Inside the Riverburg courthouse, the hearing room gradually filled with people. Once the time arrived, the presiding judge announced the court was in session.

Richard, who had been locked up for nearly six months, was led in wearing a blue-and-white striped prison uniform. His face was unshaven, his hair covering his eyes—he looked nothing like the dignified president of Collins Group he once was.

He glanced at the hearing room and suddenly froze when he saw Ivy ...