---- Chapter 9 Finn's POV In the conference room of a downtown law firm, Finn held a pen and signed his name on the final document. The scratch of the nib on paper was the only sound in the quiet room. "Mr. Cross, are you certain you wish to transfer all of your personal assets-including your law firm shares, the Mount Pleasant estate, your Mercedes sports car, and all investment portfolios, totaling $48 million-to the 'Sterling Justice Foundation'?" the notary confirmed one last time. He didn't hesitate, the pen drawing a final, decisive line. "T'm certain." As he walked out of the office, his assistant, Rebecca, ran after him, her eyes red. "Finn, what will you do now?" ---- Finn stopped and looked toward the distant spire of the federal courthouse, feeling as empty-handed as he had when he'd first graduated. "When I took my first case here three years ago," he said, his voice barely a whisper, "I had $327 in my bank account." This was just returning to where he started. "Go back to the firm," he told her. "They need you." "And you?" A bitter smile touched Finn's lips. "I have work to do." He was standing outside the Legal Aid Society, a thick stack of application files in his arms, when he heard the screech of an engine. He turned, his eyes widening in horror. A black SUV was hurtling toward him like an unchained beast. Through the windshield, he saw Elena's twisted, furious face. ---- Ina split second, he instinctively clutched the files to his chest to protect them, just as the massive impact launched him into the air. As his consciousness faded, he heard Elena's hysterical laughter. "If I can't have you, then we can die together!" Victoria's POV At the offices of Sterling & Associates, I had just finished a video conference with our London branch. I was rubbing my throbbing temples when my phone began to vibrate violently. "Victoria! Finn was in a car accident! He's hurt badly, they're rushing him to Mass General for emergency surgery!" I froze, Sarah's frantic voice turning into a dull hum. in my ears. An hour later, I was standing outside the ICU, holding