Chapter One: Before the Case Begins
She hadn't planned to run.
But she was running.
Her breaths came in ragged gasps, footsteps echoing behind her in the narrow hallway outside the courthouse.
High heels hadn't been a smart choice… but she didn't stop.
"Stop!"
The voice behind her was sharp.
She didn't turn.
She gripped the file in her hand tighter, as if it were the only thing keeping her upright.
That file… it was the reason.
Just two hours ago—
She had been sitting quietly in her office, reviewing an ordinary case.
And now… someone was chasing her.
She twisted sharply, almost slipping, but caught herself.
Her heart pounded like a drum, her mind racing to make sense of what was happening.
How had everything spiraled so fast?
She reached the emergency exit, shoved it open, and stepped outside.
The cold air hit her face, but she didn't stop.
Footsteps.
Too close.
Before she could run any further—
A strong hand grabbed her arm and yanked her back suddenly.
She gasped, nearly screaming—
But another hand clamped over her mouth.
"Calm down."
Low… but firm.
She froze.
The man holding her leaned in slightly, whispering:
"If you want to live… stop running."
Her eyes widened.
Slowly, he removed his hand from her mouth, but she didn't move.
"Who are you?" she whispered.
He looked straight at her, gaze steady and dangerous.
"The only person who can get you out of this mess."
A beat of silence… then he added:
"Because, without realizing it… you opened a door that should never have been opened."
She looked down at the file in her hand.
For the first time… she was afraid of it.