97

The room they've stuck us in might as well be a small supply closet. There are three chairs, a small card table, and it's stiflingly hot.

The three of us and our lawyers pile inside. Alice is sitting on Angela's lap, and Laurent is standing behind Victoria while she goes over some paperwork. Our friends and family are all waiting downstairs.

"We should go over what to expect in there one more time," Victoria states, ignoring Laurent's tuts. She turns to him with a glare. "I'll remind you they are human children, Laurie. We need to make sure they're prepared as best as we can."

He rolls his eyes. "It's not necessary, Vic. This will be over before you know it."

Her eyes narrow for a moment before she turns to the girls with a smile. "Now, as I was saying. When we're asked to be seated—"

I watch Laurent tap his foot and check his watch, but I can tell he's paying close attention to whatever is going on outside the door. As the minutes pass by and Victoria instructs the girls on what and what not to say, the confident smile on his face slowly morphs into a mask of confusion.

I want to ask him what's going on but keep my mouth shut. I've been lying to everyone. There are a million and one places I'd rather be right now. The possibility of Gianna winning is slim, but it's still there, and I'm worried.

Laurent moves to the door and opens it, revealing a set of mortal cops, one with his fist raised as if to knock. They both jump in surprise.

"Can I help you, officers?"

One of them nods and makes sure he's talking to the right man before asking him to step outside.

I look at Victoria, and she shrugs a shoulder.

When Laurent returns, I can't read his face. He quietly shuts the door and turns around, leaning against it.

"It looks like we wasted our time coming down here today, folks."

"What?"

Laurent grins. "I regret to inform you that the case has been dropped due to the fact that the plaintiff was arrested as soon as she set foot in the building fifteen minutes ago."

Alice and Angela gasp.

"Wait, what? What for?" I dumbly question. I should be elated, but instead, I'm just confused.

"For the false accusations she filed against the President of the United States's daughter," a familiar voice answers.

My entire body thrums with excitement as my vampire steps into the tiny room with a big smile.

"Surprise!"