The courthouse steps were lined with cameras.
Elena felt the flashes before she saw them.
Like lightning striking without warning.
Adrian’s hand was firm at the small of her back as they stepped out of the car. Not possessive. Not theatrical.
Protective.
The press shouted questions.
“Mr. Vale, is the baby yours?”
“Is your marriage collapsing?”
“Is Marissa carrying your heir?”
The words sliced through the air.
Elena kept her chin high.
She had learned quickly—weakness was blood in water.
Adrian leaned close to her ear as they walked.
“Eyes forward.”
“I know.”
But her pulse thundered anyway.
Inside, the air changed. Cooler. Sterile. Controlled.
Nothing like the chaos outside.
They were ushered into a private waiting room.
Elijah was already there.
And so was Marissa.
Ele
