At one point, she even appeared to be texting under the defense table.
Judge Reynolds noticed everything.
He said nothing.
Yet.
The tension continued building.
Minute after minute.
Warning after warning.
Several times the judge asked her to remain silent.
Several times she ignored him.
The spectators began to realize they were witnessing something unusual.
Most defendants became more respectful as a hearing progressed.
Ava became less respectful.
The more patient the judge remained, the more confident she seemed.
It was as though she genuinely believed she could do whatever she wanted.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
Judge Reynolds looked directly at her.
“Miss Mercer,” he said calmly.
“This courtroom deserves respect. I am giving you one final opportunity to conduct yourself appropriately.”
The room fell silent.
Nobody moved.
Nobody spoke.
Ava slowly stood.
A small smile appeared on her face.
The kind of smile that instantly makes people uncomfortable.
A smile that suggested she thought she had already won.
Several spectators later said they felt something bad was about to happen.
They were right.
Ava looked directly at the judge.
