Chapter 203

Quinn's POV

I connected his phone to the courtroom's AV system. As the evidence appeared - detailed iMessage exchanges, DocuSign timestamps, Venmo payments - the gallery erupted in whispers. Judge Morrison tapped her gavel once, restoring order.

"The evidence is unambiguous, Your Honor," I stated, gesturing to the exhibit displayed on the courtroom's LCD screens. "The electronic signature verification logs show that Ms. Penrose bypassed StarRiver Group's standard SOX compliance protocols. She knew that getting a paper approval would let her circumvent the dual-authentication requirements in the digital system."

I caught Jessa nervously adjusting her blazer. Her nails drummed against the witness stand as she stammered, "That's not-I didn't-"

"Perhaps you'd like to explain the series of Telegram messages between you and Mr. Miller?" I continued, my voice steady. "Or the wire transfers to your account that coincidentally align with each falsified document?"

Jessa's silence spoke volumes. Turning to Judge Morrison, I adjusted my tie. "Your Honor, through digital forensics and witness testimony, we've demonstrated that my client was the target of a sophisticated corporate conspiracy. The defense rests."

I returned to the counsel table. When Judge Morrison asked if the government had any redirect, Leach Anderson's hesitation was palpable.

I rose again, unable to resist pressing our advantage. "Your Honor, given the evidence of potential securities fraud and wire fraud that has emerged during these proceedings, I believe the U.S. Attorney's office has an obligation to investigate who orchestrated this scheme. The integrity of our financial markets demands nothing less."

I watched Leach's face flush. Being outmaneuvered by a younger attorney clearly wasn't in his playbook. He weakly suggested referring the matter to the FBI's white-collar crime division for further investigation.

But I couldn't let them drag this out with another fishing expedition. "Your Honor, the government has failed to meet its burden of proof. We move for an immediate verdict under Rule 29."

After a recess that I ate a salad, we reassembled for the verdict. When Judge Morrison declared, "This court finds insufficient evidence to support the charges of securities fraud and tax evasion against Serena Sinclair. The defendant is hereby released," I heard muffled cheers from our side of the gallery.

Through the crowd, I caught Nina's face twisting with rage as she whispered furiously to side. Rachel Thorne managed a tight smile, highly aware of Lucas Harrington watching from the front row, but couldn't quite hide her displeasure.

Spencer's POV

I stood outside the courthouse, watching Drew fidget with his watch. "Your wife really brought her A-game today. Never paid much attention before, just knew you two were on the rocks. But after that performance in there? The AmLaw Daily's gonna be all over this. Better shape up, Mr. Can't-Keep-It-Professional-With-The-Associates, or you might find yourself traded in for an upgrade!"

I shot him with disdain. Not worth the oxygen to respond.

"Hey, don't shoot the messenger," Drew shrugged, adjusting his tie.

Our little circle headed toward the courthouse steps, where I spotted Serena and Quinn surrounded by everyone from Bloomberg to the Wall Street Journal.

"Anyone up for Symphony of Spice? My usual table's open," I offered.

"Board meeting at four," Lucas cut in immediately, checking his phone.

I turned to Jace, raising an eyebrow.

"Rain check," Jace replied, but his voice sounded off and his pale as the marble columns behind us.

"Come on, Drew. Don't tell me you're bailing too?" I pressed. We were usually the reliable pair at any Midtown happy hour.

"Count me out," Drew shot back without missing a beat. "And while you're at it, scratch me off the guest list for those weekend trips. The girlfriend's not into that scene, and I've got a standing appointment with my trainer at Equinox."

"Since when are you whipped by a girlfriend? Who's the mystery woman?" I couldn't help but laugh. "Let me do some due diligence. Manhattan's full of gold diggers hunting for that next Series A funding, if you know what I mean. Though hey, if it's a mutually beneficial arrangement, no judgment. Just don't want to see you get played like some fresh-off-the-boat startup kid!"

"Save your due diligence for your hedge fund," Drew snapped. "She's perfect."

"Look at you, acting like some lovesick summer associate..." I trailed off, noticing Jace practically speed-walking toward his waiting Town Car.

Lucas gave us one last look before heading out, Rachel falling into step beside him like the perfect corporate wife.

I frowned at Drew. "Did Jace seem off to you? Guy was walking like he just lost a Supreme Court case."

Drew's poker face stayed firmly in place. "I've got a lunch at Le Bernardin. And seriously? Worry about your own situation. With the way the legal press is circling your wife after today, you might find yourself getting served papers at your next Knicks game!"

He turned and strode toward his waiting Porsche.

I stood there on the courthouse steps, watching them all scatter. My eyes drifted to where Quinn held court with the reporters, and I couldn't help a cold smirk.

Media darling? Still the same as before.

Serena's POV

Finally free from the press conference, Quinn and I made our way back to the company . She slid into the driver's seat and started the engine. Even on Park Avenue's relatively straight stretch, I noticed how tentatively she was handling the car.

"Not used to city driving?" I asked, keeping my voice casual.

Quinn gave a self-deprecating laugh. "Born and raised in Manhattan, if you can believe it. Just never quite got comfortable with the traffic. Usually take the subway or Uber everywhere."

"No shame in that," I smiled, then added, "Though given your position at the firm, you might want to consider getting a car service."

I watched her grip tighten on the leather steering wheel as a yellow cab cut sharply in front of us. Her attention seemed to drift, despite the bumper-to-bumper traffic around us.

"Quinn, taxi!" I called out sharply.

She jerked back to attention, slamming the brakes. Thank god for seatbelts - I would've had an intimate meeting with the dashboard otherwise. A symphony of the finest horn-blaring erupted behind us.

"Let me take over," I offered.

She didn't argue, and we switched places at the next corner.

"God, I'm so sorry," Quinn muttered, clearly mortified. "This is why I stick to the 4 train."

"Really, don't worry about it. But seriously, you really need to hire a driver."

"Yeah, you're right."

"I'll drop you off at your place first, then have Vincent send someone for me," I said, not willing to risk her trying to navigate rush hour traffic alone.

"Thanks," she replied quietly.

I shifted the conversation: "About the lawsuit - any chance of further developments?"

Quinn visibly relaxed as we moved to legal territory. "Nothing that would stick. Our investigation couldn't find any paper trail linking Nina or Rachel Thorne to the situation. Any follow-up will probably just be some lower-level employee taking the fall."

I nodded, smoothly merging into the left lane. But internally, my blood was starting to simmer. Did Nina really think she could keep playing this game? She'd only grown more brazen, and now this alliance with Rachel...

I could feel my expression hardening behind my sunglasses. Some people really were determined to write their own downfall story.