Hazel's POV
"The court has reached its decision," the judge announced, and the entire room seemed to hold its breath as one collective heartbeat.
I sat rigidly beside Julian, Mara on my other side, Vivian and Richard just behind us, all of us waiting for words that would determine whether Penelope's shadow would finally, truly leave our lives.
"Given the new evidence presented regarding the k********g incident and its direct connection to the defendant's associates," the judge continued, "this court denies the appeal in its entirety. The original sentence stands, with additional charges to be filed separately regarding conspiracy."
The courtroom erupted into quiet murmurs, and I felt Julian's hand tighten around mine, relief flooding through his grip so powerfully I could feel it tremb
