I rushed in quickly, just before the trial could begin. The traffic had almost delayed me, but I made it just in time.
As I took my seat, I heard the gavel slam. The courtroom settled as Judge Harrison took her place, and everyone stood. I could sense the confidence radiating from Mr. Adam, who stood tall and poised, ready to present his case.
Across from me, the Bonfires were seated with their lawyers, Mr. and Mrs. Bonfire, and Aunt Tay.
I was caught off guard when I saw Mrs. Darwin seated next to Aunt Tay.
My attention immediately shifted back to Judge Harrison as she began the proceedings.
"This court is now in session for the fourth hearing regarding guardianship and the identity of Daniel Bonfire. Mr. Adam, proceed with your argument."
Mr. Adam walked to the center of the courtroom, holding a folder. His voice carried through the room as he began to speak.
"Your Honor, I come before this court today with new evidence, evidence that not only sheds light on the mysterious disappearance of the Edwards family's child but raises grave questions about the Bonfires' involvement. I present to you a case of kidnapping that occurred two years ago, involving several children who were abducted and held in a shipping container."
Gasps filled the courtroom as murmurs rippled through the Bonfire family's side. Mr. Adam held up a newspaper article, showing a photo of the missing girl, along with a press release from the Bonfires. He handed it over to Judge Harrison.
"One of the victims miraculously escaped, and when she did, this family—the Bonfires—stepped forward, offering a scholarship and support." Mr. Adam paused, letting the words sink in.
He turned his gaze to the Bonfires, his voice now bold.
"They made a public show of generosity. But why? Why would a family that has been so private for years suddenly take such an active interest in a young girl's education?"
Murmurs rose in the courtroom. The Bonfire lawyers shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Mr. Bonfire's gaze hardened as he looked at Mr. Adam, while Mrs. Darwin leaned forward, watching the proceedings carefully.
Mr. Adam turned back to Judge Harrison. "The timing of their intervention, Your Honor, is suspicious. It comes at a time when the Edwards family is still mourning the loss of their biological son, who was presumed dead after going missing for years. And then, suddenly, we have the Bonfires stepping in, going public in the way they did."
He paused again before continuing, his voice filled with growing intensity. "Could this be part of a larger, more insidious plan? Could they have orchestrated not only the kidnapping of that girl but also the disappearance of the Edwards' biological son?"
I could see Mrs. Bonfire's eyes widen as the full weight of his accusation sank in. Mr. Bonfire remained composed, his hands clasped in front of him, though he looked stunned.
I shifted my attention back to Mr. Adam.
"Let me remind this court—the missing child from the Edwards family could very well be the same age as Dan Bonfire. It's a theory that demands serious consideration."
I noticed Mrs. Darwin lean in to whisper something to Aunt Tay, her expression cold and unreadable.
Mr. Adam concluded his statement with a tone of finality.
"Therefore, I request, for the clarity of this court and to resolve any ambiguity, that we conduct a DNA test between the Edwards family and the Bonfires. Let us end this debate once and for all."
I watched as Mom nodded in agreement, her eyes fixed on the judge, while Dad glanced toward the Bonfires.
For the first time, today, Bonfire lawyer quickly raised his hand to object.
"Your Honor, this request is an insult to the integrity of the Bonfire family. We categorically reject any claims that would tie us to this... this child, Dan Bonfire, being linked to the Edwards. This is an irrelevant accusation without substantial fact."
The courtroom erupted in noise as Mr. Bonfire stood, his face a mixture of indignation and frustration. He addressed the judge, his voice rising as he tried to regain control of the situation.
"Your Honor, we are a respectable family. Our lineage has no connection to the Edwards. I've worked tirelessly to build this legacy, and I will not allow these unfounded claims to tarnish it. This entire theory is baseless."
Mrs. Bonfire stood behind him, nodding in agreement, though she remained silent.
Judge Harrison calmly slammed her gavel to restore order.
"I understand your objections, but the weight of suspicion requires resolution. We will proceed with the DNA test."
My eyes stayed locked on the Bonfires, exchanging uneasy glances. My gaze shifted to Mom, who clasped her hands together in excitement and murmured something to Dad.
Judge Harrison spoke again, her voice firm. "The DNA test will be conducted immediately. We will reconvene in the next five hours to review the results."
The courtroom fell silent, the tension palpable in the air. The gavel slammed once more. "This session is adjourned."
