The sentencing hearing was scheduled for six weeks out, and Weston Holt was led from the courtroom in restraints, his careful, composed mask finally, fully cracking as reality settled fully into place, and Ivy watched him go with something that felt less like triumph and more like the particular, exhausted relief of a threat finally, permanently neutralized.

Trent found them outside the courthouse afterward, something emotional and disbelieving crossing his face. "It's actually over."

"It's actually over," Sterling confirmed, extending a hand that Trent shook with visible gratitude. "Thank you, Trent. Genuinely. I don't think this verdict happens the way it did without your testimony."

"I didn't do it entirely...