And for the first time, it felt possible.

His gaze burned into mine, sharp and calculating. “You did this,” he said, voice taut with accusation.

“I responded,” I said quietly, carefully, “You started this.”

He let out a bitter laugh, harsh and brittle. “I started it? Me?” He stepped forward, but the deputy shifted slightly, a subtle but unmistakable barrier.

Ethan’s voice dropped into practiced calm, persuasive and smooth, meant to charm and manipulate. “Claire, you misunderstood what you heard. You panicked. You escalated this for no reason.”