KATHLEEN
The courtroom was packed.
Ava sat at the defendant's table, her usual sharp edges dulled by exhaustion, as the prosecutor droned on about *"vigilante justice."* Kathleen clenched her fists under the table.
Then the judge raised a hand.
*"Given the evidence of Mr. Thorne's terrorist ties—and Ms. Lopez's cooperation—this case is dismissed."*
The gallery erupted.
Ava didn't smile. She just turned to Kathleen and whispered, *"I need a drink."*
Kathleen pulled her into a crushing hug. *"You're buying."*
---
CARL
Carl found Alina in the courthouse lobby, swinging her legs on a bench with her stuffed dragon.
*"Did Aunt Ava win?"*
He scooped her up. *"She always does."*
Alina patted his cheek. *"Good. Now can we *finally* plan the wedding?"*
Carl laughed—then froze as Kathleen stepped into the sunlight, her smile brighter than Veloria's skyline.
*Yes,* he decided. *It was time.*
---
AVA
The bar was loud, the whiskey strong, and Ava's phone buzzed nonstop with updates:
- *Lionel sentenced to life.*
- *Julian transferred to a blacksite.*
- *Kathleen Palmer trending in wedding dress photos (courtesy of Alina's "secret" Pinterest board).*
Ava downed her drink—just as a shadow fell over her.
*Him.* The venture capitalist from the gala, his tie loosened, his smirk infuriating.
*"Celebrating, Lopez?"*
Ava slid a second glass toward him. *"Depends. You here to arrest me?"*
He clinked his tumbler against hers. *"I'm here to say thank you."*
She raised a brow.
*"Julian stole from me too."* He leaned in. *"Let's steal something back."*
Ava's lips curved.
*Game on.*