Chapter 158 Talia

Chapter 158 Talia
Talia's POV

It was such a small gesture, yet somehow… It made me feel protected.

It made me feel safe.

When we reached the entrance of the courthouse, he finally turned to look at me.

“Are you nervous?”

A small smile touched my lips.

“A little bit.”

His expression softened.

“You don’t have to go through this alone today.”

I looked into his eyes and nodded.

“I know.”

“I’ll be inside.”

My smile became a little warmer.

“Thank you.”

I paused for a moment before quietly adding,

“For everything.”

Courtroom Three was already packed by the time we entered.

Every seat in the public gallery was occupied by journalists eager to report every word spoken during the hearing.

Several executives from Howard Group sat quietly behind Alexander, their faces unreadable.

The air inside the courtroom felt so tense that even breathing seemed difficult.

I walked to my seat beside my lawyer, Mrs. Bennett.

Across the room… Alexander was already seated, he was alone.

Emma wasn’t anywhere in sight. For the first time since this nightmare began…

He didn’t look confident, he didn’t look proud.

He simply looked exhausted.

Dark circles rested beneath his eyes, and the usual confidence he carried had disappeared.

When our eyes briefly met, he gave me a small nod.

There was hope in it.

Almost like he still believed something could change.

I quietly looked away.

A moment later, the courtroom doors opened and the judge entered.

“All rise.”