At the first trial, Nathan stood in the witness stand, the courtroom silent as he faced the judge. His hands gripped the edge, voice steady as he presented Liam’s fraud evidence of offshore accounts, insider trading records, all meticulously documented. Each of his words meant to bury his adopted brother and reclaim his place. “These records show Liam Hayes siphoned millions illegally,” Nathan said, pointing to the projected slides. “It’s undeniable.”The judge nodded, eyes scanning the evidence. “This is serious, Mr. Kane. You’re certain of its authenticity?”“Absolutely,” Nathan said, jaw tight. “I’ve verified every transaction. It’s all real.”Mr. Hayes’ lawyer, a sharp-eyed man named Grayson, stood, voice smooth but cutting. “Objection, Your Honor. These documents are fabricated. Mr. Kane has a history of forging evidence to smear my client.”Nathan’s heart sank, anger flaring. “That’s a lie,” he snapped, turning to the judge. “Liam’s the one forging contracts, not me.”Grayson sm

It was the third day of the hearing. Nathan stood on the witness stand, facing Paul Tanner, Mr. Hayes’ witness, whose claim that Nathan had planted fraud evidence had shaken the courtroom. His heart pounded, but his voice was steady, honed by Victor’s coaching. He leaned forward, eyes locked on Tanner. “You said I accessed Hayes Telecom systems on June 12th. Which server?”Tanner shifted, sweat beading on his brow. “Uh, the main one. In the office.”Nathan’s voice sharpened. “The main server was down for upgrades that day, the logs prove it so how’d I get in?”Tanner’s eyes darted, voice faltering. “Maybe it was… another server.”“Another server?” Nathan pressed, relentless. “You said main. And my credentials were deactivated months ago. You’re lying, aren’t you?”The courtroom stirred, murmurs rippling. The judge’s brow furrowed, her gaze flicking to Tanner. “Answer the question, Mr. Tanner.”Tanner stammered, “I… I saw what I saw.”“No, you didn’t,” Nathan said, voice cold. “Someone

The next morning, Nathan’s team filed in with Alan Brooks seated at the defense table.Nathan rose immediately. “Your Honor, the defense calls Alan Brooks to testify regarding Mr. Hayes’ authorization of fraudulent transfers.”The judge glanced down at the motion notes from yesterday. “Proceed with a preliminary statement.”Alan adjusted his tie, voice steady. “I was the accountant handling Sterling-Hayes joint funds. On three separate occasions, I was present when Mr. Hayes gave verbal approval to transfer company funds into Liam Hayes’s private accounts. The memo initials match his handwriting. Liam’s fraud was not rogue—it was sanctioned.”Victor nodded sharply. “That’s the link. Direct involvement.”Before Nathan could frame the next question, Quinn shot to his feet. “Objection, Your Honor. This testimony cannot stand. Defense failed to disclose Brooks as a witness during discovery. Introducing him now is a procedural violation.”Nathan retorted, “We presented his name yesterday.

The next day, in the Sterling Mansion dining hall, Mr. Hayes stood first. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, raising his glass. “Tonight, we make official what has already been set for years. Our families—Hayes and Sterling—are joining as one. My son Liam will soon marry Cassandra Sterling.”Applause rose immediately. Richard leaned back in his chair, grinning. “It’s not just a union of two young people. It’s the cementing of a billion-dollar future. Telecom dominance. A legacy unshakable.”Eleanor’s lips curved. “The wedding will be discreet but swift. Cassandra has already begun the guest list. The date will be sooner than expected.”Cassandra kept her eyes down. She had only been informed a few hours ago, written names all morning, following Eleanor’s orders. She had not asked questions, had not hesitated. Now, with all eyes on her, she simply nodded once, calm and composed as ever.Marjorie, seated two places away, leaned toward a cluster of guests. “Nathan Kane is becoming reckless

“One week,” Eleanor said without hesitation. “No delays. The sooner it’s sealed, the sooner our empire expands.”Marjorie smiled thinly. “And the sooner Nathan is forgotten.”Mr. Hayes adjusted his tie. “Security will begin tonight. No one enters or leaves the circle without my clearance. Not even family.”Richard chuckled. “Excessive, but necessary.”Liam stepped back, admiring Cassandra. “You’ll stand beside me in that dress, and the world will see we were always meant to be.”Cassandra remained silent, her hands at her sides.Eleanor clapped once. “It’s settled. The gown is chosen. The timeline is fixed, the venue is secret, security arranged, this marriage will not fail.”Everyone nodded.Cassandra, still in the gown, gave her final word. “I’ll wear it."At the Sterling mansion ballroom, Eleanor snapped her fingers at the decorators. “The drapes go higher, the flowers stay white. This wedding will be discreet, but every photograph must scream power.”Cassandra stood at her side, a