Chapter 20 Masterful Maneuvers in the Courtroom
The next court session was scheduled ten days later. Before that, Ashley had been in negotiation with the heads at KM. They were adamant about not budging on the two million dollar mark and demanded a public apology from the defendant; their terms were nothing short of draconian.
In court, Ashley came out swinging with a forceful stance, dissecting the defendant's infringements with surgical precision and citing similar patent cases from multinational conglomerates to validate KM's claim as fair and just.
The defense's knockout punch, the argument that the sum sought was exorbitant, crumbled in the face of Ashley's incisive language and the ironclad evidence she presented.
The defendant's temper flared up on the spot, accusing KM of wielding influence over the judge and the court, vowing to take the fight to a higher court.
But that was exactly what Ashley was aiming for, to bait the defendant into losing control and showing contempt in court, which would severely undercut his credibility.
The judge did, in fact, have some humanity when he looked at Ashley during recess. The previous time he'd treated her like a corporate lackey, glaring at her with such contempt.
During the recess, Ashley checked her phone. Harold was asking about the progress, and the chatter in the law firm’s internal messaging system was buzz with anticipation of the outcome. Only Damian, the client himself, remained conspicuously silent.
Wasn’t he supposed to be deeply invested? Why the sudden disinterest at such a critical juncture?
Professional to the core, Ashley sent him a brief update, "We won, waiting for the official verdict."
The message was sent, and a confirming flash of the screen indicated as much.
After nearly two minutes, Damian finally responded with a single word, "Good."
Concise. Detached. Cold. Even.
Ashley had done her part and said no more, putting her phone away as she turned to head back.
"Ashley, a moment, please."
The defendant's lawyer, a well-dressed man in his early thirties with a wedding band on his finger, tall, with a slender frame, called out to her.
Ashley, gathering her folders, returned the call with cordiality, "Good evening, Sean."
Sean, meticulous and unyielding in his defense, exuded a sense of dominance in court. Yet, outside of it, he spoke with a gentleness and politeness that was quite gentlemanly, “The verdict will be announced shortly, and once the trial is over, we’ll no longer be adversaries. Could I invite you for a coffee, Ashley?”
In the intimate realm of law firms, courts, prosecutor's offices, and the legal community, where people constantly cross paths, Ashley recognized the value of cultivating professional connections with local attorneys in order to succeed in her career.
"Sure, after I go over the decree with my client, it might be a bit late though," she replied.
A subtle smile brightened Sean's face upon Ashley's acceptance, “No rush, I've got some procedures to tidy up on my end anyway. How about seven o'clock? Does that work for you?"
Ashley glanced at the digital clock mounted on the hallway wall, marking a quarter past five, “That’s fine, see you at the front steps of the courthouse."
Sean discreetly excused himself as the executives from KM awaited Ashley's words.
With a respectful demeanor, one executive commended her, “You did great today, Ashley. I was quite impressed with your performance in court.”
The case wasn’t inherently complex, but the real headache with civil cases is often their prolonged duration.
Unexpectedly, after Ashley took over, she moved quickly, each step strategically targeted. Her compelling performance today was the clincher, effectively breaking through the bottleneck and bringing the case to a close.
Now, with the weight off his shoulders, the executive felt a natural sense of gratitude towards Ashley.
Returning the sentiment with a smile, Ashley replied, "Thanks, Mr. Andrews. It's simply my duty. We should have the panel's decision in about half an hour, and if all goes as expected, the outcome should be to your satisfaction."
"Thanks, Ashley. On behalf of the company, I want to express our gratitude once again," said Jack Andrews with a warm smile, “By the way, I saw you chatting with the opposing attorney earlier. An acquaintance?"
Ashley kept her private life close to her chest, replying with a dismissive wave, "Just running in the same circles, you know."
Jack chuckled knowingly.
His phone buzzed with an incoming call. Although Ashley couldn't see his screen, the shift in his expression hinted at a caller of significance. Preempting him, she said, "I've got to run, but let's catch up later."
Impressed by her perceptiveness, Jack nodded, "Sure, see you in a bit."
He had once doubted the legal department's reasons for hiring Ashley, suspecting her good looks played a part. But after seeing her in action, he realized it was a blend of charm, integrity, and talent that made her stand out.
Hannah, bubbling with excitement, grasped Ashley's arm and shook it, “Ashley, you totally rocked it in there! You were all aglow, shining like some kind of starring superhero. Goddess, can I be your apprentice?"
Patting her head, Ashley smiled softly, "You want to learn the ropes from me? Graduate first, then we'll talk."
"You got it! I'll nail my thesis and graduate ASAP. Then I'll be an outstanding female lawyer!"
Watching Hannah's bright, energetic smile reminded Ashley of her own younger days.
What was she doing at that age?
She'd entered college two years early, graduating at just twenty, the same year she fell for Damian. Her life revolved around her thesis and Damian, chasing his every move, studying his likes, with dreams of marrying into his world.
Six years whizzed by, lost to a man who didn't deserve her time.
Foolishness beyond measure.
Shaking off the memories like cobwebs, Ashley turned and made her way back to courtroom one.
Claiming the verdict documents, Jack was quick to relay the news to Damian, "Mr. Hearst, the case is closed, and everything went according to our plans. The defendant will issue a public apology tomorrow, and the compensation will be in our accounts within the week."
Damian, still at the office, took the news in stride, unrippled, “Follow the procedure. Do what needs to be done."
Surprised by the CEO's indifference as he wanted direct updates on the case, Jack attempted to lighten the mood, “Also, Ashley and the defense attorney, Sean, seem to get along quite well. I caught them sharing a laugh. The legal world works in interesting ways."
To his surprise, the air seemed to grow colder at the mention, a visible chill through the line.
Damian's voice was a sharp gust, "What did I send you there for? To play paparazzi?"
Sharing a laugh? Had the trial woven a thread of romance? She certainly knew how to deal with men.
Jack couldn't pinpoint which remark had set off the big boss, but he hastily softened his tone and apologized, "I'm sorry, Sir, I'll get in touch with the PR and Tech departments right away. Also..." He paused, thinking it best to add, "Ashley truly did an outstanding job. If it wasn't for her quick thinking, we wouldn't have wrapped up the case so swiftly."
Damian replied with icy indifference, "Impressed by handling a minor dispute? If that's the extent of her capabilities, I see no point in future collaborations."
Sweat trickled down Jack’s face as he stammered, "What I meant was..."
Damian angrily interrupted him, saying, "Jack, are you seeking for a leave? Maybe I should let you hang out in the courthouse like a tabloid reporter."
