~LAYLA~
Saturday, 9 AM sharp.
The courtroom felt different today. There were no reporters buzzing around and no onlookers filling the seats. It was just us, the lawyers and the defendants. The atmosphere was thick with tension, like we were all waiting for something big to happen.
Judge Reynolds entered, her black robe sweeping behind her. Everyone stood automatically.
"Be seated," she commanded, taking her place at the bench. "We are here for the sentencing phase. The court has reviewed pre-sentence reports, victim impact statements, and the new fraud evidence presented yesterday."
She arranged papers before her with methodical precision, then looked up. Her gaze fixed on Cassandra, who sat pale and trembling at the defence table.
"Cassandra Watson Hart, please rise."
