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.

would have only added to the awkwardness. But a part of her wished he'd come,

make a final statement,"

was it—the last part

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

was tearful and full of remorse. As a lawyer, she knew the power of this moment.

statement, on the other hand, was read verbatim from what her lawyer had prepared. It lacked emotion, lacked expression, as if she

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

the consideration of an appeal. Though it seemed premature, given that the verdict

need to bother yourself any further,

this one." Dorothy smiled and walked out of the courthouse. Descending the grand steps, she looked up at

seemed to swallow all the inequity and

voice pulled