The moment Damian called for recess, the courtroom loosened into controlled movement. The jurors were escorted out first while Sophia remained seated beside Emily for a few seconds longer, her hand resting protectively over her daughter's shoulder while reporters outside the courtroom doors shouted questions that no one inside could hear clearly.
Victor remained at the defense table with his hands beneath the polished wood, his fingers locked together so tightly that his knuckles had turned pale. Richard stood beside him, but there was no comfort in his presence. His face was rigid, his jaw clenched, and his eyes kept drifting toward the large screen where the vehicle data had been displayed only minutes earlier.
"Come with me," Richard said quietly.
