Chapter 296 Underhanded Tactics
Lynn was floored. "You went to the Clearwater Bay Club?"
"Why can you go, but I can't?" Ashley shot back, cool as a cucumber.
Lynn, as a partner, had no plans to team up with Ashley. She dodged her at every turn during the investigation, never sharing any updates, clearly giving Ashley the cold shoulder.
But Lynn underestimated her. Even without her help, Ashley could still get what she needed.
Lynn was already on the back foot and found it pretty ironic. She'd bent over backward, even played dirty, but still lost to the seemingly quiet Ashley.
"Of course, you can go. I'm just ticked off. Why didn't you clue me in? Mr. Brin said we should work together, but I don't feel like we're a team at all," Lynn said.
Ashley didn't flinch. "Lynn, you've got so much evidence. I figured you were confident enough not to need my help. As for being teammates, Lynn, we're just the same."
Lynn was left speechless and could only sneer to herself. "The trial's about to start. You better get ready!"
As Lynn turned away, Ashley couldn't help but remind her, "Remember what I told you: don't mess with Robert lightly. He's got connections you can't even imagine. If you want to stay in the legal game, stop what you're doing and stay away from Clearwater Bay Club."
Lynn, with her back to Ashley, clenched her fists and smiled mockingly. "Thanks for the heads-up, Ashley. Think you can lead me just because of a lawsuit?"
Ashley didn't reveal the identity of the hostess at Clearwater Bay Club, giving Lynn a final bit of dignity. But if Lynn knew about Amy and Alexander's relationship, she might regret it so much she'd want to bite her tongue.
When the trial resumed, the parties involved didn't show up, leaving just the lawyers.
Brown sneered, "Ashley claims my client had an inappropriate relationship with that woman, but my client says they're just friends. The other party was feeling unwell that day, so he helped out. I don't know how Ashley got this video, but secretly filming someone's private moments is illegal. Besides, in a place of entertainment, it's not uncommon to have a few drinks and some unintentional physical contact. Does that count as cheating?"
Ashley stayed serious. "Helping? Helping her into bed?"
The courtroom erupted.
Brown snapped back, "Watch your language. Unfounded accusations will have legal consequences!"
Brown didn't believe she had such a damning video, and if scrutinized, it was already pretty bad for Robert, enough to prove his shady private life and leave a terrible impression on the judge!
He would find out where those videos came from!
Ashley didn't have it, but she smiled wryly and took a step back, looking at the judge. "Okay, let's assume they were just innocently hugging and chatting. Robert is quite the romantic, with a wife and kids at home, reminiscing with another woman outside. Could that be a beautiful story?"
She didn't say Robert cheated, but every word dripped with sarcasm.
The judge would surely have his judgment.
Brown couldn't produce more evidence at the moment, so he asked for a postponement.
The new date was set for a week later.
Hannah packed up and whispered, "Ashley, Brown is just stalling for time because he has no case."
Ashley shrugged. "It's just a week. We can wait."
Besides, she needed fresh evidence. Next time, she'd make Robert sign those divorce papers on the spot!
Hannah went to get the car while Ashley headed to the meeting room to chat with Tina. As she stepped out, her phone buzzed. It was Harold.
When Harold heard about the week-long delay, he was livid. "That scumbag Brown is still up to his old tricks. Watch out for any evidence he might have. When cornered, he'll do anything."
Ashley reassured him, "I know what I'm doing. I'm not just sitting around."
"Finish up and get back here quick," Harold said.
Brown stormed down the hallway, his briefcase swinging like it might take someone out.
He stopped right behind Ashley, close enough to strangle her. "Ashley." His voice was dripping with menace.
Ashley spun around, startled, to see Brown's menacing glare. Under the blazing sun, it felt like a snake was eyeing her, its pupils the entrance to its lair.
Her heart turned to ice, but she forced a faint smile. "Brown, what's up?"
Brown's eyes were cold and knowing. "Did you set all this up?"
During his years in the legal field, Brown had always been the one to trip others up, never falling into anyone else's trap—at least, not until this year!
Not long ago, he lost to Lucien from Sky Balance Law Firm. He was angry but respected Lucien's reputation. However, he couldn't tolerate Ashley's underhanded maneuvers.
Ashley played innocent. "What are you talking about?"
"Cut the act! Those stunts in court today were all your doing. How dare you scheme against me?" Brown snapped.
Ashley kept her innocent smile. "I have no idea what you're talking about. We're all following legal procedures. The judge and jurors know the law. How could I scheme?"
"You're full of it. You know exactly what I mean. You had Tina act to sway the judge. Let me tell you, Ashley, that trick only works once. When we reconvene in a week, let's see what you do," Brown said.
Just then, a few court staff walked by. Ashley nodded in greeting, and Brown's face broke into a smile. He switched his expressions so naturally that no one could tell he was threatening her just a second ago.
After they left, Ashley dropped her smile and stepped forward in her high heels. "Brown, you'd better get the truth from your client. Make sure he comes clean about what he's done. Don't get blindsided by your own people."
Brown's face turned ashen. She was talking about those videos. "Do you think you can win like this?"
Ashley smiled faintly. "I think so."
"You!" Brown started, but a tall figure in a black suit emerged from the nearby courtroom, stopping right in their triangle.
Sean, holding a black briefcase, looked sharp and somewhat triumphant. "Ashley, Brown."
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