The tension thickened as Cassandra’s condition rapidly deteriorated. She clutched her abdomen, her breaths coming in short gasps as the courtroom watched in stunned silence. The guards carefully helped her to a nearby bench as the medics rushed in, assessing her with swift, practiced motions.
Ben’s gaze softened slightly, his expression shifting from unyielding resolve to something more complex. He stood watching, a storm of emotions flickering in his eyes—anger, pity, and maybe even regret. Derek and Lisa exchanged uneasy glances, visibly torn between their lingering anger toward Cassandra and the undeniable humanity of the moment unfolding before them.
The judge ordered a temporary recess to allow Cassandra medical attention, and the crowd began to file out slowly, murmurs filling the
