Page 79 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

The murmurs then die down, but the opposing counsel remains standing, fists clenched.

The judge peers over her glasses, her brows furrowing. "Is this evidence newly discovered? Or was it submitted at the beginning of these proceedings?"

My lawyer clears his throat. "Your Honor, this evidence has only just come to light. We received it late last night and have been able to verify its authenticity."

The judge leans back in her chair, considering for a moment. "Very well. Approach the bench, both counsels. We'll need to discuss if this new evidence is acceptable before proceeding."

As the lawyers move towards the judge's bench, I remain frozen in place, my heart pounding. What could this new evidence be, and how will it affect my case?

After significant arguments by Hank’s lawyer, the judge allows the document to be put into evidence, giving the opposition a thirty-minute break to review it.

Calling the courtroom back to order, the judge directs my lawyer to proceed.

The courtroom buzzes with tension as he stands.

My heart begins to beat even faster as he walks towards the bench, a file in his hand. What is he doing? I glance at my ex, Hank, who looks just as confused as I feel.

"Your Honor, these documents prove that Ms. Miller had no involvement in the corruption case. In fact, they show that she was deliberately kept in the dark about the illegal activities."

Gasps echo through the courtroom. I lean forward, straining to hear every word.

The judge examines the documents, her brow furrowed. "Attorney Grayson, this is quite a turnaround. For the record, may I ask why this evidence is only being presented now?"

He clears his throat. "Your Honor, this information only came to light very late last night. Upon thorough examination, we felt compelled to bring it forward in the interest of justice."

Hank’s lawyer also jumps to her feet. "Your Honor, we again move to have these documents stricken from evidence immediately."

As the legal battle unfolds before me, my mind races. Why didn’t my lawyer tell me before we began today? And what about the other side? I search Hank's face for answers, but he avoids my gaze, his jaw clenched tight.

The next hour is a blur of legal jargon and heated arguments. The evidence is presented, ad nauseum, to the jury. Finally, the judge calls for courtroom order.

"In light of this new evidence, we will recess while the jury deliberates. The court is adjourned and will be recalled when deliberations are completed."

The bailiff's voice rings out: "All rise!" And the jury recesses.

As we file out of the courtroom, my attorney takes my arm. "This is good news, Hayley. Really good news that I received late last night. I’m sorry that I didn’t have time to let you know ahead of court."

I nod, still dazed. "But why? How did all this come and from where, and how? And exactly what is it?" But before answering, my attorney’s attention is drawn away.

The hour crawls by. I pace the hallway, my stomach in knots. When we're called back in, I can barely breathe.

The jury files in, their faces unreadable. The foreman stands, a piece of paper in her hand.

"Has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge asks.

"We have, Your Honor."

The moment stretches forever. I close my eyes, bracing myself.

"On the charge of involvement in corporate corruption, we find the defendant Hank Ryder guilty on all counts as charged. We find the second defendant, Hayley Miller, not guilty on all counts."

The words echo in my ears. Not guilty. I'm free and Hank will never be able to invade my world again.

Tears of relief spring to my eyes as the judge speaks. "Ms. Miller, you are hereby cleared of all charges. Your involvement in this case is dismissed. You are free to go. Your standing as an attorney in this and any other state is untarnished by these accusations."

As the initial shock wears off, confusion sets in. I look over at Hank and his lawyer once again- but nothing.

I feel relieved as I leave the courtroom, but it's short-lived. The adrenaline crash hits me hard, and I stumble, nearly falling. A cold hand grabs my arm, yanking me back very hard.

---