The courtroom felt tighter than before. The air seemed heavier, like it was pressing down on everyone inside.
The judge sat straight in her chair, her hands resting firmly on the desk. Her voice was no longer soft.
"Don't you feel ashamed to manipulate a little child for your own gain?" she said, her words sharp and clear. "Don't you feel ashamed to play with her feelings? You used a five-year-old girl for your personal vendetta. Mr. Sebastian, trying to frighten and intimidate such a little girl is completely unacceptable in this court. Because of this behavior, custody cannot be granted to you."
Her voice echoed in the silent room.
Sebastian stood with his head lowered. For a moment, he looked small. But then his jaw tightened. He lifted his head, not fully meeting her eyes, but refusing to back down.
