The Unseen Heiress
As the illegitimate daughter in a household that scorns her, Emilia has learned to endure a life of cruel whispers and cold glares. But her fate takes an unexpected turn when her spoiled half-sister disappears on the eve of her arranged marriage. The family forces Emilia to wed the rumored crippled and disfigured groom in her sister's place—an ominous task they hope will rid them of her for good. Yet, when Emilia meets her new husband, Damien Blackwood, she is stunned. This mysterious man is neither crippled nor disfigured. Instead, he’s handsome, powerful, and hiding secrets as dark as her own. With the Blackwood family’s treacherous history looming over them, Emilia realizes she has entered a world far more dangerous than her own home—a world where alliances are built on lies and love can turn into a weapon. As she delves deeper, Emilia uncovers shocking secrets that link her family’s downfall to Damien’s ruthless kin. Now, torn between the man she’s come to trust and the whispers of betrayal around every corner, Emilia must decide: will she seek revenge on those who’ve wronged her or fight alongside Damien to claim her rightful legacy? In a game where love, power, and loyalty are tested, Emilia must face her past to shape her future… even if it means risking her life.
Chapter 69: Victory in Court
The courtroom was packed to capacity, the tension almost palpable as the final day of the trial began. Every whispered conversation, every creak of a chair, every glance exchanged felt heavy with anticipation. It was the moment we had all been waiting for—the court's decision.
I sat at the plaintiff's table, my hands clasped tightly together. Damien was beside me, a steady presence despite the storm raging around us. Across the room, Vincent Blackwood sat rigidly, his jaw clenched and eyes burning with barely suppressed fury. His lawyer, Whitaker, whispered something urgently into his ear, but he didn't respond. He was too busy glaring at me, as if willing me to crumble under his gaze.
But I wouldn't. Not today.
The judge entered, and the courtroom rose to its feet. When we all sat again, the air seemed to grow even heavier. The judge's face was unreadable as he shuffled his papers, his voice steady as he addressed the court.