Chapter 164: The News

Tristan’s POV

I leaned back against the wall beside the front door, the coolness pressing into my spine, my head falling against the surface as if gravity had suddenly doubled. The courthouse air still clung to me, the heaviness and the suffocating air. The murmurs of reporters, the clicking of cameras, the whispers of strangers who thought they knew me still echoed inside my skull.

I dragged a hand down my face. I scoffed at the thought that Rowan didn’t show. The judge had granted another chance, but the damage was done. The headlines would spin it as avoidance, guilt and fear.

I pushed off the wall and walked further into the lounge. My phone rang. I took it out of my pocket. It was Cris. I swallowed before answering. “Hey.”

Her voice came through sharp and strained. “Dad… did you see the news?”

“No,” I muttered, loosening my tie as I crossed toward the sofa. “What’s going on?”

There was a pause. A hesitation I didn’t like. “It’s Rowan Patel.”

The name hit my chest like a blunt object. “What about him?”

Her voice dropped. “He’s dead.”

Everything inside me went still. “What?”

“They are saying he committed suicide.”

I didn’t even realize I had stopped walking. “What do you mean ‘saying’?”

“They found him in his house last night. His wife found him. Dad…” her voice trembled, “They said he was hanging from the ceiling, but his wrists were slit too. There was blood everywhere.” My stomach turned violently. I grabbed the remote from the coffee table and switched on the television with shaking hands. The screen flickered to life.

Breaking News.

The image of Rowan’s home filled the screen. Police tape. Flashing lights. Reporters speaking in hushed tones that were anything but respectful.

“…found deceased in his study room late last night. Authorities have confirmed an apparent suicide. However, details remain unclear as sources indicate multiple injuries inconsistent with a typical hanging…” My blood ran cold.

Cris’ voice pulled me back. “Dad? Are you still there?”

“Yes,” I said hoarsely.

The journalist continued, “Rowan Patel, well-known defense attorney, had been scheduled to appear in court this morning-”

That’s why he didn’t show. He didn’t miss court... He was dead. I lowered myself slowly onto the sofa.

“This isn’t right,” I murmured.

“What?”

“This isn’t suicide.” There was silence. “I think he was murdered.”

Cris inhaled sharply. “You think it’s connected?”

“It’s not a coincidence,” I said, my voice hardening. “He was representing me. He was building a defense. He told me yesterday he had found out something to do with your mother’s Will amendment, and he went to see that specific lawyer, Alex Mendez. Turns out that same lawyer is now representing Grace. Rowan wasn’t even confident in me winning this case. Funny enough he is also Camille’s lawyer.” I let out a heavy breath.

“And now he’s dead.”

“Yes.” I stood abruptly. “I need to contact my legal team. I need new representation.”

“Dad...”

“I’ll call you later.” I hung up before she could hear the crack in my voice.

The journalist’s final words followed me as I turned off the television. “…found by his wife. Authorities are investigating, though foul play has not been ruled out…”

Foul play. It wasn’t ruled out, it was staring us in the face. Someone was cleaning up loose ends and Rowan was one of them.

I walked towards my study room, each step heavier than the last. My chest felt tight, like something had wrapped around my ribs and was slowly constricting. I stepped inside the study room and sank into my chair, opening my laptop.

Unread emails flooded the screen. One from Maria.

Subject: Mark Stern – Urgent Meeting

I clicked it open.

Mr. Crane,

Mr. Stern has requested an online meeting with you today at 15:00. Please confirm your availability.

Mark Stern and I were supposed to finalize a major partnership. My stomach twisted. He was probably pulling out. No one wanted to do business with a man facing allegations. I confirmed the meeting and leaned back in my chair.

The walls felt closer. The air felt thinner. My breathing shortened. I loosened my tie further, my fingers were clumsy against the silk.

My gaze fell on a document sitting on my desk.

Sexual Harassment Allegations – Case Summary

The words blurred. Sexual harassment. I hated those words. They crawled under my skin. Made my throat close. I never touched her, I only confronted her. I confronted Grace for pushing Elona. That’s it. But the word hung there like a stain.

