For the first time since Juniper had known him, Roma’s composure cracked - not in his usual calculated way, but with genuine discomfort that made her pause. His jaw tightened, shoulders stiff beneath his tailor as he spoke words that seemed to pain him.

“The DOJ believes that a structured settlement could provide immediate relief to the affected parties while-” His voice carried none of its usual swagger, each word seeming forced.

“The affected deserve more than structured settlements,” Juniper cut in, thrown off by this unfamiliar version of Roma but pressing forward. The word ‘affected’ hung in the air between them, charged with meaning. “They deserve their day in court, their chance to be heard on a global stage. No amount of carefully worded agreements can replace that fundamental right.”