Page 70 of The Silent Hour

“Cortez’s case is exactly why we built this firm.”

“I know.”

“That doesn’t mean I take it blind.”

“I know that too.” She dropped back onto the edge of the bed, sliding her feet to the floor so she could lean forward, elbows on knees. “My parents gave me a history lesson on her family. This didn’t come up. It’s not accidental knowledge because they aren’t aware of it—but being Cortez’s daughter wasn’t her choice.”

“Also agreed.” I ran a hand through my hair, letting it fall back against my neck. “What bothers me is we don’t know whether those two things intersect.”

Julia looked up at me, eyes clear in the lamp’s glow. “Exactly.”

I scooted closer. “We’ve started an internal audit.”

“How deep?” She tilted her head, curiosity mingling with concern.

“Only what we’re legally entitled to review—case access logs, internal files, assignments connected to Cortez. We’re not rooting through her private life because her father’s name is on the docket.”

“Good.” Relief flickered across her face.

“We verify first.” I paused, choosing each word. “And until then... nothing changes.”

She lifted one brow. “Something changes.”

I waited for her to explain.

Her answer came slow, deliberate. “You.”

“Me?” My chest tightened.

“Your boundaries with her. If Cortez is telling the truth—even partly—then Lila isn’t just an associate. Whether she knows it or not, she’s tied to a man considering your firm for a federal defense.”

I let that settle. “Which is why she won’t touch the case.”

“I’m talking about appearances.” She leaned forward, voice soft but unwavering. “No closed office doors. No private elevator rides. No staying late alone. Nothing anyone can photograph, misunderstand, or twist into a scandal later.”

Her rationale cut through me like a scalpel. Not jealousy—risk management. I nodded slowly. “If she needs me professionally...”

“You’re surrounded by partners, Ethan.”

“Fair.”

“Rafa exists.”

I grinned, remembering the chaos Rafa brought to every room. “Debatable.”

“Eric and Katerina exists.”

“She terrifies me,” I half-joked.

“Good. Use her.”

I laughed this time; she remained stone-faced. “I’m serious.”

“I know.” I reached out, brushing back a strand of hair that had fallen across her forehead. “And until you know what Cortez actually wants with her, we don’t give anyone a chance to manufacture a story about us. Because you’re good at watching people spin harmless facts into wildfire. A closed door. A late meeting. Two people caught on a security cam at the same time. None of it has to mean anything. It only has to look like it could.”

“Alright.”

Her tone was firm but softer now. “That easy?”