The CEO’s Hidden Love Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires

When Dorothy caught sight of Heather, she couldn't help but do a double-take.

The once poised and professional chief attorney of the Lopez Corporation now looked like a shadow of her former self, her figure gaunt and haggard. Had Heather not been seated at the defendant's bench, Dorothy might have struggled to recognize that face... a face that bore some resemblance to her own.

Compared to Heather, Amanda appeared much more dignified, yet she too had noticeably lost weight, perhaps due to the stress of the lawsuit. But her pride was intact. She wouldn't spare Dorothy the slightest glance, as if she were beneath her notice.

Not that Dorothy cared.

The trial dragged on since it was crammed with evidence. And some evidence needed to be verified on the spot, making cross-examination particularly challenging.

The Lopez family, eager to win and disassociate themselves from the scandal, had even summoned the doctors from the hospital to testify.

Throughout, Dorothy remained detached, her attention flitting between Ephraim and the parade of prosecutors and defense attorneys jostling with objections and accusations. Her gaze drifted to the gallery for the umpteenth time.

Everett wasn't there.

presence would have only added to the awkwardness. But a part of her wished he'd come, just so she could catch a glimpse of him. Suddenly, the embarrassment didn't

the defendant will make a final statement,"

it—the last

nodded reassuringly at her to show that everything went fine. She offered a small, grateful smile

a lawyer, she knew the power of this moment. The juries held the keys to her freedom, and a moving speech could

other hand, was read verbatim from what her lawyer had prepared. It lacked emotion, lacked expression, as if she had never feared the outcome of this so-called trial. She seemed convinced of her

now adjourned. All rise." Hearing these words, Dorothy stiffly rose from her

with advice that were mainly regarding the consideration of an appeal.

need to bother yourself any further, Ephraim."

go to appeal; it's standard practice." "Not this one." Dorothy smiled and walked out of the courthouse. Descending the grand

seemed to swallow all the inequity and filth of the world, and

voice pulled her back