Kate stepped out of the car with her usual confidence. She wore a sharp, elegant suit and carried her briefcase with the same strength she held her convictions.

Today was everything.

The day of the trial against Julian, the day she fought for her freedom.

She took a deep breath, ready to climb the courthouse steps, when a voice stopped her.

"Kate."

She tensed—and turned to find Ethan.

"Ethan," she greeted him flatly, without a trace of warmth in her voice.

Ethan glanced around nervously, then stepped in closer, lowering his voice.

"What are you doing?"

"My job," she said simply. "Winning this case. I told you already."

"Yeah, but…" Ethan dragged a hand through his hair. "Kate, we're talking about Julian. That man doesn't go down easy. If you mess with him, you'll be the one who gets burned."

She stared at him, stone-faced, then stepped forward.

"Then tell your client I'm not afraid of him."

Without another word, she turned and started up the stairs.

Inside, t