The courtroom reconvened in silence. The air was thicker now—charged and fragile.
Zara sat straighter, but her eyes looked distant. As though she was trying to unhear her children's voices from the recording.
The judge returned to the bench, gave a slight nod to the bailiff, and then turned toward the defense table.
"Mr. Hawke, you may proceed with your response."
Nathaniel stood slowly, his face unreadable, voice calm.
"Thank you, Your Honor."
He walked to the center of the courtroom, then turned to the bench.
"Let's start with what was presented as fact." His voice was firm, precise. "Yes, Miss Quinn's car was compromised. Yes, she was stalked. And yes, there was an explosion involving her vehicle."
He paused, letting the silence settle.
"But what wasn't said is that she removed her children from that vehicle the moment she suspected a threat. She changed routines. Changed cars. Increased security. Isn't that what we expect from a responsible parent? Proactive measures?"
