Chapter 299
The lawyer continues. “The defendant had access. She had motive and she had opportunity p>
My chest tightens.
“I object to speculative characterization,” my lawyer says smoothly.
“Noted,” the judge replies. “Proceed with facts p>
The company lawyer nods before he projects access logs, my employee ID, and time stamps onto a screen
I continue watching, all the while my stomach drops and the walls feel like they’re closing in on me.
“These logs show multiple downloads of sensitive files at unusual hours p>
Then the lawyer lifts another document.
“Additionally, Your Honor, these same files were found in the hands of several competitors p>
My vision blurs as I stare at the screen and for a moment, I feel like the floor is tilting.
“This establishes financial motive,” the company lawyer continues. “This was clearly calculated p>
The word slices through me and before I can recover, he continues.
“We call our first witness. Ms. Jocelyn Reed p>
Of course. I should have seen this coming from a mile away.
She rises gracefully and walks to the stand.
She then places her hand on the Bible and swears to tell the truth before turning toward the courtroom.
Her eyes meet mine for a second and all I can see is her determination to destroy me.
“Ms. Reed,” the company lawyer begins, “did you observe any suspicious behavior from the defendant p>
She sighs softly. “Yes p>
My heart pounds so fast it feels like I’m about to have a heart attack.
“Ms. Meyers became increasingly secretive in the months leading up to the breach. She frequently stayed late alone. She discouraged team collaboration and when confronted about missing research drafts, she became defensive p>
She is bluntly lying. Can’t they fucking see that this is a setup? That she’s making things up?
I want to laugh, but instead, I sit still.
“Did she ever express dissatisfaction with the company p>
“Yes. On multiple occasions actually,” Jocelyn says smoothly. “She complained about compensation. She said she deserved more p>
I grip the edge of the table as the lies continue tumbling out of her filthy mouth.
“She once said,” Jocelyn continues, “that if the company didn’t value her properly, then she would find someone who would p>
The courtroom murmurs slightly.
My lawyer remains calm. “Objection,” she says. “Context matters p>
“Noted,” the judge replies again. “Continue p>
Jocelyn looks directly at me and that’s when I clearly see it… Triumph.
“Sierra always joked about selling research to the highest bidder,” Jocelyn says. “I just never thought she’d actually sell the company’s research p>
“Did she say ‘research’?” the lawyer asks. “Did she use that exact word p>
She nods. “Yes… on multiple occasions p>
My pulse roars in my ears. I glance back briefly. Mom’s face is pale, Lilly looks ready to launch herself across the room and Noah sits rigid, jaw tight.
The company lawyer finishes. “Your Honor, the evidence demonstrates a deliberate breach of trust that caused substantial damage to Bio-Renew p>
Silence fills the room as Jocelyn goes back to her seat.
The judge folds his hands. “This court has reviewed the preliminary evidence submitted p>
My breath slows and I briefly close my eyes before opening them again when he continues.
“This matter will continue tomorrow, at which time the defense will present its response p>
He then looks at me directly. “Until then, the defendant is reminded of the seriousness of these charges p>
Seriousness? As if I don’t feel it crushing my ribs.
“This session is adjourned p>
The gavel falls. The sound echoing louder than it should.
Everyone stands but I remain seated for half a second longer.
“Let them have this day.” My lawyer leans towards me. “Tomorrow will be our turn to crash them p>
I nod, then stand slowly.
As I turn, my eyes meet Jocelyn’s. She smiles faintly, like she’s already won… But she hasn’t.
Like Kerry said, tomorrow is our turn to them.