Alle Kapitel von Fake dating my ex’s Hockey-star Brother: Kapitel 61 – Kapitel 67

Opening StatementsEthan's PovThe courtroom carries a particular, formal weight unlike anything I have experienced throughout the preliminary hearings, dark wood paneling and rows of quiet, attentive spectators filling the space with an atmosphere considerably more serious than any arena crowd I have ever played before.Sophie sits beside me in the row reserved for the prosecution's supporting witnesses, her hand gripping mine tightly as Marcus enters from a side door, flanked by his legal team, looking considerably more diminished than the polished, confident man who once managed my career with such careful precision. His eyes briefly meet mine across the courtroom before his lawyer directs his attention elsewhere, something cold and resentful still flickering behind his composed exterior despite the evident weight of facing formal criminal charges.Patricia Lin rises for the prosecution's opening statement, her voice carrying steady, methodical confidence as she addresses the jury

Facing HimEthan's PovTaking the witness stand feels entirely different from anything I have previously experienced, including the pressure of championship games or difficult press conferences, the formal gravity of the courtroom settling heavily over me as Patricia begins her careful, methodical questioning."Mr. Carter, can you describe your professional relationship with the defendant prior to discovering his manipulation?" she asks.I walk the jury through three years of trust, Marcus's careful management of my career, the gradual accumulation of small, seemingly reasonable decisions that eventually revealed themselves as systematic manipulation rather than genuine professional guidance. My voice remains steady throughout, though I feel Marcus's eyes fixed on me from the defense table, cold and resentful despite his lawyer's careful coaching toward composed, unaffected body language."Can you describe the phone call where the defendant made explicit threats against you?" Patricia

The VerdictEthan's PovThe call comes just after noon, Patricia's voice carrying barely contained urgency through the phone. "The jury's reached a verdict. The judge wants everyone back in the courtroom within the hour."Sophie and I rush to gather our things, calling Ryan, Mason, and Victoria as we hurry toward the courthouse, adrenaline and anxious anticipation crashing through me with an intensity that makes my hands shake slightly against the steering wheel. By the time we arrive, our entire supportive group has assembled in the gallery, Gerald and Priya joining as well, everyone drawn back together for this pivotal, long-awaited moment.The courtroom fills with tense, expectant silence as the judge takes her seat, the jury filing back in with carefully neutral expressions that offer no early indication of their decision. Marcus stands beside Voss at the defense table, his posture rigid, whatever composure he maintained throughout the earlier proceedings now visibly strained unde

Meeting JennaEthan's PovRyan invites Sophie and me to dinner the following week, nervous energy evident in his voice when he calls to extend the invitation, clearly anticipating the significance of finally introducing Jenna properly to the rest of the family."No pressure," he says, though his tone suggests otherwise. "I just want you both to meet her, genuinely, without the complication of a larger family gathering overwhelming things."We arrive at the restaurant Ryan selected, a quiet, unpretentious spot considerably different from the polished establishments he used to frequent during his relationship with Amelia, and I immediately understand why he chose it once I meet Jenna, warm and unassuming, completely unbothered by any of the Carter family's complicated public reputation."It's wonderful to finally meet you both properly," Jenna says, genuine warmth in her voice as she shakes my hand, then Sophie's. "Ryan's told me so much about everything you've all been through together