Aurelia's POV:-
The next court hearing began with an uncomfortable silence.
As soon as Silver started his argument, the opposing side's confidence seemed to disappear.
Their expressions changed.
Their whispers stopped.
And Marco—
Marco behaved exactly as I had observed before.
Too calm.
Too controlled.
But beneath that control, something was wrong.
I watched him carefully.
His eyes moved whenever certain evidence was mentioned.
His posture changed whenever Matthew Reynolds' name came up.
And then an idea struck me.
What if I'm right?
I needed to discuss it with Vincent.
After the first hearing, we stepped outside.
The CEO's legal team approached Silver and Vincent.
"We would like to discuss a settlement."
Before either of them could answer, Emily Reynolds stepped forward.
"No."
Everyone looked at her.
"There is nothing left to discuss. I will get justice for my brother."
I stepped forward.
"I'm sorry, but after court, we aren't permitted to discuss the case privately with the opposing side."
I gently guided Emily away while Evelyn accompanied her home.
Once they were gone, I looked at Vincent.
I gestured for him to come closer.
"What is it, Vale?"
"I have a plan."
His expression immediately changed.
"A plan for what?"
"To find the real culprit."
His face hardened.
"It could be risky."
"I know."
"What are you planning?"
I explained everything.
The moment I finished, his expression shifted from confusion to genuine fear.
He grabbed my arms and turned me toward him.
"Are you insane?"
"Vincent—"
"I will not allow you to do this."
"You don't trust me?"
His grip loosened.
"I trust you."
"Then what's the problem?"
"The problem is that I cannot stand there and watch you deliberately put yourself in danger."
"We're attorneys. Finding the truth is part of our job."
"Not like this."
"I need to close this case."
"And I need you alive."
His voice was quieter now.
I stared at him.
"Fine."
I turned toward the elevator.
"If you don't want to help me, I'll do it myself."
The elevator doors opened.
I stepped inside.
They began closing.
Vincent didn't follow.
For a second, disappointment hit me harder than it should have.
So this is what he calls trust?
The doors were almost completely closed when—
A hand stopped them.
I looked up.
Vincent stepped inside.
The doors shut.
He came closer.
"Why don't you understand?"
His voice was low.
"If something happens to you, I won't be able to forgive myself."
My anger disappeared.
"Vincent…"
"I know you're capable. I know you're smart. I know you can handle yourself."
He looked directly into my eyes.
"But that doesn't mean I'm willing to gamble with your life."
I took a breath.
"I promise nothing will happen to me."
"You can't promise that."
"I can promise I'll be careful."
He stared at me for several seconds.
Then sighed.
"Fine."
"Really?"
"But promise me something."
"What?"
"Don't do anything reckless just because you think you can handle it."
I smiled.
"Promise."
The elevator doors opened.
We walked out together.
The plan was set.
I made a call outside the court.
"Hello?"
The voice on the other side claimed to have evidence connected to the real culprit.
I kept my voice calm.
"I'll be there at exactly 7:30 p.m. Moonvalley Hotel."
I ended the call.
Then I looked at Vincent.
He looked back at me.
No words.
Just understanding.
Ready?
Ready.