Chapter 15

Serena POV

Gasps. Actual gasps could be heard all through the courtroom following Myles’s words, and believe me, I was even more shocked.

Judge Poe pushed back from the bench with a small frown on his face.

“I.. I’m sorry, Mr. Voss. You can’t just stroll in mid-trial and make declarations. This is highly improper...”

“I’m aware of court protocol, Your Honor,” Myles cut in, already pulling out a folded document from the inside of his coat. He held it like a magician with the final card in his deck. “My Notice of Appearance was submitted this morning, timestamped by the clerk at 9:03 a.m. Section 115.20 of the New York State Criminal Procedure Law allows for a change in counsel at any point during the trial, provided the substitution does not cause undue delay. I intend to proceed immediately after recess. No delays and no obstruction.”

He raised an eyebrow, almost daring the judge to push him.

Judge Poe narrowed his eyes. “You’re invoking th