CHAPTER 177

As we walked out of the infirmary and back toward the courtroom, all eyes turned toward me. Justin’s smirk faltered for just a second, and I knew—he wasn’t expecting me to come back this strong.

My steps slow and deliberate, my pulse steadying with every breath. The noise of the crowd hushed as they noticed me return.

I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, but I kept mine focused on the front. Justin, still seated confidently, glanced my way, but this time there was something different in his eyes—something uneasy.

He didn’t expect me to come back after that.

Good. Let him doubt.

I sat back down beside Jack, feeling the heat of Iva’s reassuring presence next to me. Jack gave me a quick nod as the judge re-entered, signaling that the recess was over. The courtroom slowly fell silent again, and it was time for Laura’s testimony to continue.

"Ms. Oviedo," Jack said, standing and approaching the witness stand with a calmness that made me feel stronger just watching him, "We’ve heard your v