His Ruthless Temptation

Chapter One

Exterior POV

"Your honor, I have just a few more questions for the witness."

Aitana Morgan's voice pierced the heavy silence in the courtroom. She was the youngest assistant district attorney most people in the room had ever seen in such a high-profile case. She was acutely aware of the eyes on her—some curious, some dismissive, others skeptical. But the weight of their scrutiny didn't faze her. In fact, she thrived under it. The challenge, the pressure, the doubt in their gazes—it only made her sharper, more determined.

Dressed immaculately in a black, tailored dress that hugged her figure, her heels clicked softly as she moved with calculated precision. Her hazel eyes, intense and unyielding, were locked on the witness, Jessica Miller. Aitana was well aware of how her appearance—her youth, her femininity—often led people to underestimate her. It had become an advantage, a tool she wielded in the legal field. They could think what they wanted. The facts were what mattered, and she had them.

The defendant, James Lawson, stood accused of a double murder—his wife and her lover which was their driver. The tabloids had spun a salacious tale of betrayal and rage, painting Lawson as a grieving husband pushed to his limit. But Aitana wasn't interested in tabloid stories. She dealt in evidence, in hard truths.

Jessica Miller, the family's housekeeper for over a decade, sat rigid in the witness stand. She looked nervous, her hands twisting in her lap as she avoided eye contact with the man she'd worked for all those years.

"Mrs. Miller," Aitana began, her tone calm but commanding, "you testified that when you arrived at the Lawson residence on the night of the murders, Mr. Lawson was already there. Is that correct?"'

Miller nodded, her voice barely audible as she answered. "Yes, that's right."

"And what time was that?"

"Around 11:30 PM."

Aitana's gaze flicked briefly to the jury, ensuring they were with her before she continued. "And when you arrived, what was Mr. Lawson doing?"

Miller swallowed hard, her eyes darting toward the defense table before she answered. "He... he was standing in the living room. Near the bodies."

The room held its collective breath as Aitana let that statement hang in the air. She paced slightly, her heels tapping rhythmically against the polished floor, before stopping near the witness stand, her eyes now fixed on Miller.

"Standing near the bodies," Aitana repeated, her voice quieter, but each word deliberate. "And how did he react when he saw you?"

Miller shifted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable. "He... he looked shocked. But he didn't say anything. Just... stood there."

Aitana could feel the defense attorney tensing, ready to object. She had to tread carefully. The jury was watching every move, hanging on every word.

"And did Mr. Lawson make any attempt to help his wife? Did he call the police when you arrived?"

"No, he... he just stood there."

"Just stood there?" Aitana repeated, her tone taking on a sharper edge. "A man who just found his wife and her lover dead, but he didn't try to help them. He didn't try to get help at all?"

The defense attorney jumped to his feet. "Objection! The witness is being led."

Aitana didn't flinch. "Your honor, the witness is recounting her observations."

"Overruled," the judge said, barely looking up from his bench. "Proceed, Ms. Morgan."

Aitana gave a brief nod of acknowledgment before turning her attention back to Miller. Her expression softened, just slightly, as she shifted her line of questioning.