The courtroom was silent and imposing. Judge Harrison's voice echoed through the hall. "After careful deliberation by the collegial panel, and thorough courtroom investigations and debates, the evidence presented is insufficient to convict Elise Scott of bribery involving one million dollars and tax evasion exceeding seven million. She is to be released immediately."

A wave of relief swept through the courtroom. Cheers erupted from the spectators.

Not everyone had wished for Elise's downfall. Many had hoped for true justice to prevail.

The case had been filled with unexpected twists and turns, which explained the enthusiastic reaction to the verdict.

Sophia Mitchell stood frozen, her face pale with shock. She watched the joyful expressions around her, feeling a scream building in her throat. She had been so certain that Elise would be imprisoned. It had seemed inevitable.

Yet... somehow... everything had fallen apart. How was Elise so resourceful? How did she manage to escape unscathed, time and time again? Were even Victoria and the powerful Stuart family not enough to bring her down? Sophia clenched her jaw, fury coursing through her veins.

Victoria Stuart wasn't faring much better. Seated beside William, she had to suppress her raging emotions. She forced a pleasant, relieved expression onto her face, though it felt like a mask cutting into her skin.

The psychological strain was immense, nearly driving her to madness. She had orchestrated so much, set every piece in motion. Only the final step remained.

And she had failed at that final step. She had trusted Sophia to handle the details, but clearly, that had been a mistake. Sophia was clever, but she was no match for Elise. If she were, Elise wouldn't be walking out of this courtroom a free woman.

Victoria carefully schooled her features, hiding her turmoil. She glanced subtly at William beside her. From the moment Elise had entered the courtroom, his gaze had rarely left her. Now, with the announcement of Elise's release, his expression was unreadable. Was he concealing his true feelings, saving them only for Elise?

As the verdict was finalized, people began to file out of the courtroom.

Nathan Davis nudged Andrew Saunders playfully. "Who knew your wife was so formidable? I've never really interacted with her, only heard you two weren't on the best terms. But her performance in court today was impressive. She's going to attract a lot of attention. A flirtatious guy like you better watch out, or you might get left behind."

Andrew shot him a look of pure disdain.

"You'll regret not listening to my advice," Nathan shrugged, letting the matter drop.

The group moved toward the courthouse entrance. Elise and Samantha were already outside, surrounded by a throng of reporters.

Andrew looked at the others. "How about we get a meal together? It's been a while since we all caught up."

"Not me. I have other plans," William was the first to decline.

Andrew's eyes shifted to Ethan. "I'm not free either," Ethan replied, his voice unusually weak and unsteady. A closer look would reveal his face was alarmingly pale.

"Are you going to reject me too?" Andrew turned to Nathan. The two of them usually had the most free time and often went out for drinks.

"Yes," Nathan stated bluntly. "Don't invite me for drinks or bar hopping anymore. I won't come. First, my girlfriend wouldn't approve. Second, I really need to focus on getting fit and losing some weight."

"Are you actually serious about this girl? Who is she? How did she manage to make you fall so hard?" Andrew exclaimed, his tone a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "Bring her out sometime. Let me be the judge. So many girls these days are just gold diggers. Some are outright scammers, only looking out for themselves. I'm worried a sincere guy like you might get his heart broken."

"There's no need for you to vet her. She's amazing—the best woman in the world," Nathan defended passionately.

"Listen to yourself. You're already completely love-blind. What if she's just playing you..." Andrew and Nathan had always enjoyed this kind of banter. The rest of the group was long accustomed to their dynamic exchanges.