CHAPTER 1
**Chapter 1: "A Glimmer of Hope"**
Ava Morales stormed down the
courthouse steps, her briefcase
clutched tightly as she muttered curses
under her breath.
That ruthless prosecutor had destroyed
her case, and her client was going
down for a crime Ava was certain he
didn't commit.
As she reached the bottom step, a sleek
black car screeched to a halt beside
her.
A suited man emerged from the
backseat - piercing blue eyes locked
onto hers - and handed a stack of
papers to his lawyer standing beside
him.
The lawyer nodded and hurried back
into the courthouse while the stranger
turned to Ava:
His chiseled jawline relaxed into a hint
of a smile as he said:
"Looks like someone had a bad day in
court. Can I offer you a ride... or a drink
to drown your sorrows?"
Ava's anger faltered for a split second,
caught off guard by his intense gaze
and deep voice.
"Neither, thanks," she replied curtly,
turning to leave.
But he fell into step beside her, his long
strides matching hers.
"I'm Ethan Blackwood," he said, his
voice low and smooth. "And you
are...?"
Ava hesitated, surprised by her own
curiosity about this stranger.
"Ava Morales," she replied finally.
"Defense attorney with a losing streak
today."
Ethan chuckled, a low rumble that sent
shivers down her spine.
"Well, Ava Morales, I think you need a
drink more than I thought."
He gestured to a sleek bar across the
street, and before Ava knew it, she was
walking beside him towards it.
Inside, the dim lighting and soft music
enveloped them, a stark contrast to the
courthouse drama.
Ethan led her to a corner booth and
signaled the bartender for two
whiskeys.
As they waited for their drinks, Ava
found herself asking:
"What brings you to court today, Mr.
Blackwood?"
"Ethan, please," he corrected, his eyes
crinkling at the corners.
"I was posting bail for a... business
associate."
Ava raised an eyebrow, intrigued
despite herself.
The drinks arrived, and Ethan handed
her a glass.
"To better days in court," he said,
clinking his glass against hers.
Ava smiled faintly, feeling a spark of
attraction she couldn't ignore.
Ethan's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze
burning with intensity.
Just as he leaned in closer, his phone
buzzed loudly.
He glanced at the screen, and his
expression transformed from charming
to chilling.
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