Chapter 153

• She focused on the courthouse doors, willing her body to cooperate. The spinning in her head began to subside, and the world slowly came back into focus. She could see the steps leading up to the entrance, the hustle and bustle of people moving in and out, and the stern faces of security guards watching over the proceedings.
• As she made her way closer, the crowd seemed to part for her, as if sensing her urgency. “Just a little further,” she thought, her heart pounding not just from exertion but from the weight of what was at stake. She could almost hear Ethan’s voice in her head, urging her on, reminding her why she was there.
• Finally, she reached the entrance, her breath coming in quick bursts. She paused for a moment, leaning against the cool stone wall to steady herself. The dizziness had mostly faded, replaced by a fierce determination. She was here, and she was going to do this.