The morning light filters through the curtains of Lydia's townhouse, casting long shadows across the room. I sit at the kitchen table, my hands cradling a steaming cup of tea that I have no intention of drinking. My stomach churns, the weight of the upcoming court hearing pressing down on me like a heavy stone.
Lydia stands by the counter, sharp and composed as always, scrolling through her tablet. Her dark eyes flick up to me, narrowing slightly.
"You're spiraling," she says, her tone matter-of-fact. She sets the tablet down and walks over, leaning against the edge of the table. "And if you don't snap out of it, Victoria's going to eat you alive today."
Her words sting, but I know she's right. I grip the mug tighter, my knuckles turning white. "I just… I can't stop thinking about what she might pull next. She always has something up her sleeve, Lydia. What if I can't—"
