“Your Honor, the defense recalls Ms. Cynthia Rivera to the stand.”

A collective intake of breath from the international observers rippled through the chamber. The scholars exchanged knowing glances, their tabs forgotten as Roma’s strategy became clear. In the jury box, faces tightened with recognition - they had witnessed Ms. Rivera’s compelling testimony just yesterday, her quiet dignity moving even those Roma had carefully selected.

Juniper’s spine stiffened imperceptibly, but the motion caught the eye of several jurors who had been studying her reactions. The subtle shift in her posture made them lean forward slightly, sensing the weight of what was to come. A young legal mind near the back scribbled frantically in her notes: “Prosecution visibly concerned by recall - suggests defense found vulnerability in earlier testimony?”