Chapter 44
raced as I stared into Judge Harringtons calculating eyes.
Palmer had played his final card–using Victor connections to force me out just as we were about to win.
One minute to save everything Caspian and I had fought for.
“Your Honor,” I began, my voice steadier than 1 felt, “this last–minute motion is precisely what Palmer fears most–the truth coming to light. Yes, Caspian and I knew each other in high school. Yes, there’s history. But that history is what makes me uniquely qualified to expose how Palmer used Rachel Miller to threaten and ultimately shoot my client
I sind forward Helena’s medical report
This evidence proves attempted murder with chemicals traceable to Palmer Enterprises. Remove me now, and you become part of their cover–up.
Judge Harrington’s expression remained unreadable as she studied the document. The courtroom held its breath.
“Motion denied,” she finally stated. “We will proceed with Ms. Winters as counsel. Mr. Palmer. I suggest you focus on defending these serious allegations rather than procedural distractions.”
Caspian relieved exhale was audible as I returned to our table.
One crisis averted, but Palmer’s desperate move only confirmed what I already knew we had him cornered,
Palmer was going down today.
After everything–the mountain escape, Robert’s arrest, Rachel’s shooting of Caspian–this was our chance to end it.
Caspian caught my eye as I entered, his shoulder still stiff from the gunshot
wound.
His small nod carried a world of meaning between us
“Ready to make Palmer pay?” he asked, voire low
“Born ready,” I replied, trying to ignore how my heart hammered against my ribs.
Today we address Palmer versus Drake,” Judge Harrington announced. “I expect both parties to maintain professionalism and argue based on
Victor Chamber approached the podium first, his confidence radiating g like expensive cologne.
Facts and
This case is straightforward,” he began. “Mr. Drake signed a contract with the Warriors, and now he wants out.” He displayed photos of Caspian and me entering his artment building. “His relationship with his attorney extends well beyond professional boundaries, violating ethical guidelines.”
by cheeks.
“That bastard,” I whispered, feeling heat rise to my
When dry fun came, I approached the podium and took a deep breath
This is a simple contractual dispute. This is about abuse of
and coercion
stronger with each word
ten Mi. Drake questioned to
hidden clauses in his co
hired Bolernt, and Rashel Miller to intimidate and physically harm us.”
nearly flawless as he described how the Warriors had “nurtured” Caspian’s career only to face ‘betrayal
During cousa examination, I presented the bank records
Miller a account, made the same day he began harassing me. Coincidence?
Chapter 44
I displayed photographs of multiple meetings between Rachel and Palmer.
“Do you deny that Rachel Miller, acting under your instructions, kidnapped and shot Mr. Drake?”
Palmer stood angrily. “This is complete nonsense! This woman is delusional?”
Amanda Morriss testimony landed like a bomb.
“Mr. Palmer explicitly directed me to create a containment strategy for Drake’s legal counsel,” she stated, her voice steady despite Palmer’s glare. “When 1 questioned the ethics, he told me some problems tequire Rachel’s special touch, Later, I discovered payments to Rachel Miller coded as security consultations in our system ”
Helena Mitchell followed with devastating clinical precision: “I personally discovered the tampering with Mr. Drake’s medication. The substance was. potassium chloride–untraceable in nusimal amounts, fatal in high doses
She looked directly at Palmer, “Laboratory analysis matched the chemical signature to compounds exclusively manufactured in Palmer Enterprises laboratories. This wasn’t amateur work–it was attempted murder.”
After presenting Rachel’s prison confession and surveillance footage, I delivered my final argument: “This is about a system of power that oppresses and controls athletes. Today, you have the opportunity to deliver justice for Caspian Drake and set a precedent for all NFL players.”
panel retired to deliberate, leaving Caspian and me in tense silence.
His fingers brushed mine under the table. “Whatever happens, you’ve been braver than anyone I’ve known.”
An hour later, Judge Harrington announced their decision: “This panel unanimously finds that Mr. Caspian Drake has not violated his contractual obligations. The Warriors must immediately release Mr. Drake, allowing him to sign as a free agent, Palmer Enterprises must pay five million dollars in damages.”
Victory rushed through me like wildfire
Wed won.
In the corridor, Palmer pushed through the crowd, his perfectly manicured facade crumbling to reveal the monster beneath.
“You stupid little bitch,” he sailed, close enough that only I could hear. “You think this is over? I destroyed people far more powerful than you before breakfast this morning.”
I stepped forward, refusing to flinch.
Threatening
ey is a criminal offense, Mr. Palmer. Please continue–every word is just more evidence for your inevitable prosecution.”
Palmets face twisted into something inhuman.
He leaned closet, voce dropping to a whisper: “Rachel was just the opening act. The Palmers destroy what we can’t control, and we never, ever forget our
a threat?” Caspian demanded, moving protectively to my side.
Palmers smule didn’t mạch his ryeL
You’ve made powerful enemies today.” He glanced between us. “Hoth of you.”
champagne flowed as our friends celebrated in Caspians penthouse.
I slipped away to the balcony, needing a moment alone to process everything
- Caspian said, joining me.
a may I wasn’t ready to examine too closely.
Channa worly. I replied. Make sure they respect your worth this time
water
Actually. I’ve been thinking Hedles, his ice dropping
dea kazining my personal legal counsel
Chapter 44
Something warm unfurled in my chest at his words, at the certainty in his eyes when he said “trust.”
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed with an alert from the building’s security system.
The video that loaded made my blood freeze.
Victona Palmer–entering Caspian’s security code, slipping inside while we were in court.
The footage showed her methodically placing small devices in the air vents
s throughout the apartment.
The timestamp showed it happened hours ago
“Caspian,” I whispered, ‘we need to evacuate. Now”
The security feed suddenly switched to live mode–showing Victoria in the building’s electrical room, her red phone, clearly knowing we were watching
As if on cur, the lights went out, plunging the penthouse into darkness.
Lips
scurved into a smile as she held up her
The emergency system
om kicked in with flashing red lights, and a piercing alarm began to wail.
from the vents
Through the panic and confusion inside, 1 saw smoke beginning to seep
“Get everyone out!” Caspian shouted, already moving
