Then Evangeline Ashford is called.
She walks to the witness with the poise of someone who's spent her entire life being watched. Her platinum blonde hair is pulled back in a sleek bun, her designer suit perfectly tailored. But up close, I can see the exhaustion in her blue eyes.
"Ms. Ashford," Patricia begins gently, "can you describe your relationship with Mr. Hawthorne?"
"It wasn't real." Evangeline's voice is clear, unwavering. "Gregory Stallworth approached my father with a proposal: Declan and I would be photographed together to boost both our public images. My father agreed because he thought it would help his political campaign. I agreed because..." She pauses, swallowing hard, then stays silent.
"Can you elaborate on Mr. Stallworth’s side?"
Evangeline nods. "Gregory orchestrated the restaurant reservations and photo opportunities, even the fake proposal rumors that leaked to the press. When Declan refused to continue, Gregory threatened to destroy his career. He showed me messages he'd collected, photos he'd manipulated. He told me he had enough evidence to ruin both of us if we didn't comply."
Patricia lets that sink in before asking, "Did Mr. Stallworth ever discuss Dr. Ivy Chandler with you?"
"Yes." Evangeline's gaze finds mine, then moves to Ivy in the gallery. "He called her a 'liability.' He said Declan was throwing away his career for someone 'insignificant.' He showed me the edited video before it went viral. He was proud of it."
The room erupts in whispers. Pemberton bangs his gavel.
When Evangeline steps down, she walks past Gregory without looking at him. He doesn't even blink.
Patricia stands again. "I have one final witness. Dr. Ivy Chandler."
My heart stops. Ivy rises from her seat, walks to the stand. I realize Patricia adding her at the last minute is a calculated move.
Ivy sits, folding her hands in her lap, and looks directly at the board.
"Dr. Chandler," Patricia begins, "can you describe your role with the Metro Raptors organization?"
"I'm a biomechanics researcher specializing in traumatic brain injury prevention. I’m conducting a university-sponsored study on concussion protocols with the team."
"And how did you meet Mr. Hawthorne?"
A faint blush colors her cheeks. "We met at the training facility. He was one of the players participating in my research."
"Did your relationship remain professional?"
"Initially, yes. But over time, we developed feelings for each other."
Patricia nods. "When did Gregory Stallworth become aware of your relationship?"
"I don't know the exact date, but he began interfering with my research approximately six weeks into the study. Anonymous complaints were filed with the university ethics board. My supervisor received calls questioning my professionalism. Someone sent photos of Declan and me together to the board."
"Did you know who was behind these complaints?"
"Not at first. But the timing coincided with Declan's attempts to distance himself from Mr. Stallworth's control."
"Can you describe the viral video incident?"
Her jaw tightens. "Someone edited footage to make it appear I was tampering with research at the training facility.The video was doctored, its timestamps altered and context removed. It destroyed my professional reputation overnight. I was suspended from my research position. My apartment was swarmed by reporters. My landlord terminated my lease."
Her voice doesn't waver, but I see the effort it takes. Riley is openly crying now. Marcus looks like he wants to murder someone.
"Did you later learn who created this video?"
"Yes. Mr. Stallworth admitted as much in communications with Declan. He used the video as leverage to try to force Declan back under his control."
Patricia pulls up the email chains, the text messages. Gregory's words displayed on the screen for everyone to see:She's a liability. Make her go away, or I will.
"Dr. Chandler," Patricia says softly, "why are you here today?"
