Chapter 43
“I had no idea Olivia would be involved,” I said, turning to Caspian.
“Don’t worry about her,” he replied, his ey
eyes steady on mine,
“She’s only there because of family connections. Whereas you’re the smartest, toughest person I’ve ever met.”
Blake and Marcus approached with Amanda trailing behind them. “Palmer’s brought five attorneys, Blake reported.
Amanda glanced around nervously, “I took a huge risk providing those files. If they find out…”
I squeezed her hand. “You did the right thing. This isn’t just about Caspian’s contract. It’s about every player the Palmer family has manipulated.” The
courtrooms doors opened, revealing a packed gallery. As I prepared to enter, Caspian caught my wrist.
“Can we win this?” His voice dropped to a whisper
met his gaze, feeling the
weight of responsibility and the trust in his eyes. “Absolutely.”
I have no choice. Six years of running and fear ends today,
The courtroom fell silent as Judge Harrington entered. “All rise,” the bailiff called.
“Be seated,” she instructed, surveying the packed gallery with a disapproving frown. “This is a court of law, not a sporting event.”
I arranged my files, peripherally aware of Olivia doing
ng the same across the aisle.
Caspian sat beside me, his posture rigid despite the pain I knew he must be feeling.
“Case number 2455–B. Drake versus Palmer Enterprises, Judge Harrington announced. “Ms. Winters, your opening statement.”
I rose, approaching the podiums with steady steps.
contract through deliberate
“Your Honor, this case is fundamentally about power and its abuse. Jeffrey Palmer systematically undermined Mr. Drake’s co misrepresentation and, ultimately, intimidation.”
I gestured toward Caspian.
When he questioned altered provisions, he was met not with explanation, but with threats. The evidence will show that Rachel Miller, currently in custody for attempted murder, was employed by Palmer Enterprises to threaten and intimidate both Mr. Drake and his legal representation.”
Returning to my seat, I felt Caplan’s hand briefly touch mine under the table–a silent acknowledgment.
Olivia approached the podium next, her voice carrying the smooth polish of privilege.
“Your Honor, opposing counsel has presented drama better suited to fiction. The simple truth is that Mr. Drake, unhappy with terms he freely agreed to, is attempting to manipulate his way into a more favorable position.”
As she continued her carefully constructed lies, I scribbled notes furiously, preparing to dismantle e
When she finished, Judge iturrington turned to me.
Mr. Winter, call your first withers”
The plaintiff calls Amanda Morria,”
Amanda was sworn in, her professional demeanor belying her nerves.
Mi. Moriis, please state your former position with Palmer Enterprises.
“Setan Communications Director for three years, reporting directly to jell
“And why did you leave
to Jellery Palmır”
each one.
Tirsigned when asked to participate in activi
believed were unethical and pouchly illegal –
As I began questioning her about Rachel Miller’s role, Palmer’s face darkened, I was hitting the mark
Sudden, The courtroom doors burst open.
man in a sheriff’s uniform entered, approaching the judge with an envelope.
Judge Harrington frowned as she read its contents, then looked directly at me.
“Mr. Winters, approach the bench.”
I complied, heart racing.
This is an emergency order from Judge Chambers claiming conflict of interest,” she whispered. They’re alleging you withheld evidence of your personal relationship with Mr. Drake, demanding your immediate removal from the case.”
My blood tan cold.
Palmer was making his move, using Victor’s connections to force me out at the crucial moment.
Without me, Caspian would be left
defenseless against their legal machine.
The judge studied me carefully. “You have exactly one minute to convince me why I shouldn’t en
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