Even Grant’s lawyer looked pale now.

“We are adjourned,” Judge Vance said.

She struck her gavel once, the sharp crack echoing off the wood paneled walls.

She rose and walked out of the courtroom through the rear door.

I let out a breath I felt like I had been holding for months.

My shoulders shook, and I buried my face in my hands.

Nathan’s arm went around my shoulders, drawing me close against his chest.

“It’s over,” he whispered into my hair. “For now, it’s over.”

Across the room, Evelyn stood up, smoothing her designer coat.

She looked at me, her eyes dead and cold.

“This isn’t the end, Emily,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

“Mrs. Whitmore, I suggest you leave,” Sarah said, stepping between us.

Grant stood up, his gaze lingering on Nathan.

“You bought her, Cole,” Grant spat. “But you can’t keep her.”

Nathan didn’t answer him.

He simply kept his arm around me, shielding me as they walked out of the courtroom.

When the heavy doors clicked shut behind them, the room felt lighter.

“Thank you,” I whispered to Sarah.