As they reviewed the witness statements, Juniper couldn’t help but notice how Daniel’s approach to evidence mirrored his presence in her life - methodical yet somehow transformative, each careful observation building toward an inevitable conclusion she wasn’t quite ready to admit into her record yet.

“The media attention is picking up,” he reported when he returned, setting the summaries beside her with careful precision. “Martinez mentioned possibly bringing in security for the trial, like they did for the Deluth case.”

Juniper rose at this, her confidence unfurling like a banner. The winter light caught her figure as she straightened, silk blouse and pencil skirt highlighting curves she no longer felt compelled to downplay. “Let them come,” she declared, her voice carrying that quiet authority that always made Daniel’s eyes darken. “We have truth on our side.”