“No.” The word escaped her with more force than she’d intended, her body turning to face Roma directly. “We both know this isn’t about frameworks or systemic solutions. This is about avoiding public scrutiny, about keeping certain truths buried in carefully worded agreements.”

Roma’s focus met hers with startling intensity - not threatening now, but almost pleading. The corner of his mouth twitched with what looked surprisingly like suppressed relief at her refusal. For a moment, something like understanding passed between them. He wasn’t just recognizing her fire - he was silently encouraging it.

“Juni,” Daniel’s voice came low and urgent behind her, but she was already in motion, her body angling away from his attempted intervention.

“Get me the Delaney deposition,” she offered her guidance, her eyes focused elsewhere, her focus locked on Judge Donahue. She heard Daniel respond swiftly, felt him reach for the files, even as Sophia’s intake of breath suggested this wasn’t the right move.