The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The courtroom was buzzing like a beehive that had just been kicked. Vivienne and her team stood in the middle of this legal arena, listening to Mr. Wood's stuttering explanation. Both Jerry, their attorney, and the opposition's lawyer found the whole situation utterly exasperating. The opposition's lawyer, in particular, was regretting for the umpteenth time why he had taken on this case.

It seemed to him that intelligence was in short supply on both sides of the courtroom.

Dr. Morris, standing in the witness box, sensed the tide turning against them. He quickly interjected, "Mr. Wood is old-fashioned to a fault. The scandal involving Cassidy would tarnish her reputation. As a dedicated teacher, he would never take such compromising photos."

Ramona nodded vigorously, pointing an accusing finger at Vivienne, "What kind of attorney did you hire? All he does is muddle through! You want evidence? We've got plenty of witnesses here. What more do you want? Do you think we're lying? That could land us in jail!"

Vivienne twirled a strand of her hair, her gaze indifferent, "Is that so?"

She clapped her hands, and Jerry pulled out a USB drive from his pocket, handing it to the judge.

As the files were opened, they revealed a series of faces, both familiar and unfamiliar to Tobin. Each one spoke volumes about Julian, praising him far more sincerely than Ramona and Morris had.

It was clear Julian held a special place in their hearts.

As the video played, Kipling's face turned a shade darker.

He tried to speak, but Vivienne cut him off, "These are Julian's students, all 300 of them. Each describes Julian as a diligent, mild-mannered teacher. How is it that in your mouths, he turns into a monster?" "Julian was a class representative, and none of the students who sought his help ever saw him behave inappropriately with Cassidy. Not even Cassidy's best friend. Dr. Morris, you only had Julian for one semester. How is it you just happened to witness something?"

Pausing to take a sip of water, Vivienne turned to Ramona, "And you... Ms. Grimshaw? You're a few years older than Tobin and his friends, aren't you?"

With a mocking smile, she continued, "That age difference means you should've graduated at least two years apart. Or are you saying you were held back several grades for being slow?"

nails digging into her palms

find the words to

could she speak

Vivienne's hands. Admitting her true age would mean her previous statements

was held back, especially in front

silent, the

hours had passed since the hearing began, and yet, her expectation remained unmet. It seemed this adversary was unlike any

gaze settled on Ramona, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smile.

spoke up, matching Vivienne's intense gaze, "It's

courtroom drama had reached a climax, capturing

with further confrontation, and texted

judge, she announced, "We have one more

the doors swung open, Leopold and Cassidy stepped into the solemn courtroom, with

threshold, Leopold asked

girl, previously a shell of herself, now seemed infused with a defiant spirit. "Afraid? I've waited too long for this day. After today, I'll be

up for a fight with Zinnia today, I'll make sure their plans fall

opened, and Cassidy's entrance caused a stir.

you doing here?!" Zinnia spun around, ignoring the

"Who's that?" someone whispered.

"That's Zinnia's daughter, Cassidy!"