From Lies To Love

Chapter10

Ryan drove in silence, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually against the gear shift.

Emily stared out the window, pretending to be interested in the scenery, when in reality, she was too aware of him his presence, his scent, the way the morning sunlight made his features sharper, more defined.

"So," Ryan finally spoke, breaking the silence. "Your own firm, huh?"

Emily turned to him, surprised. "Yeah. It’s small, but it’s growing."

Ryan nodded, as if considering something. "You’re not surprised I already knew, are you?"

She frowned. "You knew?"

He gave her a pointed look. "Of course I knew. I keep track of people who used to work for me. Especially the ones who were… unforgettable."

Emily’s heart skipped.

She quickly masked her reaction. "I don’t know if that’s sweet or controlling."

Ryan smirked. "Can’t it be both?"

Emily rolled her eyes. "Typical."

But deep down, something warm settled in her chest. He had been paying attention.

The rest of the drive was quiet, but not uncomfortably so. The tension was still there, simmering beneath the surface, but neither of them acknowledged it.

For now.

As soon as Ryan dropped Emily off, he wasted no time dwelling on the tension that still clung between them. Instead, he shifted into work mode, dialing his secretary, Linda, as he pulled away from her apartment complex.

“Linda, get everything ready for the Simmons case. I’ll be at the courthouse in thirty minutes.”

“Yes, Mr. Blackwood,” Linda replied efficiently. “The documents have been prepared, and the witnesses are set to testify. The opposition’s lawyer, Robert Gains, has filed a motion to dismiss based on lack of substantial evidence.”

Ryan’s jaw tightened. Gains was grasping at straws. “Let him try. I’ll be there soon.”

The Simmons case was one Ryan had taken on personally. It wasn’t about money or prestige it was about justice.

George Simmons, a well-known businessman, had been abusing his wife, Melissa, for years. But like many powerful men, he had used his wealth and influence to silence her, making sure she had no way out.

That ended today.

Inside the Courtroom

Ryan walked into the courtroom with his usual commanding presence cold, composed, and intimidating as hell. Dressed in his sharp black suit, he looked every bit the lawyer you don’t want to go up against.

He took his place at the plaintiff’s table, glancing at his client, Melissa Simmons. The woman sat rigidly, her hands trembling slightly in her lap. Linda sat beside her, offering quiet reassurance.

Across the room, George Simmons lounged in his chair, looking far too smug for a man on trial. His lawyer, Gains, wore an equally confident smirk.

Ryan leaned back in his chair and adjusted his cuffs. Let’s see how long that arrogance lasts.

The judge entered, and the courtroom was called to order.

“Mr. Gains,” the judge began, “you’ve filed a motion to dismiss. State your argument.”

Gains stood, buttoning his jacket. “Your Honor, there is no concrete evidence proving my client has been abusive. The accusations are baseless, and Mrs. Simmons has no medical records or police reports to substantiate her claims. Furthermore, the supposed ‘witnesses’ have nothing credible to offer.”

Ryan didn’t even blink. The predictable move.

The judge turned to him. “Mr. Blackwood, your response?”

Ryan rose smoothly. “Your Honor, my client may not have a police report because every time she tried to report her abuse, she was threatened and coerced into silence.” He walked toward the jury, his voice firm and unwavering. “We are not dealing with just another domestic dispute. We are dealing with a man who manipulated the system to avoid consequences. A man who thinks his money makes him untouchable.”

Gains scoffed. “That’s quite the dramatic speech, counselor, but we deal with facts here, not emotions.”

Ryan’s lips twitched into a smirk, but his eyes remained cold. “Then let’s talk facts.” He turned toward the judge. “I’d like to call a key witness to the stand Mrs. Evelyn Carter.”

The courtroom door opened, and an older woman stepped in. The moment she was sworn in, the atmosphere shifted.

“Mrs. Carter,” Ryan began, “could you tell the court how you are connected to this case?”

Evelyn sat up straighter. “I was the Simmons family’s housekeeper for ten years.”

Ryan nodded. “And in those ten years, did you witness Mr. Simmons behaving abusively toward his wife?”

Evelyn’s voice trembled slightly, but she answered with conviction. “Yes. Many times.”

Gains stood. “Objection! Hearsay.”

Ryan’s smirk returned. “Not hearsay when there’s video evidence.”

The courtroom shifted. Gains’ smug expression faltered.

Ryan turned to the judge. “Your Honor, we have security footage retrieved from the Simmons estate, recorded by Mrs. Carter, showing Mr. Simmons in multiple violent altercations with his wife.”

A murmur spread through the courtroom.

The judge turned to Gains. “Mr. Gains, do you still want to proceed with your motion to dismiss?”

Gains clenched his jaw. “No, Your Honor.”

The judge nodded. “Then we’ll move forward with the case.”

Ryan sat down, crossing his arms as George Simmons finally lost the smirk he had been wearing.

The battle was far from over, but the tide had turned.

And Ryan Blackwood had just proved once again why he was a name feared in the courtroom.