She asked whether he had told Iris he wanted her to “learn her lesson.” He hesitated.

“I may have used words I regret.”

Iris waited for him to look at her.

He didn’t.

The judge entered temporary protective provisions pending further proceedings, including restrictions on contact and a process to address possession of the shared residence under court supervision.

The details were narrower than Iris had wished and more valuable than she’d dared expect: the law had recognized a need to keep them apart while the case continued.

Outside the courtroom, Garrett’s attorney asked whether Iris would consider a settlement discussion through counsel.