Roma’s response dripped with false innocence: “Oh, counselor, let’s maintain decorum.” Daniel’s hand had stalled halfway to his collar. Beside him, Juniper’s fingers paused at her neckline, her gaze caught on him. Neither blinked.

“This exhibit was properly filed a fortnight ago - I personally delivered it. Not my fault if certain members of the team were…” His face twisting into mock sympathy. “…shall we say, distracted by their HR department??” His head swung back to the judge, eyes sparkling with mischief he made no effort to hide. “Shall I proceed, Your Honor?”

Judge Donahue’s expression could have frozen helium. “You may continue, Mr. Roma. Briefly.” The warning in his tone was unmistakable.

Roma turned back to Delaney, his movements… such an elegant display… like a chess master advancing a piece no one remembered being on the board. “Mr. Delaney, are you familiar with the term ‘catalog engineering’?”

The witness shifted uncomfortably, his earlier confidence frozen mid-evaporation… dew that had crystallized before it could disappear. “I… suppose I am.”

“Please,” Roma prompted with exaggerated courtesy, “enlighten us.”