The courtroom reconvened with a fresh charge in the air. As if everyone sensed that whatever came next wouldn’t just move the case forward, it would break it wide open.
Celeste sat down slowly, her expression unreadable. Damien leaned in close. “She’s cracking.”
“Not enough,” Celeste whispered. “But she’s close.”
The judge looked over his glasses at the room, then nodded toward the prosecution.
“We’ll resume with our next witness.”
A man in his mid-thirties walked toward the stand. Sharp blazer. Thin-framed glasses. Calm face.
“Please state your name and occupation.”
“Julian Carter. I’m a digital compliance officer with Vireo Media.”
Celeste blinked. Vireo was Veronica’s former PR firm. She felt Damien straighten beside her.
“Mr. Carter,” the attorney began, “can you describe the
