A Step Ahead

A ripple of unease spread through the room as a ome guests exchanged nervous glances while others leaned in closer, eager to catch every word.

"Don't twist this," Boss Cranford snapped, his voice betraying his rising irritation. "Mrs Brandon deserves justice. And everyone here can see that she's been wronged."

"Justice?" Jace repeated mockingly. His piercing gaze shifted to Marianna, who looked away nervously. "Justice requires honesty. And since you've been so generous with your accusations, allow me to return the favor—with facts."

He unfolded the paper slowly during which the silence in the room became heavy with anticipation.

"This," Jace began in a sharp tone, "is a certified copy of the DNA results from the hospital. You didn't think I'd leave something so crucial unattended, did you?"