We await only the final verdict to be published to the secure circuit.”

The room collectively held its breath. Judge Donahue’s carefully maintained neutral expression flickered briefly as he glanced at his tab, anticipation bleeding through his judicial composure. The seconds stretched like hours, each moment pregnant with possibility.

A soft chime cut through the silence, making several observers boot up in their seats. Judge Donahue’s eyes immediately dropped to his screen, the faintest ghost of a smile touching his lips before he schooled his features back to careful neutrality.