Chapter Sixty-nine

Chloe stood frozen, staring at the note in her hand. The words blurred together, the ink running as tears began to form in her eyes. How could this be happening? They had worked so hard to prove Emily's innocence, only to have it all come crashing down because of Max's sudden disappearance.

Aiden and Emily stood next to her, their faces equally stunned. Lucas, on the other hand, wore a smug expression, reveling in their despair.

"You see, Your Honor," he said, addressing the judge. "This is what we're dealing with. A pack of wolves who will do anything to protect their own, including framing an innocent woman for murder."

Chloe wanted to scream at him, to tell him that he was twisting the truth, but her voice was caught in her throat. All she could think about was Max's confession, the damning words that would seal Emily's fate.

She looked over at Emily, who was pale and shaking. "I didn't do it, Chloe," she whispered. "I swear."

Chloe didn’t believe her, but would the jury? She had t