“That is Olivia Grant,” I said, my voice barely more than a whisper, though it carried through the silent room.

“She told the court she was bedridden in Aspen.”

Samuel turned to the judge, his hands resting flat on the wooden podium.

“Your Honor, we submit that this is a coordinated attempt to destroy the primary physical evidence of the embryo swap.”

“The defendants knew the digital files would not be enough to secure a conviction without the physical straw matching my client’s DNA.”

The judge signed the papers on her desk with a sharp, decisive flick of her wrist.

“The court will recess for two hours,” she announced.

“During this time, I am ordering the immediate arrest of Olivia Grant at the Westbridge facility.”

“Margaret Lawson will remain in the custody of the state marshals.”

“And Ethan Lawson is to be transported directly to the Denver County jail upon his arrival from the airport.”

As the gavel came down, the sound echoed like a gunshot in the small room.

Two bailiffs stepped forward, their leather duty belts creaking as they approached Margaret.