“Silence, Mrs. Lawson,” Judge Myers said, her hand still resting near her gavel.

“Mr. Morris, approach the bench.”

Julian walked forward, his boots squeaking on the polished linoleum.

He handed the blue folder and the flash drive to the bailiff, who passed them to the judge.

The courtroom was so quiet I could hear the hum of the fluorescent lights overhead.

Outside, the wind threw a sheet of icy rain against the high, narrow windows.

Judge Myers opened the folder, her eyes moving rapidly across the printed pages.

“These are the original embryo transfer logs,” the judge said, her voice flat.

“Signed by Dr. Morris, with authorization codes registered to Margaret Lawson’s personal estate account.”

Olivia Grant sank lower into her chair, her fingers digging into the fabric of her coat.

“Ethan,” Olivia whispered, her voice trembling. “Ethan, do something.”

Ethan did not move; he sat stare-faced, his eyes fixed on the wood grain of the defense table.

“The records show the genetic material belonged to Claire Bennett,” Judge Myers continued.

“The transfer to Olivia Grant was flagged as a donation, but the signature on the consent form is a forgery.”