Sophie sat in the holding chamber behind the courtroom, sipping cold water from a paper cup. Her blazer was folded beside her. The soft creases in her navy jumpsuit told the story of a long, tense day.

Alexander sat beside her, his fingers interlocked with hers.

“They’ll see the truth,” he said.

“I hope so,” she whispered. “But even if they don’t, at least I spoke it.”

Rachel entered quietly.

“They’re deliberating privately. No timeline given.”

Sophie nodded, pressing her lips together.

She hated waiting more than she hated testifying.

Camellia called an emergency executive meeting.

The remaining Phoenix board gathered: Rachel, Richard, Mira, and two new independent directors.

“I’m...