Chapter 233

The judge raised his hand, silenced her. “Enough, Miss Monroe. The direction of this trial is more than clear. You cannot refute the evidence presented. I will not allow this courtroom to drown in groundless accusations.”

The gavel cracked against the block, its echo slicing through the tense air. Valerie stood frozen, her body trembling, her face flushed with rage and humiliation.

Holding up th