Page 187 of Silver Fox Puck

This won’t be good.

“Ms. Williams,” Lauren purrs, “how long do you really think this will last?”

Kenzie goes rigid.

My jaw tightens.

Marcus leans forward like he’s about to object, but Lauren keeps going.

“You’re young. Fun. You love your independence.”

She tilts her head, mock sympathy dripping from her voice.

“But Grant? He’s got baggage. He’s got a child. And eventually, you’ll realize that your little adventure”—her lips curve like the word is venom—“isn’t worth the weight of the life he actually lives.”

Silence falls over the courtroom.

Lauren smirks like she’s won.

Kenzie slowly exhales.

Then?

She laughs.

Lauren’s smirk falters.

My chest tightens.

Because Kenzie?

Kenzie just shook her damn head and smiled.

“You really don’t get it, do you?” she says, voice soft, almost… amused.

Lauren frowns.

Kenzie leans forward slightly.

“I’ve never run from responsibilities and the people I love. And I sure as hell won’t start with Grant.”

My throat tightens.

Lauren blinks, clearly thrown.

Marcus smirks.

Lauren’s lawyer has nothing left.

The judge exhales.

And then?

Delivers the ruling.

The courtroom is silent.

Everyone’s eyes are on the judge.

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