A hunter ready to collect his bounty.

His team followed in formation, their dark suits and stern expressions making their leader’s festive attire even more jarring. The message was clear - they were here for business, but Roma?

He was here for sport. As he settled into his chair, he propped one Italian leather shoe briefly on the edge of the table, leaning back with the relaxed confidence of someone who already knew the ending to this story. His associates moved in sync, arranging themselves around him like satellites orbiting a planet, their heads turning in perfect unison to study Juniper’s team with predatory interest.

“Quite the morning for a hearing, isn’t it?” Roma’s register carried across the room, honey-sweet with poison underneath. He tugged at his holiday sweater with exaggerated thoughtfulness. “I do hope I’m not underdressed for the occasion.” The mockery in his tone was unmistakable - this wasn’t just casual dress, it was psychological warfare wrapped in tinsel and good cheer.

The collective energy of his team radiated smug assurance, like wolves who had already caught the scent of wounded prey. Their synchronized movements and knowing smirks suggested they were all in on some private joke - one that would soon be told at Juniper’s expense.

Judge Donahue entered, his presence somehow diminished by the vastness of the empty courtroom. “We’re here on an emergency motion regarding the Delaney deposition,” he began, his voice echoing slightly. “Ms. Valenca, please proceed.”