I sit frozen in my seat as the courtroom buzzes around me.
Maya leans in close. “You okay?”
I nod, though my throat feels tight. “I should be.”
“It’s not over. Stay sharp.”
I swallow hard. I’ve seen Ryan break down before—his temper, his desperation—but this was different. He didn’t just concede; he imploded. And that scares me more than any fight he could’ve put up.
Some minutes later, the bailiff’s voice sounds. “All rise.”
Judge Harper returns, her robe flowing like a storm cloud. She takes her seat.
“Be seated,” she says.
Everyone shuffles back into place.
Judge Harper clears her throat. “Before we continue, I want to make one thing clear: this court will not tolerate any further emotional outbursts. Mr. O’Brien, you are expected to maintain your composure.” Her gaze pierces
