(Caroline's POV)
The thirty minutes stretch into an eternity.
Aunt Jasmine keeps going over notes, preparing for whatever comes next. Aiden paces near the back of the courtroom like a caged animal. Jason sits beside me, his presence steady and grounding, his hand occasionally touching my shoulder in silent support.
Charlie has fallen asleep in my arms, exhausted from the stress of the day. His small body is heavy and warm against me, and I hold him like he might disappear if I loosen my grip.
Samuel sits at his table, surrounded by lawyers who are clearly trying to salvage what's left of his case. But I can see it in their faces—the resignation, the acceptance that they've lost control of the narrative.
Hailey is still here, sitting in the back with Wendy. Our eyes meet across the cou
