Chapter 22

I had never seen so many cameras in one place.

As soon as Benjamin's car pulled up in front of the courthouse, reporters swarmed. Flashes lit up the tinted windows like fireworks, and I could already hear them yelling before I even opened the door.

"Elizabeth! Is it true your mother was kidnapped?"

"Did Aurora Blackwood try to kill you?"

"Is it revenge or justice?"

Benjamin got out first and walked around to my side, shielding me as I stepped out. His hand didn't leave the small of my back, steady and firm.

I kept my eyes straight ahead. No expression. No reaction. Just walk.

The officers waiting by the courthouse doors pushed the press back as we passed through the barricade.

Still, I heard them-shouting, speculating, snapping pictures like they were hungry for a scandal.

Inside, it was quiet.

Courtroom B. Second floor. That's where the pre-trial hearing would happen.

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