Later that evening, Sophie and Alexander sat in the courtyard, wrapped in a shared blanket, sipping hot cider.

A soft breeze danced through the air.

He leaned his head against hers.

“Whatever happens in that courtroom,” he said, “remember this moment.”

She nodded.

“This moment feels like truth.”

Back at Phoenix HQ, Rachel entered the security hub to check the daily feed logs.

One item stood out.

Sender: Unknown

Message: “The fire may have died, but the embers remain. Sophie Burnett will never be safe.”

Attached: a still image.

It was Sophie.

Standing on her balcony.

Taken from a long-range lens.

Rachel’s heart stopped.

She reached for the phone.

Sophie...