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 twhy 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?" Ramona was speechless, her diamond-encrusted nails digging into her palms painfully.

Yet, she couldn't find the words to retort.

How could she speak up? Any response would play right into Vivienne's hands. Admitting her true age would mean her previous statements were lies. To confess she was held back, especially in front of Percival, was unthinkable! The courtroom fell silent, the tension palpable.

Vivienne glanced at her watch, her dark eyes shrouded in mystery. Nearly two hours had passed since the hearing began, and yet, her expectation remained unmet. It seemed this adversary was unlike any other.

Her gaze settled on Ramona, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smile. The cat will always catch the mouse in the end. Percival, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up, matching Vivienne's intense gaze, "It's about time." The courtroom had reached a climax, capturing the public's attention.

Vivienne nodded, not bothering with further confrontation, and texted Leopold.

Then, facing the judge, she announced, "We have one more witness." As the doors swung open, Leopold and Cassidy stepped into the solemn courtroom, with Raquel and the bodyguards remaining behind.

At the threshold, Leopold asked Cassidy, "Nervous?" The 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 free!" "I'm not scared. Even if Ms. Hawthorn isn't up for a fight with Zinnia today, I'll make sure their plans fall apart!" The crimson doors opened, and Cassidy's entrance caused a stir. Zinnia and Kipling's faces tightened.

"What are you doing here?!" Zinnia spun around, ignoring the pain in her neck.

"Who's that?" someone whispered.

"That's Zinnia's daughter, Cassidy!" "The one involved with Julian? Why show her face here, of all places?" The courtroom was abuzz with whispers and stares, but Cassidy paid them no mind. Her gaze swept past Zinnia, a twisted smile on her lips, ready to confront her past and reclaim her future. Stepping through the whispers and scrutinizing glances of the crowd, she moved toward Vivienne's gaze, with Leopold by her side, heading to the witness stand.

"Dead to the world, Cassidy? Am I talking to a wall here? Honey, can't you hear what your mom is saying? You're not well yet; how on earth did you get out of the hospital?" It had been ages since Zinnia had last seen Cassidy.

It was Kipling's idea to bring her over from Havenwood for this mess. Unless it was for a shoot, she would never bother to see this daughter of hers.

Why would she even chere?! A flicker of disgust passed through the woman's eyes, yet her voice dripped with feigned sincerity, "Cassidy You're not well yet. You et should head back to the hospital. Don't worry, I'll make sure justice is served on your behalf. This is adult matter; you don't need to worry about it." As she said this and attempted to move forward, she was stopped by Leopold, who was following Cassidy, "Open your eyes wide and see for yourself where your daughter stands. Justice, huh? Today she's the only one who can claim justice for herself."