Evelyn’s POV

The courthouse emptied slowly.

Evelyn stood just outside the heavy doors, sunlight spilling over the wide steps, her breath unsteady. The air felt different, lighter, but also heavier in a way she hadn’t prepared for.

Because winning didn’t erase what had been lost.

Carmen came up beside her first, slipping an arm around her shoulders without saying a word, she didn’t need to. Carmen had been there through every sleepless night, every panic spiral, every moment Evelyn ...