Chapter 5

Natalie ducked and sobbed, crying for his help.

Before my aunt’s next blow landed, Daniel seized her wrist.

“You—you dare lay a hand on her?”

“Do you even know what time it is? And you’re still fooling around at a moment like this?”

Daniel shot me a venomous glare.

He thought I’d brought his aunt here on purpose, just to catch him in the act.

“Aunt, this is my family matter. Don’t you think you’ve gone too far?”

“What did you just say?”

His aunt froze. She couldn’t believe her nephew, once so kind, would speak to her like that.

“Fine, fine—it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have meddled in someone else’s affairs.”

With that, she turned and stormed out.

I was about to follow when Daniel Carter stopped me. “Emily Carter, if it weren’t for our personal ties holding me back, I’d fight this case myself on Natalie’s behalf—and I’d crush you in court!”

I stayed quiet for a moment before asking, “Daniel, tell me—why do you treat me like your enemy now?”

He narrowed his eyes and leaned close, half his face shadowed. “Because I’ll never forget that slap.”

I nodded, nothing left to say.

Meanwhile, public opinion online was burning hotter by the day.

Fueled by the frenzy, the case went to trial within two weeks.

I didn’t hire an attorney. I sat alone in the plaintiff’s seat.

From the gallery, Daniel arched his brows at me with a smug grin. His relatives and friends shuffled in, whispering, “Why is your wife sitting as plaintiff? Shouldn’t you be the one up there?”

Ignoring their confusion, Daniel replied with cool detachment, “My firm’s lawyer is representing the defense. A company can’t put counsel on both sides of the aisle.”

His relatives gaped. “You—you're letting your own employee defend the woman who killed your father? Are you insane?”

Daniel didn’t spare them a glance.

“So what? Lawyers stand for justice. No matter how close someone is, they must pay for their crimes.”

Well rehearsed.

I sneered from across the courtroom.

I wondered if he’d still say that once the evidence played.

The judge struck his gavel, reading out the case details.

“I hereby declare the trial for the August 29th collision on Westbrook Avenue officially open. The deceased, Richard Carter—”

“Who are you talking about?”

A sharp thud broke out behind me. Daniel shot to his feet, face pale.