Page 260 of The Wright Man

The voice was warm. Confident. Familiar.

He walked in like he owned the place.

He didn't rush. Didn't flinch. Just strolled to my side, adjusting his tie, papers in hand.

"Please state your name," the judge said.

He leaned into the mic.

"Andre Wright Jr.," he said cooly, "Counsel for Ms. Reed."

The courtroom shifted.

Gavin's lawyer blinked like he'd been sucker-punched. Gavin clenched his jaw so hard I could practically hear the enamel crack.

I didn't look directly at either of them.

Because I didn't have to.

Andre gave me a subtle nod. Then turned to the judge, already moving us forward. "Your Honor, we'd like to request immediate mediation. We're confident we can reach a resolution outside of trial."

The judge considered it, then nodded. "Granted. Proceed to mediation room three. Bailiff will escort."

Andre turned to me and gestured smoothly toward the door. I didn't wait for Gavin or his lawyer. I didn't even look at them.

Maleek was waiting just outside. He kissed me quick, hand on the back of my neck, grounding me like always.

"You got this, Angel," he murmured. "Won't take long. He's got nothing."

I bit my lip, let a flicker of nerves show just for him. "You really think this is it? That it's over?"

He smiled, slow and sexy. "Baby, I know it is. Man's gonna take your counteroffer and count it as a blessing after Dre's done with him."

I smiled back.

He leaned in, brushed his lips against my temple.

"Go take out your trash."

I turned away, skirt swaying around my legs, heels clicking confidently across the tiled floor. Andre held the door open as I walked into the mediation room, posture perfect, chin lifted.

This time, I wasn't anxious. I wasn't afraid.

I was ready.

The mediation room was colder than before. Or maybe it was just me.

Andre and I took our seats at the table, directly across from Gavin and his slimy little lawyer. Just the four of us for now. No mediator yet. No judge. Just two snakes on one side of the table, and me and the man I once thought I'd never see again on the other.

Yet another Wright brother here to help restore my peace.

Gavin smirked at me, all teeth and smugness, like he still believed this was his game. His little production. His performance to direct.

"So," he said, smug and relaxed, like he was ordering from a menu. "You finally decide to be sensible? Ready to give me what I'm owed so we can move on?"

I just looked him dead in the face like he was a gum wrapper someone left on my windshield. I didn't flinch. I didn't respond.

But Andre did.