**Washington, D.C. – Supreme Court of the United States**
“Case 22-501—Shi v. National Cyber Surveillance Agency," the clerk announced.
Serena rose from the petitioner's table, calm in a crisp navy suit. Opposite her, amicus counsel approached—the man who once signed her exile.
Julian Lu.
He stood tall in a modest gray tie, representing Lighthouse Initiative.
The Chief Justice raised a brow. “Ms. Shi and Mr. Lu, we rarely see co-architects of a case with this much personal history."
Serena replied evenly, “The future doesn't care about our past. It only obeys our precedent."
Julian nodded. “We're here to rewrite both."
**Three Hours Later – Court Recess**
Reporters buzzed outside.
“She eviscerated the government's argument," one whispered. “He backed her with data no one could de
