“If she goes to jail, he should too!”
Gasps filled the room. The judge pounded the gavel. Guards moved forward—but Sebastian raised a hand, stopping them.
He stepped closer, as if pulled by something invisible.
“What did you say?” he asked quietly.
“I said you’re mean,” Leo replied bluntly. “Mom says you used to be a prince. But princes don’t send princesses to jail.”
Daniel pulled a worn photograph from his pocket.
“She didn’t steal the necklace,” he said, handing it over. “She just wanted you to see this. She thought if you remembered when you were happy, you wouldn’t be so angry.”
Sebastian looked at the picture.
A younger version of himself sat on a beach, sun in his hair, smiling without calculation. Beside him was Maria—laughing, alive, the woman he had loved one reckless summer before returning to his world of wealth. The woman he left behind with money and a note.
Eight years ago.
The boys were seven.
His breath caught.
“My God…”
“It’s fake!” Victoria shrieked. “They’re manipulating you!”
Before the chaos could swell, another sound filled the room.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
