The silence that follows is unmistakable.

Caught off guard, the judge stands frozen for several seconds, unsure whether he heard her correctly.

A hushed murmur spreads through the small room as every eye turns toward her.

Henri is completely motionless.

He stares at Catarina without blinking, shock written all over his face, mixed with disbelief and barely restrained anger.

Behind them, Andrea raises a hand to her mouth, unable to hide her astonishment, while Damião clenches his fists, struggli