Chapter 21: The Senior Partner Meeting
Monday morning, New York, at the headquarters of Fairfield & Rubinger.
Amelia and Elise stepped out of the elevator with bright smiles. Chad’s recent misfortune was bound to keep their spirits high for a while.
Elise had discovered that Chad was digging for information on the elusive “Titan of Law” Using a private messaging app, she contacted an actress who was job–hunting online. She offered her $100,000 in cryptocurrency to impersonate the Titan and meet Chad under the guise of a professional consultation. The actor eagerly accepted the deal
Elise then forged a dossier on the Titan of Law, planting the actor’s phone number in the firm’s records. She ensured Michael’s friend would stumble upon it and eventually deliver the number straight to Chad. The plan was simple and flawless, leaving no trace that could lead back to her. Even if Chad’s team tried to investigate, they would hit a dead end.
Π
The only potential risk was the actor’s lack of knowledge about Amelia’s past or legal expertise. If Michael cross–checked any case history or asked specific legal questions, the ruse might fall apart. Elise had reasoned that if Michael uncovered the deception, it would simply mean Chad got lucky, and the prank would end there.
Luckily for her, Michael was too overjoyed by his discovery of the Titan to question much. Coupled with the convincing dossier and the actor’s elegant and intellectual voice, Michael never suspected the Titan
was a fraud.
Elise sighed with some regret. “It’s a pity we couldn’t see Chad’s face when he realized.”
Amelia chuckled and waved it off. “It was just a prank. Don’t dwell on it too much.”
The two women headed to their respective offices. As Amelia was reviewing the firm’s personnel files and photos, her phone buzzed with a notification. Elise had tagged everyone in the senior partners‘ group chat, announcing the weekly meeting at 9 a.m. in the top–floor conference room.
At 8:55, Amelia entered the room.
The senior partners who had already arrived were not exchanging pleasantries. The atmosphere was tense, charged with an undercurrent of hostility. Most of them cast dismissive glances at her before subtly shifting their gaze toward Elise, who sat at the head of the long conference table. Amelia remained composed as she took the seat furthest from Elise. She was new here and preferred to keep a low profile for now,
When the clock struck nine, Elise stood to address the room. “First, let’s officially welcome Ms. Ainsworth as a senior partner of Fairfield & Rubinger.”
She began clapping, but most of the senior partners remained motionless. A handful joined in with polite but half–hearted applause, which quickly died out, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.
Albert Beckett, seated to Elise’s right, broke the tension with a pointed remark. His hair was streaked with gray, and his tone carried a clear note of skepticism.
1 must say, I have reservations about Ms. Ainsworth joining us as a senior partner.”
Amelia recognized him immediately from the firm’s records. Albert Beckett was second only to Elise in the firm’s hierarchy. Elise had once mentioned that Albert dreamed of replacing the “Fairfield” in the firm’s name with “Beckett.” The two often clashed, but Albert’s extensive client portfolio and loyal team of attorneys made him untouchable—for now.
Albert scanned the room, searching for allies. “Does anyone here truly know her background? I’ve been in this field for twenty years, and I’ve never heard of this woman. Now, we’re just letting a nobody waltz in as a senior partner? What am I supposed to tell my team?”
His words ignited murmurs of agreement
Many of the senior partners nodded, their faces reflecting a mix of resentment and doubt. They had clawed their way to the top of the legal world, sacrificing much along the way. To them, Amelia was an unproven outsider who had seemingly bypassed the grueling climb.
Elise’s presence had kept them restrained, but Albert’s bold stance gave them permission to voice their frustrations.
“He’s absolutely right, chimed another middle–aged man seated to Elise’s left. He glanced at Elise with thinly veiled disdain. “This firm isn’t a monarchy. We can’t just pluck someone off the street and hand them a senior partner title.”
His gaze shifted to Amelia, scrutinizing her. “Ms. Ainsworth, the title of senior partner isn’t just a shiny plaque on a door. Outside these walls, it represents the reputation of this firm. If you mess up, clients will lose faith in all of us. So, tell me–what qualifies you to be here?”
Amelia knew she had become the target of their hostility. Since she had deliberately concealed her past, they saw her as nothing more than a nepotistic appointment without a track record to back her up. Before she could respond, Elise cut in sharply.
Ms. Ainsworth isn’t just qualified,” Elise declared, her tone icy yet resolute. “She’s going to be the best lawyer this firm has ever worked with. Her future victories in court will make everyone here feel deeply inadequate.”
Albert let out a derisive laugh. “Oh, come on, Elise. We all know you’re close friends. This isn’t a sorority. If she’s so exceptional, let’s see her prove it.”
Elise’s eyes narrowed, her voice laced with steel. “Watch your tone, Albert. If my judgment is so poor, then what does that say about you, one of my partners?”
Albert’s face darkened.
Elise scanned the room, her gaze sharp. “Tunderstand that newcomers can be unsettling. But at least give her a case before jumping to conclusions. What kind of impression are we giving if senior partners gang up on one woman?”
Amelia seized the moment, offering a calm smile.
“understand your concerns–they stem from not knowing me. Give me six months, and I’ll elevate this firm’s reputation to unprecedented heights.”
Ekse added firmly, “All we’re asking for is a chance to let her prove herself.”
Albert leaned forward, his tone confrontational. “And if she fails? Elise, will you apologize and promise to stop making unilateral decisions?”
The room fell silent, the tension almost tangible
Elise’s reply was ice–cold. “Fine. But if she succeeds, you’ll all apologize to her–publicly and in writing”
After the meeting, Amelia returned to her office. She had barely closed the door when Elise stormed in, fuming.
“Those sanctimonious bastards!” Elise exploded. “Albert’s smug face makes me want to-”
“Relax.” Amelia poured herself a glass of whiskey, her tone light. “A month from now, they’ll be tripping over themselves to claim they discovered me.”
She didn’t take their hostility to heart. She knew that someday, they’d boast about having worked with her to boost their own prestige.
Elise grabbed Amelia’s hand, guilt etched on her face.
I’m sorry” she said softly. “Putting you through this was my decision. They’re just using this as an excuse to undermine me.”
“Enough” Amelia interrupted, shooting her a mock glare. “I agreed to this. And if you keep looking like a kicked puppy, I swear I’ll march into Albert’s office and yank off his toupee.” Elise burst out laughing, then suddenly grabbed Amelia’s arm. “Come on! Let’s go find some clients who’ll make those old fossils green with envy.”
Before Amelia could protest, Elise was already dragging her out the door.
