Chapter 5 - Courthouse Lockdown
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"Bailiff! Lock those doors!" Judge Rowan’s voice roared through the courtroom, echoing with authority that made the room vibrate. "Now!"
The heavy oak doors slammed shut behind us, the deadbolts clicking into place with a definitive, metallic thud.
Adrian immediately took a step forward, raising his hands in a practiced gesture of corporate innocence.
"Your Honor," Adrian began smoothly, relying on his practiced charm. "There’s been a slight misunderstanding outside. My wife is extremely emotional due to her pregnancy, as you can clearly see, and—"
"Silence!" Judge Rowan slammed his hand down on the bench. The sharp crack shattered Adrian's composure. "Do not speak another word!"
"Your Honor, I am Graham Pike, representing Mr. Caldwell," Adrian's attorney interjected, stepping up. "We are here for a scheduled emergency hearing on—"
"I don't care who you are, counselor," Judge Rowan growled, his gaze locked entirely on my trembling form on the floor. He turned toward the courtroom clerk. "Call courthouse security and an emergency medical team immediately. We have an injured pregnant woman on the floor."
"This is absurd!" Bianca snapped, folding her arms across her chest. "She practically walked into my hand! She’s faking it for attention!"
Judge Rowan turned his gaze toward Bianca. The sheer ice in his eyes made her choke on her next words.
"Let the record reflect," Judge Rowan said, his voice chillingly precise, "that this court personally observed Ms. Bianca Shaw assault Mrs. Lydia Caldwell inside the judicial facility."
"Wait a minute," Adrian said, his tone turning sharp. "You can't just make accusations without reviewing—"
"Bailiff," Judge Rowan interrupted, pointing directly at Bianca. "Detain that woman. Separate her from the parties immediately and take her into custody pending a formal criminal intake assessment."
Two armed bailiffs moved instantly, grabbing Bianca’s arms.
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"Adrian! Do something!" Bianca screamed, thrashing against the guards' grip. "He can't do this to me!"
Adrian stood frozen, his eyes wide, realizing for the very first time that his money and influence had no power in this room.
