For a moment, Jerica stood in stunned silence, searching for words that refused to come. The absurdity of it all seared through her thoughts—they truly didn't know. They hadn't pieced together the truth of her marriage to Jared.
How come? How dumb are these people and why are they in such high positions?
The shrill ring of her phone shattered the moment. She glanced at the screen, the sequence of numbers familiar but menacing, and ignored it.
The judge's phone rang next, a jarring echo that made him jump. He answered it with a tremor of urgency, the chair scraping back as he stood.
"Yes, Sir. This is Jefferson." His voice was pitched with respect so profound it bordered on fear.
Jerica watched him, curiosity coiled tight in her chest.
"Yes, Sir... Yes, Sir... Of course." His eyes met hers, calculating, wary. Without another word, he extended the phone to her, hand outstretched like an offering.
