Chapter 56

His sharp voice cut through the quiet morning air. Vida rushed back and shoved Liliana. "What is wrong with you? You promised you would get Attorney Chase! That's why your father didn't interfere!"

"I never promised that," Liliana said, stumbling. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw another car pull up. It was Attorney Kerr. He stood there, holding a folder of case files, looking both awkward and annoyed.

"Attorney Chase is very busy," Liliana said, lowering her voice. "Attorney Kerr is the best lawyer besides him. We have to trust him."

With the trial about to start, it was too late to switch lawyers anyway. Besides, from her interactions with him, she believed he was very experienced.

Chuck's face was livid, but he had no choice but to accept it. He was afraid that if he pushed too hard, he might anger Kerr, who could then deliberately sabotage Hale's defense.

"Liliana, if we lose this case... you just wait," he snarled, then stormed into the courthouse.

Juniper came to Liliana's side and patted her shoulder, saying nothing. She couldn't insult Liliana's parents, no matter how much she wanted to.

"I'm fine," Liliana said, her focus on the trial. She gave lan an apologetic nod. "I'm sorry, Attorney Chase."

lan smiled. "It's fine." He glanced behind her. "Attorney Kerr, thank you for your hard work."

Kerr walked over. "It's no trouble," he said, stopping beside Liliana. "I just hope... if we lose, Miss Preston will understand." He had clearly heard Chuck's outburst.

Liliana shook her head, her eyes filled with hope. "Attorney Kerr, I believe in you. And even if we lose, it's okay. You said we can still appeal, right?"

Her sincere, respectful attitude was a stark contrast to Chuck's aggression. Kerr's expression softened. "You don't need to console me, Miss Preston. Just make sure you're prepared."

After a brief exchange, they all went inside.

At Zephyr Group, Cedric had worked late into the night, sleeping for only two hours before starting again. Dark shadows bruised the skin.

under his eyes and his browol net

furrowed in concentration. A knock sounded at the door. "Come in," he said.

Timothy entered. "Mr. Forrest, Hale's case is today. Should we proceed normally, or should I intervene?"

Proceeding normally meant an almost certain loss in the first trial. They would need to gather more evidence and appeal for a second. In the meantime, Hale, a young man raised in luxury, would have to go to prison. It was unclear if he could handle it. With Cedric's influence, they could likely force an immediate release But with the case being so public, an acquittal without sufficient evidence would mean Hale would forever be seen as someone who got away with murder.

"If he can't handle a little time in jail, he certainly can't live with a person's death on In his

conscience," Cedric

enet

decided. "Proceed normally." He wanted Hale to be exonerated

properly not just let off the hook. It was just a matter of time. He believed Hale could endure it. He had only met the young man a few times, but he remembered a

stubborn streak that reminded him

of Liliana.

"Understood. I'll inform Attorney Kerr," Timothy said. He sent a quick message, then placed a file on Cedric's desk. "Mr. Forrest, this is from the police department. It's the investigation report on your wife's car accident."

Cedric picked it up, his brow tightening as he read. So that's how Liliana got the gash on her forehead.