The courtroom was so quiet I could hear the hum of the HVAC unit.

“Mr. Bennett, did your wife ever, at any point, provide written or verbal consent for the specific wire transfers listed in Exhibit C?”

“No.” “Did you intentionally falsify the electronic authorization process to deceive the banking institution into releasing those funds?” Ellison jumped up.

“Objection! Counsel is leading the witness into self-incrimination!” “Overruled,” Judge Whitmore snapped. “He’s already bleeding, Mr. Ellison. Let him answer.”

Ethan closed his eyes. “Yes.” “No further questions.” Lauren turned on her heel and walked back to the table. Ellison declined to cross-examine. There was nothing left to defend.

But Lauren wasn’t finished. “The petitioner calls Rachel Brooks.” Rachel took the stand, refusing to look in my direction. She looked small, broken, and terrified.