Aria's POV – Weeks Later
The courthouse was packed. Media, spectators, Sophia's family—all crammed into the gallery to watch the trial of the year.
"State versus Sophia Clarke" was front-page news. Not just because of the assault charges, but because of who was involved. Two of the city's most prominent business figures, a drugging scandal, staged photos, and a conspiracy that was still being unraveled.
I sat in the front row behind the prosecution table, dressed in a navy power suit that said professional and not to be messed with. Damien sat beside me, his hand resting on my knee—steady, reassuring. "Are you ready for this?" he murmured.
"More than ready." I watched Sophia being led in by her lawyers. She looked smaller somehow, less polished than her usual self. Good. "Are you?"
"I've been ready since the moment I woke up in that hospital." His jaw was tight. "Let's end this."
