Chapter 2

Hugo stepped forward, trying to defend Xenia.

"Samantha, it was her first time in court. She was just nervous."

"You be quiet too!" I yelled.

Hugo froze where he stood, stunned. It was the first time I had ever raised my voice at him.

"Samantha, do you really have to blow this out of proportion?" he questioned.

A cold laugh escaped me. "She had a meltdown on the stand, showing zero professional integrity, and all you can think about is making excuses for her? If I hadn't stepped in when I did, do you honestly think our client would have received a fair trial?

"Instead of holding Xenia accountable, you point the finger at me. Must someone be wrongfully convicted before you feel any remorse?"

Hugo took a step closer. "Samantha—"

I cut him off and pulled him before the court seal mounted on the wall.

"Look at it. Did you take your oath to uphold the Constitution only to betray it? Can you really defend her with a clear conscience?"

A flicker of doubt crossed Hugo's and Zayne's expressions, yet still they stood at Xenia's side.

I continued, "Don't give me that 'first time' excuse. If she claims to be such a prodigy, then how could a genius make such a mistake? You've all lost your grip. Have you forgotten your duty to respect the law and defend justice?"

I turned my cold gaze on Xenia, who was nestled pitifully in Zayne's arms.

"This will not be brushed aside. If any of you dare to plead her case again, don't expect me to show any mercy."

…

I was blazing with rage, every inch of me telegraphing a danger best avoided. Seeing me like this, Zayne and Hugo held their tongues.

I fixed my eyes on Xenia and declared, "For the next three months, I'll have the firm suspend your case assignments. You'll assist other attorneys with research and documentation. Watch how real attorneys fight for their clients' rights. And at next week's review meeting, I expect a thorough self-criticism report from you."

With that, I turned on my heel, unwilling to waste another word on them.

"Wait!" Zayne called out with a stern expression. "Xenia participated in the defense. Since we won, her name belongs on the credit list."

I glanced dismissively at Xenia's tear-streaked face and snorted, "A sobbing attorney in the court? I'm sure the client would thank her profusely."

"Samantha, you… She needs successful cases to build her reputation—"

I cut him short. "Does our victory have anything to do with her? She couldn't even manage the basic evidence presentation in court, let alone cross-examination. If she wants to beg, try a street corner with a cardboard sign. It won't work on me."

Zayne was left sputtering. He was reduced to glaring at me in furious silence.

Xenia's sobs intensified, and she slumped against Zayne as if all strength had left her.

"Samantha, how can you say that? You've gone too far."

I scoffed. "If I hadn't stepped in, the client's family would already be tearing you apart. Riding on someone else's work to land big cases? A title unearned is a curse waiting to fall. If your skills don't improve, Xenia, forget about ever handling another case at this firm."

…

Back at the firm, I had barely sat down in my office when my assistant, Faith Reyes, knocked on the door and hurried in.

"Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Ziegler wants to see you."

I frowned and asked, "Didn't he have a community legal seminar today?"

"I heard Mr. Scott and Mr. Wilkinson called him back. And... he doesn't seem to be in a good mood," Faith explained cautiously.

Christopher Ziegler was the firm's founder and a highly respected figure in the legal community. He had been my mentor when I first started and had supported me throughout my career. Even now, as a senior partner, I regarded him with the utmost respect.

Puzzled, I made my way to the conference room.

Xenia, Zayne, and Hugo were already there. Their expressions were tight with anger.

"Samantha, come in and have a seat," Mr. Ziegler said warmly with no trace of displeasure on his expression.

Then, without preamble, he began, "Xenia was in court for the first time. She cried, yes, but you can't say she was entirely at fault. If you hadn't intervened, she might have pulled herself together, and the case might not have been lost.

"Samantha, you handled things too rashly. But of course, I'm not criticizing you."