Chapter 480

Twenty-four hours had crawled by since Cassandra Blackwood was dragged into interrogation under the cover of darkness.

For a pampered socialite like Cassandra, the past day had been sheer torment. Though they'd provided decent meals,

the relentless questioning had left her with dark circles and a gaunt complexion. She hadn't moved from that chair in hours.

The harsh spotlight burned against her meticulously styled hair, turning it into a frazzled mess.

Pure agony.

"I didn't do it! I never sent Vivian to spy on Monarch Group! This is all Evelyn's doing—she framed me!"

"I'm innocent!"

Exhaustion weighed on Cassandra, but she kept denying any involvement, her voice hoarse from repetition.

Then, the door swung open.

A sharply dressed man strode in, a sleek leather briefcase in hand, confidence radiating from every step.

"Gentlemen, I'm Lawrence Pembroke, Ms. Blackwood's defense attorney."

Lawrence Pembroke?

Cassandra's dull eyes flickered with sudden hope.

He gave her a reassuring smile, his gaze steady. "I need a private word with my client."

Once alone in the consultation room, Cassandra clutched his sleeve, tears streaming. "Did my father send you? Please, get me out of here. I can't take this anymore."

"Relax, Ms. Blackwood." His voice was calm, but his eyes were razor-sharp. "I took this case because I believe we can clear your name. But I need complete honesty from you—no omissions, no lies."

"Of course!"

Cassandra nodded frantically. If Lawrence had gotten her mother out of legal trouble before, he could save her too. So she spilled everything.

Lawrence listened impassively, fingers steepled.

"Mr. Pembroke, can you stop Evelyn? She's vicious!"

Cassandra slammed her fist on the table. "If it weren't for that witch, I wouldn’t be in this mess!"

"Ms. Carter is the plaintiff, Ms. Blackwood. The victim. And let’s not forget—she’s Harrison Kingsley’s daughter."

His tone darkened. "This won’t be easy. Evelyn is relentless. If you walk away unscathed, consider yourself lucky. Don’t push for more."

Cassandra bristled at the reprimand but bit her tongue. She needed him.

"Our key witness is Vivian Prescott. Her affair with Timothy Thornton, the director of Spotlight News, could discredit her testimony."

Lawrence twirled his pen, expression unreadable. "Then there’s Julian Whitmore—he was seen with Vivian before this all unfolded. That’s our best shot at getting the charges dropped."

"Wait… you’re saying we pin this on Julian?" Cassandra whispered, stunned.

Lawrence’s lips curved into a cryptic smile.

"But… would he take the blame? I heard they broke up."