“The only mistake I made was believing you,” I said.

Judge Vance cleared her throat, the sound sharp in the quiet room.

“Mr. Sterling, this discussion is over,” the judge said.

“We will proceed in the courtroom in ten minutes.”

Evan stood frozen for a moment, then turned and walked out of the chambers, letting the heavy door slam behind him.

“Are you alright, Claire?” Lydia asked, putting a hand on my shoulder.

“I’m fine,” I said, though my hands were cold.

“Let’s finish this.”

The walk from the chambers to the courtroom felt longer than it was.

The hallway was lined with dark wood paneling, and the fluorescent lights hummed overhead.

We entered the courtroom, which was large, with high ceilings and heavy oak pews that were mostly empty.

The air smelled of floor wax and wet umbrellas.

I sat at the petitioner’s table next to Lydia, my hands clasped tightly in my lap.

Evan and Vivian sat at the respondent’s table across the aisle.

Vivian had arrived while we were in chambers, and she sat rigid, her silver hair perfectly coiffed.