Chapter 5
The courtroom exploded.
Cameras popped like fireworks, reporters pushing and yelling. Simon shot up, face ghost–white and pissed.
“Clark Johnston, what is the meaning of this?!”
Clark didn’t even blink at him. He went straight to me, dropped to one knee.
He started undoing the rope around my wrists, his voice low and steady.
“Heidi, I’m sorry I’m late.”
I looked up, barely able to lift my head, and locked eyes with him.
In my last life, Clark burst into the prison trying to save me–only to die with me in the fire.
“Clark…”
Tears blurred everything the second I knew he’d come back with me.
He brushed them away like I’d shatter.
“Don’t be scared, Heidi. I’ve got you.”
Then he turned to the medics.
“Take care of Ms. Wynn. Now.”
They swarmed in, checking my injuries. When they saw the lash marks, Clark’s whole vibe shifted–cold and dangerous.
“Who did this?” His voice was barely a whisper, but the room froze.
Simon’s face twisted. He tried to keep cool. “Mr. Johnston, this is a family matter-”
“Family matter?” Clark laughed, sharp and mean. He pulled a ring from his pocket.
Gasps popped off as he grabbed my hand.
“Heidi’s my fiancée. Since when do you handle my ‘family‘?”
The diamond caught the light–it was the same one he never got to give me before.
My hands shook as he slid it on.
Simon froze, totally losing it. “No way! She already signed the confession!”
Clark stood tall, voice cutting.
+25 Bonus
1/3
“You forced her. It’s invalid. And…”
He snapped his fingers. His assistant stepped up with a file.
“We’ve got full surveillance of Nancy jacking data from Johnston Group. Plus audio of Simon coaching her.”
The screen lit up.
There was Nancy, sneaking into the archives, copying files with a USB.
Then the audio kicked in–crystal clear.
“Nancy, once we get Johnston’s chip tech, we’ll own the market. That useless Heidi can disappear.”
No mistaking Simon’s voice.
Nancy went ghost–white. Simon lost it.
“It’s fake! You set me up!”
The judge slammed the gavel.
+25 Bonus
“Order! With this new evidence, we’re reopening the case. Simon and Nancy, you’re under arrest for corporate espionage.”
Bailiffs moved in, cuffing them.
Simon thrashed, eyes locked on me.
“You bitch! How could you do this to me?!”
Nancy shrieked, pure rage.
“You’re sick! I’m pregnant!”
I stared them down, cold.
“Simon, your turn for those ninety–nine lashes.”
Simon and Nancy were dragged out, still screaming like maniacs.
Simon barked, “Heidi! You think cozying up to Clark makes you safe? This isn’t over!”
Clark stepped in, blocking me with that stone–cold stare.
“Mr. Muttrie, focus on surviving prison.”
Then to the judge, all business.
“Given their behavior, I’m requesting a no–contact order for my fiancée’s safety.”
