Chapter 23

Kieran POv 

When we arrived at the courthouse, I was relieved that there were no reporters at the entrance of the courthouse. I noticed that Lyra’s countenance changed the moment she got out of the SUV. 

She quickly wrapped the scarf around her head and her face, leaving only her eyes visible to the public. No one would joke that she’s the one. I figured she did that because of the reporters. 

“Go in there and let Judge Johnson know that we’re here to see him. Enso  Blackwood is the name you’d give to him.”

“Other people are waiting to see him.”

“Do I look like other people? Do what you’re told, or my guards will help you do your job.” He agreed to my request because he knows that if my guard stormed into the courtroom, it would cause a little chaos, and he might lose his job in respect to that. 

“Wait here.” He walked into the courtroom slowly while I kept my eyes around and turned to the reception hallway, where the guard mentioned people were waiting to see Judge Johnson. 

Ethan was amongst them. I wondered why Ethan would want to see the judge. Is he in some sort of trouble?

After a couple of minutes, Judge Johnson stepped out with a warm smile on his face. 

“You never mentioned to me you were coming. I wish you did, I would have adjourned this case to another date, but I also did that because you’re not the kind that I’d keep waiting.”

“Yeah, you know that.”

“What would you like me to do for you? Pardon my manners, is this your lady? The one on the news. Everyone watched that beautiful dance video you did with her.” He talked about the dance we had at the occasion. I never knew it was recorded and uploaded to the news. 

“Which media outlet posted that video?”

“A whole lot. It was aired on many channels. I’m surprised that you don’t even know about it.” He chuckled, patting my shoulder before dragging out his phone from his pocket. 

“Judge Johnson. How’re you doing?” Ethan approached us with his hands in his pockets. 

“Enough about the dance. I’d like to speak about the land…” Judge Johnson held my hands. 

“Kieran, you don’t need to fight over that case. If the land is settled to be yours, there won’t be a need to dig up gold; besides, they don’t know the quantity, and their research results are inconclusive.” 

“Judge Johnson!” He raised his voice, dragging his attention, but I chimed in, 

“What do you want, Ethan? You’ve got a wife and daughter at home to take care of. Why are you here?” I chuckled, wondering why Lyra tightened her grip around my arm the moment Ethan stepped closer.  

“My lawyer was supposed to speak to you. I don’t know if he’s done that.”

“Right now, my hands are full, and I’m booked until I’m done with the man standing right here. Let’s go to my office.” Judge Johnson led the way to his office, leaving Ethan behind. 

“That parcel of land is meant for the owners to dig up their gold and take what belongs to them. But as you said, it’s going to disrupt your water supply, which means you want to purchase the land with the sole aim of keeping your water supply clean. The land can be bought, but the problem is whether the sellers are willing to sell.” Judge Johnson revealed to me the documents belonging to the owners of the land. 

“The quantity of the gold is inconclusive, so what offer do you think we can give them to make it look legit?” 

“I suggest that we don’t do it this way. Why don’t you call the owners of this land and host a meeting with them at a luxurious suite? This is a mode of attraction; they enjoy the warmth of life for a day or two before the day of the meeting.” She suggested, however, I thought differently. 

“If they don’t agree to the meeting?”

“A three-day all-expense-paid vacation isn’t what anyone would regret in this dispensation of time.” Judge Johnson winked at my lady, wearing a smile on his face. 

“Don’t do that,” I warned, keeping my tone casual because Lyra dragged my shirt. 

“Let’s go with her plan. I’d speak to them and let them know about the good news. I’ll let you know if they agree to it.” I got up and was about to leave when Judge Johnson called me back.

“Can I have a word with you in private?” He stammered as I closed the door, leaving Lyra outside. 

“What’s wrong?”

“Your lady is a handful. You took your time finding this real gem, keep it close because if you lose her…”

“I don’t intend to lose a blessing.” My last words before leaving his office. 

I was shocked to see a man speaking to Lyra down the hallway. 

“Don’t you dare touch my lady.” I pushed him backwards in rage. I cared less about the impact and how he hit his back on the wall. 

“Let’s go.” I yanked her wrist and stormed out of the courthouse. 

I was escorted by my guards into the SUVLyra knew better than to say a word to me. She knew how angry I was seeing her talking to another man. 

What gives her the guts to speak to another man, knowing that the rules of the contract are against it?

“I know you’re pissed, but holding me like that feels like I’m your slave. I don’t want to get…”

“Don’t you read? I asked you to read the contract three times and go over it for a day or two. You took three days before signing the contract, so why are you speaking to that loser?!” I shouted, slamming my fist on the door repeatedly, trying to control the anger boiling inside of me. 

“A mistake I’ll never make again….”

“That’s enough, just don’t say a word anymore,” I ordered as she picked up my tablet immediately and acted like she was going over some files. I knew she wasn’t doing anything. 

“Sir, is everything alright back there? Do you want us to make a stop at a cafe? Have breakfast and cool off. It looks like you need to blow off steam.” He asked politely. 

“He’s right. Stop at the nearest cafe. A hungry man is an angry man,” She conceded to the guard’s words. 

“That’s a good joke.” The two men sitting in front laughed at her joke so loudly that I lost every fibre of anger I had in me. 

“So are we going to the cafe or not, Alpha Kieran?”