial to get ready for. She groaned as her alarm went off, dragging herself out of bed and into the shower, hoping the cold water would wake her up enough to function. She glanced at the clock. "At least I have time for coffee," she said, feeling slightly better about the day. The trial was looming over her, but somehow, the smell of freshly brewed coffee made it seem just a little less intimidating.

By the time she got dressed, the doorbell rang. Claire blinked, checking the time. "He's early," she muttered and headed to the door. Opening it, she found Matthew standing there, already dressed in a crisp suit, holding a coffee cup of his own. "Morning," he said with a nod, his expression calm as always.

"You're early," Claire pointed out, crossing her arms.

Matthew shrugged. "Figured you'd need a little extra time to get ready. So... ready?"

Claire gave him a nod. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Matthew stepped aside so she could lock the door. They made their way down the elevator in silence until they reached the garage. Matthew had already brought the car around, and Claire slid into the passenger seat as he got in on the driver's side. As they drove off, Matthew glanced at her. "You nervous?"

Claire shook her head. "Surprisingly, no. This time, I've got all the proof I need. Lisa doesn't stand a chance."

Matthew smiled a little, keeping his eyes on the road. "Good. Just don't let her lawyer rattle you. You know how lawyers tend to be."

Claire rolled her eyes. "Oh, trust me, I'm ready for him too. If anyone's going to get rattled, it's going to be Lisa."

been dragging on forever, and she was more than ready for it to be over. She glanced at Matthew,

loomed ahead, and Claire took

them, and made their way up the courthouse steps. Claire's lawyer, David, was already waiting inside.

You ready?" David asked, giving her a confident

nodded. "Yeah, let's

over his notes, tapping them against his hand. "The trial starts in thirty minutes. I just want to go

crowd, and went over the main points of their defense. Claire listened carefully, but she wasn't worried. She had her facts straight, and there was no way Lisa could wriggle out of this

they were stepping into the courtroom. The air was tense, filled with whispers from the audience. Claire's eyes scanned the room, landing on Lisa's mother sitting in the

distressed like she still couldn't believe her daughter was in this mess. Claire didn't feel any sympathy for her.

with David beside her. Matthew sat behind her, offering silent support, his face calm but attentive. Across the aisle, Lisa was brought in by an

lawyer leaned over and whispered, "Remember, don't react to anything she or her lawyer says.

worry.

stood until the judge gave them permission to sit. Once everyone was seated, the trial officially began. Claire watched Lisa out of the

his jacket before walking toward the jury. His expression was calm, his

as he began,

very simple for you. The truth is on our side. What we have here is a

whose face was slowly

ve

once more. "Let me start by laying out the facts. Lisa here has been involved in