CHAPTER 79

SOPHIA'S POV

The high double oak doors of Courtroom One closed with a heavy, deep thud, shutting out the noise of the crowd of reporters outside.

Inside, the room was full of history and quiet power. Stained-glass windows stretched up toward tall arched ceilings, and they threw soft golden light across polished mahogany benches, fancy brass railings, and the judges' bench at the front. On the raised platform sat a panel of five international judges from the International Maritime Court, with official court writers and legal advisors seated beside them.

I walked down the center aisle of carpet toward the claimant's table, with my head held high, and...