Sophia shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting between them. “We’re sorry, we just thought…”

“It’s okay, Sophia.” Juniper’s tone softened marginally. “You’re the paralegal. This isn’t on you.” Her gaze finally sliced toward Daniel, cutting and cold. “Some people, however, should know better. Some people are going to be singing the blues when we meet with the judge and DOJ this afternoon.”

Daniel closed his eyes for a beat, regret carved into his features…

“Don’t,” Juniper preemptively cut him off before a word escaped, her voice rising with each word.

“Just don’t. Do you have any idea what this could cost us? The DOJ now has a transcript full of technical specs, with no challenge to their implementation or impact!”