CHAPTER 49: REJECTION IN PAIRS

Erisia chuckled under her breath, and David glanced at her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Don’t worry," he murmured. "They can name any amount, but bail will definitely not be granted."

However, Officer Tyler shook his head slightly.

"You can’t be too sure. I’ve seen plenty of cases where it looked like there was zero chance of bail, and yet the defendant still got it."

The ADA’s rebuttal came sharp and clean.

"He ran once. He can run again. The victim barely survived. The People stand by our request for no bail."

Judge Vega tapped her gavel once, cutting through the rising noise.

"Given the severity of the charges and the credible risk of flight, bail is denied. The defendant will remain in custody pending grand jury review. The next appearance is set for two weeks from today."

Erisia’s lips curved upward as she glanced at Adrian, who was clenching his fists so tightly it looked painful. His mother leaned against her husband, a single tear sliding down her cheek. The rest of the Hoffman family’s expressions were equally grim.

The gavel fell. The room erupted—reporters shouting, flashbulbs sparking, questions ricocheting off the wood-paneled walls.

"Adrian, any comment?"

"Adrian Hoffman, why did you plan an attack on Erisia Wrenford? What was the motive?"

"Miss Wrenford, how do you feel about the decision?"

"What’s the next step for you, Miss Wrenford?"

———

Officer Tyler congratulated both Erisia and David as they exited the courtroom.

"Good result," he said with a small smile. "The judge didn’t hesitate. That’s rare."

"Thank you, Officer," David replied. "We appreciate everything."

Tyler took point, shielding them from the crush of reporters as they made their way through the side corridor. Cameras flashed like lightning, but Erisia kept her chin level and her expression serene. She slid on a pair of sunglasses, the dark lenses reflecting the frenzy while she walked forward without once lowering her gaze.

When they finally cleared the courthouse perimeter, they were only a few steps from their car. Tyler stopped and gave a nod.

"I’ll see you both in two weeks for the next appearance."

"Thanks, Officer Tyler," Erisia said warmly.

"You handled yourself impressively in there," he added, lowering his voice slightly. "Not many people stay composed with this kind of media attention. If you need anything before the next hearing, don’t hesitate to call."

"I appreciate that," she replied with a faint smile. "And thank you for everything you’ve done so far."

David gave a firm nod of agreement. "Yes, we’re grateful for your dedication."

Tyler returned the nod, then disappeared back into the crowd.

Before they could reach the car, two young women hurried across the parking lot, calling Erisia’s name.

"Erisia!"

She turned to see Soraya Lane and Ciara approaching with bright smiles.

"Finally, we meet the infamous adopted daughter of the Wrenford family," Ciara said with an easy laugh, extending her hand. "Hi, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Ciara Carringh."

"And I’m Soraya Lane," Soraya added with a polite smile, shaking Erisia’s hand.

Ciara barreled ahead before Erisia could say anything in reply. "We’ve been following the news about you ever since your post miraculously appeared on my friend’s site." She tilted her head mischievously. "And somehow it didn’t seem hacked. We’ve been dying to ask how you pulled that off."

Erisia now understood why Ciara was described as outspoken.

More like blunt, she thought, but her smile came easily—unbothered by the accusation.

"You could say I have my ways," she said lightly, glancing between them.

Soraya, who had expected the answer but not Erisia’s calm demeanor, nodded.

"It’s alright. You only used it for something right, even if the method wasn’t exactly legal. Still, we understand if you don’t want to tell us. But now that we’ve met, why don’t we have lunch together? You must not have eaten before the arraignment."

Ciara perked up immediately.

"Yes! We should. I know a great place. So, Erisia, what do you say?"

Before Erisia could answer, David—who had been quietly observing—cleared his throat. Both women startled slightly, finally noticing her father.

"Oh, we are so sorry, Mr. Wrenford!" Ciara said quickly. "It’s nice to meet you. Would you like to join us?"

David offered a faint smile, recognizing Soraya from her online presence, and was surprised to find she already knew Erisia.

"It’s alright. I wouldn’t want to impose, and I have work waiting at the company. I’ll drop Erisia at the restaurant and then head out."

"Oh, really? No need to worry then," Ciara said brightly. "We can all ride together. You can go straight to the office."

David turned to Erisia. "Is that okay?"

He had cleared his schedule to attend the arraignment, but there was still urgent work waiting for him.

"Don’t worry," Erisia said. "You can go. I’ll call for a car later this evening."

"Alright. Take care of yourself."

He pulled her into a brief hug before nodding to the two women and heading toward his car.

Ciara grinned the moment he was out of earshot.

"Now that he’s gone, let’s go."

But before they could move, a low voice called Erisia’s name. All three turned to see Harper Hoffman and Vivien approaching.

Vivien stopped a few feet away, her chin tilted with a composed smile.

"Miss Wrenford, may we speak with you for a moment?"

Erisia didn’t move, not bothering to be polite with the arrogant Hoffman family. "Whatever you want to say, you can say it right here."

Vivien’s smile thinned, but she pressed on.

"We want you to withdraw the case," she said smoothly. "In exchange, our family is prepared to make things... beneficial for you."

Erisia wanted to laugh. Beneficial to me? Seriously...

She met Vivien’s gaze, calm and unflinching.

"I’m sorry, but I’ll have to decline such a remarkable offer. I have no intention of withdrawing. Besides, at this point, the decision isn’t even in my hands, don’t you think?"

"I don’t—"

"Now, if you’ll excuse me," Erisia cut in, her voice cool but polite. "I have an arrangement I’d rather not cancel."

Ciara flashed Vivien a bright smile, gave a playful wave, and hooked her arm through Soraya’s.

"Let’s go, Soraya."

Chuckling under her breath, Soraya followed as Erisia headed toward the waiting car, the sound echoing across the parking lot while the Hoffmans stood silently behind them.