CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN – THE NIGHT BEFORE JUSTICE

The night before the trial, Rebecca could barely sleep. She tossed and turned, replaying her testimony in her head, imagining every possible scenario. When her alarm finally went off, she felt a strange mix of relief and dread. As she dressed in the conservative suit Maria had advised her to wear, Rebecca caught sight of herself in the mirror. She barely recognized the confident, determined woman staring back at her. Gone was the uncertain barista who had stumbled into this adventure. In her place stood someone ready to fight for what was right. The courtroom was intimidating, with its high ceilings and somber atmosphere. Rebecca, Zaya, and Suso sat behind their lawyer, trying to appear calm as the proceedings began. Ms. Russo sat on the other side, her face an impassive mask. When Rebecca was called to testify, she felt a moment of panic. But as she walked to the stand, she caught Zaya's encouraging smile and Suso's reassuring nod. Taking a deep breath, she began her testimony. "I