The morning sun cast long shadows across the courthouse steps.

Elise Scott's trial was about to begin.

Media frenzy had reached its peak. By 7 AM, five trending topics were dedicated to her case. When Samantha and Elise arrived at 8, journalists swarmed the entrance like vultures.

"Should I clear a path?" Samantha asked quietly.

Elise shook her head. "Let them be."

They stepped out of the car together.

Immediately, microphones were thrust in their faces. Camera flashes blinded them. Samantha positioned herself as a shield, but the crowd pressed closer.

"Ms. Scott! What are your chances today?"

"How long do you expect to be imprisoned?"

"Any regrets about destroying your career?"

"Why weren't you at Scott Enterprise's gala? Your grandmother said you're disowned!"

"Don't you have anything to say to your family?"

The questions came rapid-fire, blending into noise.

Elise took a steadying breath. Her voice cut through the chaos. "The verdict will speak for itself. I trust our justice system completely."

"Ms. Scott—"

"As for my family," Elise continued, louder now. "They've made their position clear. I accept their decision."

"Aren't you angry—"

"I've answered what matters. Now please move. You're obstructing justice by delaying this proceeding."

Bailiffs materialized, creating a corridor through the crowd.

The journalists scattered, then regrouped around a new arrival.

Sophia Mitchell stood weeping in a black designer dress.

"Ms. Mitchell! Why are you here? Your family cut ties with Elise!"

"Are you here to gloat?"

Sophia dabbed her eyes dramatically. "She's still my sister. Blood matters. I just want this to end well for her."

"How noble! Weren't you fighting over Samuel Mitchell?"

The questions grew more aggressive, but Sophia played the victim perfectly.

Then someone shouted, "William Levine and Victoria Stuart are here!"

Like magic, every journalist abandoned Sophia.

She watched, bitterness twisting her features, as the elite couple received the attention she craved.