Lillian Blackwood

**Chapter 1: "A Glimmer of Hope"**

Ava Morales stormed down the

courthouse steps, her briefcase

clutched tightly as she muttered curses

under her breath.

That ruthless prosecutor had destroyed

her case, and her client was going

down for a crime Ava was certain he

didn't commit.

As she reached the bottom step, a sleek

black car screeched to a halt beside

her.

A suited man emerged from the

backseat - piercing blue eyes locked

onto hers - and handed a stack of

papers to his lawyer standing beside

him.

The lawyer nodded and hurried back

into the courthouse while the stranger

turned to Ava:

His chiseled jawline relaxed into a hint

of a smile as he said:

"Looks like someone had a bad day in

court. Can I offer you a ride... or a drink

to drown your sorrows?"

Ava's anger faltered for a split second,

caught off guard by his intense gaze

and deep voice.

"Neither, thanks," she replied curtly,

turning to leave.

But he fell into step beside her, his long

strides matching hers.

"I'm Ethan Blackwood," he said, his

voice low and smooth. "And you

are...?"

Ava hesitated, surprised by her own

curiosity about this stranger.

"Ava Morales," she replied finally.

"Defense attorney with a losing streak