“Got everything you asked for,” she announced cheerfully, setting the stack down with practiced care. “Though I had to dig through some older archives. Mr. Roma’s previous cases are quite thoroughly documented.”

The room’s temperature seemed to drop at the mention of his name. But Stacy continued, oblivious to the tension, “He’s incredibly detail-oriented - I worked with him briefly last year. Brilliant legal mind, really. You all certainly have your work cut out for you!”

Juniper felt Daniel shift beside her, his shoulder angling slightly forward in that unconsciously protective way she’d begun to notice. “Thank you, Stacy,” she managed, her tone professional despite the turbulent thoughts Roma’s name evoked. “We appreciate your help.”

As Stacy departed, her cheerful energy lingering like perfume, Sophia raised an eyebrow at Juniper. “Well, that was… interesting.”