Roma’s smirking grin grew impossibly wider. “Objection, Your Honor. The defense is clearly attempting to interrupt the flow of testimony.”

But something in Daniel’s stance made Judge Donahue pause. After a moment’s consideration, he nodded. “We’ll take fifteen minutes.”

As soon as they were in the conference room, Daniel’s controlled composure transformed into barely contained excitement. “He made the same mistake Roma tried to trap Delaney with,” he said, his words tumbling out in a rush. “Trentons just claimed full independent creation of the resonator system, but…”

“The patents were developed under federal contracts,” Juniper finished, her eyes widening as she caught his meaning. “Just like Roma tried to argue Delaney’s code belonged to the government!”

“Exactly!” Daniel’s hands sketched patterns in the air as he outlined his strategy. “But it goes deeper - check the filing dates on the original patents. The resonator designs were based on classified research from the Skeletal Institute Project. The government can’t claim both independent development rights AND classification control!”

Sophia’s pen flew across her notepad as she documented their rapid-fire exchange. “The same constitutional paradox Roma tried to create with Delaney’s code,” she breathed. “If they argue classification control, they admit federal development…”

“Which undermines Trentons’ credibility as an independent expert,” Juniper finished, her pulse quickening with renewed hope. Her hand found Daniel’s arm again, this time in shared excitement rather than seeking comfort.