CHAPTER 48: ARRAIGNMENT

The courthouse steps were a hive of flashing cameras. Reporters shouted questions, microphones thrust forward like weapons as the heavy doors opened. Flashes popped in staccato bursts, a low rumble of voices rolling across the marble plaza.

As they got out of the car, David was momentarily taken aback by the scene. Sure, there had been a frenzy online about the case, but he hadn’t expected this level of attention.

He turned to glance at Erisia, who had walked around the car to join him. She showed no surprise—calm and composed, as if she were only a spectator.

She really has changed. He remembered how introverted and reclusive she’d been when she first arrived at their home. Now, there was none of that in her bearing.

Looking up at the courthouse, David thought this was the best outcome. With so much public attention, the Hoffmans wouldn’t be able to pull any quiet strings.

He was already looking forward to Adrian’s bail being denied. That alone would foreshadow the final verdict.

David’s expression hardened. After Adrian’s case, he would deal with Sierra. He hadn’t forgotten—would never forget—what she’d done. Sierra might be his dear daughter but this time, she would pay for the cost of her actions.

They had barely taken a few steps when a man approached.

"Erisia, you’re here."

"Good morning, Officer Tyler. Are we late?"

Officer Tyler chuckled. "No, on the contrary, you’re early."

"That’s good to know," David replied.

Erisia caught the question in Tyler’s eyes and handled the introductions. "Uh, this is my father, David Wrenford. He’s been away on a business trip for about a month. Father, this is Detective Tyler, the lead investigator on the case."

The men shook hands.

"It’s nice to meet you," David said. "And thank you for your hard work. I truly appreciate what you’ve done."

"There’s no need to thank me. I’m just doing my job," Tyler said. "Please follow me. We’ll take the side entrance for victims and witnesses so you won’t get mobbed by reporters."

Erisia nodded, gesturing for him to lead the way. David followed close behind. They entered quietly through the side door reserved for victims and witnesses. She felt eyes track her like a spotlight but kept her expression serene as she followed Officer Tyler to the front row.

Inside, the courtroom hummed with barely contained anticipation. Benches creaked as journalists and curious onlookers settled in.

Echo’s soft hum brushed Erisia’s mind.

[ There are quite a number of people here. ]

’Aside from the Hoffmans? Who else?’

[ Side characters like Soraya Lane—the owner of Veritas Vault—her best friend, and it seems Lyra is also here. ]

’Lyra?’ Erisia’s brows lifted. ’Why would she come? Isn’t her single dropping at the end of this week? Shouldn’t she be busy with that?’

[ It seems she came secretly. She’s covered head to toe. As for the reason, the probability is high that she wants to see the truth for herself. ]

’The truth for herself? And what does that have to do with her? Anyway, where is she seated?’

[ Second-to-last row at the back. ]

Erisia turned and quickly spotted a figure in a large coat, baseball cap, and face mask. This was her first time seeing the main character of /When Spring Sings Again/, but the disguise hid every facial feature so she couldn’t see her appearance. She gave the figure only a passing glance before facing forward again.

’She’s really bundled up. Right, you said Soraya and her friend are here?’

[ Yes. ]

’Then I’ll thank them after the arraignment. I plan to invite them to lunch—I need reliable industry intel. Don’t get me wrong, you’re more than reliable, but Soraya trades in entertainment information. It’s smart to build a relationship.’

[ But you’ve become friends with Cassian Rowe. He’s directly in the acting line. There’s no one more reliable than him. ]

’Yeah, but Cass is a limited outlet. His manager monitors all of his social media accounts, so there’s only so much he can share. Soraya’s different.’

[ I understand. Good luck. ]

’Thank you.’

A sudden swell of noise pulled Erisia’s attention forward. The Hoffman family had arrived. Sawyer Hoffman, president of the Hoffman Conglomerate. Harper Hoffman, Adrian’s mother, in a tailored navy suit. And Vivien Winslow, the second daughter. Their presence alone sent a ripple through the gallery.

The bailiff’s call cut through the tension. "All rise."

Everyone stood.

Adrian Hoffman was led in—shackled, pale from a weekend in custody, yet carrying the brittle Hoffman arrogance in the tilt of his chin. A storm of camera shutters followed him to the defense table.

"Adrian...!" Harper’s cry rang across the courtroom, her eyes instantly reddening as tears threatened to spill.

Adrian looked at his mother, his expression heavy with sadness and a flicker of helpless frustration.

Erisia resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the mother-and-son display.

If you had thought him better than this, maybe he wouldn’t be here today.

The clerk stepped forward, voice cutting through the murmur of the gallery, calling the case.

"Calendar number 45873. The People of the State of New York versus Adrian Hoffman."

Judge Marisol Vega adjusted her glasses and looked over the packed courtroom.

"Appearances for the record."

The assistant district attorney rose. "Good morning, Your Honor. Caroline Pierce for the People."

Defense counsel followed smoothly. "Michael Garvey for the defendant, Adrian Hoffman."

Judge Vega gave a curt nod. "This matter is on for arraignment and bail determination. Mr. Garvey, how does your client plead to the indictment charging attempted murder in the second degree, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice?"

Garvey placed a steady hand on Adrian’s shoulder. "Not guilty, Your Honor."

The Assistant District Attorney—hair pulled into a no-nonsense knot—stepped forward.

"Your Honor, the People request remand without bail. The defendant was apprehended at Los Angeles International Airport with a one-way ticket to Zurich. He has already demonstrated an intent to flee. Given the violent nature of the attempted homicide and the continuing threat to the victim present in this courtroom, we ask for no bail."

The defense countered instantly.

"My client voluntarily waived extradition. He has strong family ties and no prior record. We request supervised release with a bond of one million dollars."

A low ripple of commentary rolled through the gallery.