At that moment, the heavy double doors at the back of the courtroom opened.

Two men in dark, identical suits walked in.

They did not look like local deputies.

They carried small leather folders, and their eyes were fixed entirely on Gavin.

One of them stepped toward the bailiff, showing him an ID badge.

My phone buzzed in my hand.

The screen lit up with an alert.

I looked down at the glowing screen.

The message was from my lead counsel, who had remained at our office to coordinate with the federal authorities.

“Delaware registry certified,” the text read. “The original articles of incorporation are now active, and the SEC has flagged all of Gavin’s transfer requests.”

I slid the phone back into my purse and looked up.

The two men in the dark suits were speaking quietly to the bailiff.

The bailiff listened, nodded slowly, and then looked over at Gavin with a cold, professional expression.

Gavin noticed the look and adjusted his tie, his knuckles turning white against the silk.

“What is this?” Gavin muttered, looking toward his attorney. “Philip, find out who those men are.”