Miranda surveyed the chamber, her green eyes taking in the small flickers of hope that had ignited across the opposition's faces.
Pierce sat straighter in his chair. Marcus, despite trying to control himself, still carried that barely suppressed gleam of renewed possibility.
Her lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile... sharper, more predatory.
The scent of their hope made her pulse quicken.
This was what she lived for... the moment when her opponents thought they'd found their lifeline, just before she cut the rope.
"Let's ask the men in question themselves why they supposedly lied, shall we?" she said, her voice carrying across the chamber with surgical precision.
She paused, turning slightly toward the panel.
"But before that, let me clarify something once more..."
Miranda moved with deliberate steps toward William and Brad, her approach measured and calm.
Both young men straightened slightly, their injuries making the movement awkward.
