Chapter 143
Chapter 143
Cleo let out a sly laugh. “Call it karma. I just gave the wheel a little nudge.”
Most people walked away from their lawsuits completely in the dark, but not her. She’d gone the extra mile–dug through court transcripts, pisced together information, and handed the evidence straight to the victims‘ hands.
As she spoke, she popped a chestnut into her mouth as a reward. “I heard Kathleen’s appealing again. You ready for that?”
Maxine replied calmly, “I’ve got more than enough evidence.”
Cleo hesitated for a moment, then added cautiously, “But I heard from someone at work… Kathleen might’ve pulled strings to hire a new lawyer.””
Maxine’s fingers stilled. Her mind flashed to that call Kathleen had made to Sebastian.
“You don’t think it’s…?” Cleo asked, voice laced with doubt.
But just as quickly, she dismissed her own suspicion. “Nah, no way. Sebastian already promised you, didn’t he? Besides, after everything Kathleen’s done, he’d be out of his mind to help her again.”
Maxine didn’t reply right away. She quietly helped Jessica pack up her finished homework and muttered, “Can’t say for sure. If it comes to it… I’ll improvise.”
The second trial came fast. Maxine stepped into the courtroom with her evidence neatly arranged. But when she looked across the room and saw the opposing counsel, her heart gave a lurch. She knew this woman–one of Noxen Group’s top lawyers. She had personally won some of the company’s most difficult cases.
Setting her files down on the desk, Maxine couldn’t help the bitter smile that curled her lips. After everything, she still believed in Sebastian… and Brian.
Brian, who had switched her evidence and nearly made her lose face in court.
Sebastian, who had sworn he’d never lift a finger for Kathleen again–yet here he was, providing her with Noxen Group’s best legal weapon, even when her opponent was Maxine.
At that moment, Maxine felt an icy chill run through her veins.
From the gallery, Cleo recognized the lawyer too and shot to her feet in shock. A court officer immediately warned her, and she sat back down, fuming.
If phones were allowed in court, she would’ve called Sebastian right then and let him have it.
Maxine inhaled deeply, pulling herself together. She reached into her briefcase, laid out her documents, and nodded at the judge to begin.
She knew this wasn’t going to be easy. And sure enough, the defense attorney countered every point with forceful, precise arguments. Despite her preparation, despite the evidence–Kathleen won the case.
The moment the judge delivered the verdict, Cleo shot up from her seat, her mouth half open to protest. But Maxine met her eyes and shook her head.
Gritting her teeth, Cleo sat back down, burning with helpless fury.
As they exited the courthouse, they ran into Kathleen standing outside, chatting with the Noxen Group’s lawyer.
Kathleen clasped the woman’s hands tightly, gushing with gratitude. “Thank you so much. I really would’ve gone to prison without you. If you’re free, I’d love to take you to dinner.”
The lawyer shook her hand with practiced politeness. “You’re too kind. I was simply following Mr. Mason’s special instructions. Just doing my job.”
Hearing that, Cleo nearly exploded. She turned to Maxine and spat, “That heartless bastard! I knew he wouldn’t turn her down. After everything, he still chose to help her–he’s sold out whatever conscience he had left.”
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