Harassment.

Predator.

Abuser.

My vision tunneled. The room tilted. Sweat gathered at my temples. I pushed back from the desk so fast the chair nearly tipped. I stumbled down the hall towards the bathroom, gripping the edge of the sink once I reached it. I opened the faucet and splashed cold water onto my face.

Again.

And again.

I counted under my breath. “One. Two. Three.” Breathe in. “Four. Five. Six.” Breathe out.

The mirror reflected a man I barely recognized. My eyes were red, my skin was pale. “This isn’t happening,” I whispered to myself. “The past will not come back.” I stared into my own reflection. “I am not a victim anymore.” My jaw tightened. “It’s a lie. A sick joke. Just like Maggie.”

Maggie and her pregnancy she tried to trap me in.

Grace and her twisted infatuation.

Now Rowan was dead.

This wasn’t random. This was coordinated.

I dried my face and straightened my jacket.

Pull it together.

Once I pulled myself together, I went back to the study room. I sat down seconds before the meeting request chimed.

Mark Stern’s face filled the screen. He studied me.

I forced a tight smile. “Apologies for my appearance. I just received news that my attorney committed suicide.” Mark’s expression shifted slightly.

“I saw,” he said calmly. “My condolences.”

“I don’t believe it was suicide.”

He leaned back. “You think it’s connected?”

“Yes.” I didn’t hesitate.

“And the allegations?” he asked carefully.

“I never touched her,” I said firmly. “I confronted her. She pushed my girlfriend at camp. Elona lost our baby because of it...well, besides her condition of Endometriosis. I found out after. I confronted Grace outside her workplace. That’s it.” Mark’s gaze sharpened. “She has a crush on me. She always did. She twisted the narrative.” He didn’t speak for a moment. “I understand if you wish to withdraw from our business dealings,” I added quietly.

“My school is under investigation because of these allegations.” He surprised me. My stomach dropped. “Stern Academy is being dragged into this.”

“I’m telling the truth,” I said.

He held my gaze. “I hope so,” he replied. Silence stretched and then he spoke again. “Let me tell you something.” His tone shifted. “I am married to a woman far younger than me. Her name is Gray-lynn. She was my best friend’s daughter.” I blinked. “She was twenty-two,” he continued. “We were in a secret relationship. She became pregnant with my child.” My chest tightened. “When her father found out, he attacked me. It was a physical fight. He found us being... intimate on his sofa at his house. Gray got caught in the middle of the fight, and she lost consciousness. I told him she was pregnant when we rushed to her side.” I leaned forward. “He called the police. Accused me of sexually assaulting his daughter. The next thing I knew was that I was being arrested.” The room felt still. “Gray told the truth in the hospital. I was released from jail. But the relationship was never the same between myself and my best friend. Their relationship wasn’t really the same thereafter either. Her father died in a car accident not long after. ” He paused. “I know what public perception can do.” My throat tightened. “If what you’re saying is true, don’t give in.” He leaned closer to the screen. “I have an attorney. The best. Reginald Carter, but he goes by the name, Reggie. He’ll take your case.” Relief flickered through my body.

“You’re still willing to proceed with business?” I asked to make sure.

“Yes,” he said firmly. “As long as my school is cleared.”

“It will be.”

“I’ll forward Reggie’s details. Tell him everything.”

The meeting ended.

I exhaled slowly. I felt lighter but not yet free. Rowan’s face flashed in my mind.

My phone buzzed again.

CI Security: Sir, we have arranged for increased perimeter management. Maria is coordinating removal of paparazzi camping outside your residence. Media presence is restricted to court premises only. Non-compliance will result in penalties and arrest.

I leaned back in my chair. One battle contained. Many more ahead.

I stared at the screen, then began gathering every document, every message, every timeline.

I would not be framed.

I would not be silenced.

Rowan deserved justice.

Elona deserved protection.

And I would not let whoever was orchestrating this think I was weak.

I straightened in my chair.

Determined.

Let them come.