His eyes found Juniper’s, carrying an unsettling mix of respect and challenge. “Even Ms. Valenca… if you didn’t know… in my opinion she’s actually one of the nicer people I know. Someone who if I know anything about them its that they operate with integrity. Maybe that’s the only thing we have in common.” His smirk somehow managed to be both genuine and calculated.

What are you playing at now? Juniper’s eyes narrowed slightly as she caught Daniel’s subtle head tilt - their shared suspicion of Roma’s sudden humanity. Sophia had set her pen down entirely, easing back into her seat with the stillness of someone who’d stopped taking notes and realized how this chapter was going to end.

“But to get into my line of questioning, Mr. Delaney… would you mind stating your age for the court?”

Daniel rose smoothly. “Relevance?”

Here it comes, Juniper thought, watching Roma’s expression. She could feel the trap being laid, even if she couldn’t yet see its shape.

Judge Donahue studied Roma with careful consideration. Roma’s answering look carried just enough substance to earn a slight nod.

“I’m 82 years of age,” Delaney answered, his voice steady despite the strange turn.

“Geeze, you don’t look a day over 60…” Roma’s compliment carried none of his usual outlandish warmth - instead, it felt almost genuine.

Juniper’s hand found Daniel’s wrist under the table, a silent warning as she recognized Roma’s strategy crystallizing. His fingers twitched in acknowledgment - he saw it too. Behind them, Sophia inhaled slowly and leaned in. She’d read the same signs. Roma was about to beat them at the one thing they thought they owned.

“Mr. Delaney, if I may ask - do you know the current life expectancy for what is sadly most… but not all… people in this country?”