(Sabrina’s POV)
The courtroom is smaller than I expected. Wood-paneled walls. American flag in the corner. The judge's bench elevated at the front, empty for now.
We take our seats—me and Richard at one table, Dustin and his lawyer Tom Patterson at the other. Sophia and Ethan sit in the gallery behind me. Jessica takes a seat behind Dustin, her presence a constant reminder of Dustin’s betrayal.
The bailiff's voice cuts through the silence. "All rise. The Honorable Judge Megan Whitmore presiding."
Everyone stands as Judge Whitmore enters.
She's younger than I expected, maybe mid-forties, with sharp eyes and dark hair pulled back in a severe bun. Her expression gives nothing away as she takes her seat and reviews the file in front of her.
"Please be seated." Her voice is crisp, profess
