She couldn’t help but contrast Daniel’s apparent indifference with her own deep investment in the case. For Juniper, this wasn’t just another legal battle, it was a chance to make a real difference, to fight for those who had been wronged by a system that was supposed to protect them.

Sophia’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Everything okay?”

Juniper blinked, realizing she’d been staring at the door Daniel had exited through. “Yeah, just… processing.”

“Hey,” Sophia said gently, studying Juniper’s face. “Don’t let Daniel… I mean, he’s probably just finding his footing. You know how it is with new people.”

How does she always know? Juniper forced a smile. “That obvious?”

“Let’s just say you’re not as subtle as you think when someone gets under your skin,” Sophia said with a knowing look.

Am I being unfair.?. “You’re right. I shouldn’t read too much into it.”

But as Sophia gathered her things, Juniper couldn’t shake her doubts. He’d contributed valuable insights. He’d been professional, if distant. Maybe I’m projecting. The memory surfaced unbidden… that brief moment when the air had shifted between them, when something had felt real. Her breath had caught then. It wasn’t catching now. Stop trying to figure him out and focus on the case.

She had poured so much of herself into this fight. What if he doesn’t believe in this case like I do? What if he’s just going through the motions? The thought made her heart sink. And why do I even care?