As if on cue, Roma rose, flicking something unseen from his shoulder with two fingers. “Your Honor, permission to cross-examine the witness?”

Judge Donahue nodded his assent, and Roma approached Ms. Rivera, his expression a mask of practiced neutrality…

“Ms. Rivera,” Roma began, his tone deceptively casual, “could you please elaborate on your qualifications for these positions?”

As Ms. Rivera began to list her credentials, Roma interrupted, his voice taking on a note of skepticism. “Isn’t it possible that there were other, more qualified candidates for these roles? That your lack of success was due to factors other than discrimination?”

Daniel was on his feet in an instant, his objection ringing out across the courtroom. “Objection, Your Honor. Counsel is engaging in speculative assertions.”

Judge Donahue’s gaze turned to Roma, his expression stern. “Sustained. Please confine your questions to the evidence, Mr. Roma.”

A wave of murmurs rippled through the courtroom as Roma retreated, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. Daniel caught Juniper’s eye, giving her a subtle nod of approval. They both knew that this was just the beginning, that Roma would not be so easily deterred.