His voice was calm, steady, and utterly devastating.

“The defense’s entire argument rests on a biological claim that does not exist,” Samuel added.

The defense attorney stood up slowly, his shoulders slumped.

“Your Honor, my clients were under the impression that the clinic’s records were…”

“Your clients were under no such impression, Mr. Vance,” Judge Myers interrupted, her voice freezing the air in the room.

She looked down at Ethan, who was staring at his own hands, his face wet with sweat.

“Mr. Lawson, do you recognize the man on that screen?” the judge asked, pointing to the video.

Ethan did not look up.

“Answer the court, Ethan,” Margaret commanded, her voice sharp as a razor.

She was already trying to distance herself from him, her eyes cold and calculating.

Ethan flinched at his mother’s voice, his shoulders shaking.

“Yes,” Ethan muttered. “That’s me.”

A soft murmur broke out among the few spectators in the gallery.

“And why were you destroying court-subpoenaed evidence at three o’clock this morning?” Judge Myers asked.

Ethan swallowed hard, his throat moving convulsively.

“I… I was trying to protect the family,” he whispered.