“Proceed with your exhibits, Ms. Hayes,” the judge ordered.

Lauren cued the digital projector. The courtroom screens flickered to life. Exhibit A: the Cancun photograph and the text message.

I ran away with your best friend. A low murmur rippled through the gallery. Judge Whitmore’s expression darkened. Lauren clicked the remote. Exhibit B: the credit card logs.

She didn’t preach; she simply read the data. “Luxury resort accommodations. Private yacht charters. High-end retail. All charged to supplementary cards funded entirely by the petitioner.”

Click. Exhibit C: the wire transfers. “These documents illustrate a ten-month pattern of systemic embezzlement,” Lauren stated, her voice echoing off the marble.

“Transfers ranging from four to ten thousand dollars. Funneled into an undisclosed account.” She projected the lease agreement for the downtown apartment.