I quickly stood, heading for the exit. I couldn't afford to be caught in a crowd again like last time.
As soon as the gavel hit the bench and Judge Harrison dismissed the session, I made for the courtroom exit, weaving through murmuring crowds and stiff security. But just as my hand grazed the cool brass handle of the heavy oak door, a sharp voice cut through the thick air, freezing me in place.
"Helen?"
My body stiffened. I knew that voice—knew it so well it echoed in my bones.
It was Mom.
I turned slowly. Her eyes pierced through me like knives, blazing with a fury she didn't bother to hide.
Dad, who had just been shaking hands with Mr. Adam, dropped his smile and pulled away immediately the moment he heard her voice. His eyes found me in the crowd, narrowing with shock, then quickly clouding over with frustration.
They both started walking toward me—fast.
My hands trembled slightly, and I instinctively lowered my head, not wanting my face to betray anything.
Not the panic.
Not the guilt.
And definitely not the fear that they'd find out I hadn't come on my own. I couldn't risk them knowing Mr. Adam had helped me sneak into the courtroom.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Dad demanded, his voice low but venomous, each word striking like a whip. "Who gave you permission to step into this court?"
I swallowed hard, unable to respond. I could feel my chest tighten as the courtroom around us slowly cleared out. My silence only seemed to enrage him more.
Mom, however, stepped in front of him gently, placing a hand on his chest. Her voice came soft—so soft it hurt.
"You know how this affects you, mentally. That's why we've kept all this… all this chaos away from you," she said, almost like she was trying to protect me with her words.
I finally raised my head, my eyes locking with hers. There was concern beneath her frustration, but still—I couldn't let this go.
"But I want to be here," I said, my voice small at first. Then I stepped forward. "I need to be here."
Dad looked at me long and hard, his jaw clenched so tightly I could hear the grind of his teeth. "Helen," he began, measured, "we appreciate your help with this case… but your mom and I agree. Being here isn't good for you. Not today."
He turned to her briefly, and she nodded, giving silent approval.
"I'll tell Saint to take you home," he concluded, like it was final.
My heart raced, and I couldn't keep my composure any longer.
"What?!" I burst out.
"I deserve to know the outcome of the DNA test—at least that! You both know that!"
A few heads turned at the sudden outburst, but I didn't care. The truth was bursting out of me like a damn breaking.
"Helen," Dad hissed, lowering his voice and glaring at me, "this is not the place."
Mom stepped in again, her expression weary.
"You should go home, sweetheart," she said softly, like it was some sort of comfort.
I spun around—and just as I feared, Saint was already behind me, as if she'd been summoned the second the judge hit the gavel. Her posture was awkward, eyes avoiding mine.
I didn't wait for a word. I stormed off angrily, brushing past her and heading straight to the car. My hands were shaking as I pulled the door shut behind me and slumped into the seat.
Then, as if the universe was testing every limit I had left, the courtroom doors opened again—
and Dan walked in.
He moved with hesitation, eyes scanning the room before he stepped fully into the building. My breath caught.
He'd never set foot in the court before. Not once. The judge must have ordered that the test be done here. My heart pounded violently. His eyes met mine through the window, and for a second, everything inside me screamed.
The car door clicked open beside me. Saint slipped into the driver's seat, turning the ignition.
"You sold me out," I spat, glaring at her through the reflection in the rearview mirror.
Her gaze met mine in the mirror, steady.
"I didn't," she said calmly and began to drive.
I clenched my jaw.
"Then how did they know I was here? You were the only one who saw me!"
She let out a quiet sigh, keeping her eyes on the road.
"Your mom's been suspicious. She kept asking me if I'd seen you around. I didn't tell her anything… but I guess she connected the dots."
I stared at her reflection, unsure whether to believe her or not. Her face looked honest… but doubt still lingered.
"I knew how much this case meant to you," she added after a long silence.
I blinked. "What do you mean?"
Saint glanced at me briefly before turning back to the road.
"Finding out that the guy you love could actually be your brother? That's… a lot. I figured being here might be your closure."
Her words hit harder than I expected. I leaned back in the seat, defeated, the weight of everything pressing down on me.
"I just…" I paused, my throat tightening. "Now I'm going to miss the most important part of the case."
My voice cracked, and I screamed in frustration, slamming the seat with my palm.
"Everything is happening now!"