The courthouse looked like a war zone.Barricades held back hundreds of protesters, some holding signs supporting Jade, others defending Carter, a few demanding justice for Maeve. News trucks lined the street three deep. Helicopters circled overhead. Someone had brought a brass band.Maeve sat in the back of Carter's car, watching the chaos through tinted windows."We can use the underground entrance," Marcus said from the front seat. "Avoid the cameras entirely.""No." Maeve's voice was steady. "I'm not hiding anymore."Carter reached for her hand. She let him take it, but didn't look at him. They'd barely spoken since yesterday's interview, communicating through tense text messages and careful distance."You don't have to do this," he said quietly."Yes, I do." She finally met his eyes. "If I hide, they win. Jade, my father, everyone who thinks I'm too fragile or too damaged to stand up for myself."The car pulled to the front entrance. Through the windows, Maeve could see the crowd
Last Updated : 2026-02-11 Read more