VANESSA
"I won't accept a weak defense for Bianca Hayes," I said, planting my hands firmly on the edge of my father's desk. "She deserves proper representation at the trial."
Leo ran his hand through his salt-and-pepper hair, frustration evident in the hard set of his jaw. "She confessed to attacking you on your wedding day, Vanessa."
"Under Seraphina's orders. And Wesley's financing." My voice remained steady despite the emotion bubbling beneath the surface. "She also risked everything to help me uncover the truth."
"That doesn't erase her crimes."
"I'm not saying it does." I straightened my spine, refusing to back down. "But I was once labeled 'rogue' too, remember? Where would I be if everyone had judged me by that title alone?"
A heavy silence filled the study of the Moonstone Pack house. Early morning light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the hardwood floor.
