Chapter 234
Skye laughed. It was a hollow sound. “So I trade prison for manslaughter charges?”
“Civil liability only,” Silas said. “We pay a fine. The insurance covers it. You walk away free, just… legally responsible for the accident.”
“And my reputation?”
“Ruined,” Silas admitted. “But you won’t be in a cage.”
Skye leaned forward. “Tell Liam to go to hell. I’d rather rot in this cell than help him wash the blood off his hands.”
Silas sighed. He closed the file. “I thought you’d say that. Pity. Federal prison is not kind to pretty girls.”
He stood to leave.
Suddenly, the door flew open.
“Step away from my client!”
A voice thundered through the room.
Julian Vance wheeled himself in. Behind him were three men in expensive suits—the Dream Team.
“Mr. Vane,” Julian said, his voice dripping with disdain, “I believe you are violating legal ethics by speaking to a represented party without counsel present.”
Silas looked nervous. “She didn’t have counsel.”
“She does now,” Julian said. He tossed a document onto the table. “Notice of Representation. Filed ten minutes ago.”
Silas picked up his briefcase. “You’re backing a losing horse, Vance. The evidence is ironclad.”
“Forged iron rusts,” Julian said.
Silas scurried out.
Skye looked at Julian. He looked exhausted, but his eyes were fierce.
“You came,” she whispered.
“I told you,” Julian said. “I like watching the underdog.”
One of the lawyers stepped forward. “Ms. Sterling, I’m Robert Shapiro. We have a bail hearing in an hour. We’re going to get you out.”
“How?” Skye asked. “It’s a federal crime. Flight risk.”
𝘋𝗂𝘀c𝗼𝘃e𝗿 nе𝘸 𝘴𝘵оr𝘪е𝗌 о𝗻 𝗯𝖾ln𝗼𝘃𝖾𝘭𝘴.𝖼𝗈𝗆
“We found the flaw in their paperwork,” Julian said. “And we have a character witness willing to vouch for you. Someone unexpected.”
The courtroom was packed. Reporters jammed the gallery. Liam was there, in the back row, watching.
The judge peered over his glasses. “Bail is set at fifty million dollars. Cash.”
It was an astronomical sum, meant to keep her in.
“Paid,” Julian said from the front row.
The judge blinked. “Excuse me?”
“The funds have been transferred to the court’s escrow account,” the lawyers said. “Ms. Sterling is free to go.”
The gavel banged.
Skye walked out of the courtroom. The flashes were blinding.
She saw Liam. He looked furious. He had hoped she would break. He had hoped she would take the deal.
She stopped in front of him.
“You missed,” Skye whispered.
Liam sneered. “This isn’t over. Your father won’t save you this time.”
“I don’t need saving,” Skye said. “I just need time.”
She walked out to the waiting car. Julian was already inside.