CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN – BAILED OUT OF JAIL

The hushed murmurs of the courtroom fell to a deafening silence as Barbara Storm, Lance's estranged mother, took the stand. Kayla's heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of trepidation and cautious hope swirling within her. Barbara's piercing gaze swept across the room, her expression inscrutable as she settled into the witness box. The prosecuting attorney, a slick and seasoned litigator, stepped forward, his brow furrowed in barely concealed contempt. "Mrs. Storm," he began, his voice dripping with disdain. "You'll forgive me for expressing my surprise at your presence here today. After all, it's been no secret that you and your son have been estranged for quite some time." Barbara met his gaze unflinchingly, her chin lifted in quiet defiance. "That may be true, Mr. Reynolds, but blood ties run deeper than any disagreement or falling out. I'm here because the truth must be laid bare, no matter the cost." A ripple of whispers echoed through the gallery, the spectators leaning forw