As the echo of Harvey Lancaster's last pointed question lingered in the courtroom, Gregory Baldwin rose from his seat, his movements brisk and charged with purpose. He adjusted his tie and approached the bench, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"Your Honor," Gregory began, his voice calm but cutting, "the defense has spent a significant amount of time attempting to justify Alexander Blackwell's qualifications and character, as well as that of his late father. While their argument may be colorful and, at times, entertaining, it is ultimately irrelevant to the matter before this court."
Harvey's brow furrowed, but he remained seated, his hands clasped calmly in front of him. Gregory gestured broadly to the courtroom, addressing Judge Patterson directly.
"The plaintiff has not contested whether Alexander is capable or even brilliant in the realm of business," Gregory continued. "This case is about equity and fairness. Specifically, whether Stephanie Riverplate, as the daughter of Cassius Blackwell, was unjustly excluded from Blackwell Investments. Whether the exclusion was, as we believe, rooted in outdated and discriminatory beliefs about gender."
He turned slightly, his gaze momentarily landing on Stephanie, whose resolute expression betrayed a flicker of gratitude.
"The defense's entire argument—painting Alexander as the rightful heir based on merit—is a distraction," Gregory declared. "The truth is that Stephanie Riverplate was every bit as capable and ambitious as her brother. But instead of being given the same opportunities, she was dismissed, belittled, and ultimately cast aside because she happened to be born a woman."
A quiet murmur rippled through the room, broken only by Judge Patterson's sharp gavel.
"Order, please," the judge said firmly.
Gregory nodded respectfully and continued. "Your Honor, the defense's attempts to glorify Alexander or rationalize Cassius's decisions do not address the systemic and personal biases that have left my client excluded from what should rightfully be hers. We ask that you focus this case on the issues at hand, not on red herrings presented by the defense."
Gregory took his seat, his argument delivered with precision. The courtroom buzzed with tension as Judge Patterson turned his attention to Harvey.
"Mr. Lancaster," the judge said, "are you prepared to respond?"
Harvey rose slowly, his demeanor as composed as ever. He adjusted his suit jacket and took a moment to survey the courtroom, his gaze steady and deliberate.
"Your Honor," Harvey began, his voice calm but laced with a quiet intensity, "I respectfully disagree with my learned colleague. The context we've provided about Alexander Blackwell's qualifications and Cassius Blackwell's principles is not a distraction. It's foundational to understanding why Stephanie Riverplate was excluded from Blackwell Investments."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "My colleague has argued that Stephanie's exclusion was rooted in gender bias. We contend that it was not. Rather, it was a decision based on Cassius's unwavering—if ruthless—dedication to his vision of what would best serve the company."
Stephanie's face hardened, but Harvey pressed on.
"Cassius Blackwell was a man who placed business above all else. He did not coddle. He did not make decisions based on sentiment or tradition. Every choice he made was calculated, aimed at securing the company's future and maximizing its success."
Gregory's expression tightened, but Harvey met his gaze squarely. "Your Honor, we believe that this case cannot be fairly adjudicated without a comprehensive understanding of Cassius Blackwell's intentions and the principles that guided his decisions. And we intend to demonstrate how Stephanie Riverplate's exclusion aligns with those principles… not with bias."
Judge Patterson's brow furrowed, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge of his bench. "How do you intend to do that, Mr. Lancaster?"
Harvey's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "Your Honor, we would like to introduce a new witness."
The courtroom erupted into a cacophony of whispers and murmurs. Gregory shot to his feet, his face a mask of indignation.
"Your Honor, this is highly irregular," Gregory protested. "The defense has not disclosed any additional witnesses. This is a blatant attempt to blindside the plaintiff."
Harvey remained unfazed. "Your Honor, the witness in question only became available to us at the last minute. Their testimony is crucial to providing the full context of this case. We ask for the court's indulgence in permitting their testimony."
Judge Patterson held up a hand, silencing both attorneys. "Mr. Lancaster, who is this witness?"
Harvey straightened, his voice steady. "Your Honor, I'd prefer to let the witness introduce themselves. Their presence will speak for itself."
The judge's eyes narrowed, but he nodded. "Very well. Bring in the witness."
The heavy doors of the courtroom creaked open, and the entire room seemed to hold its breath. All eyes turned toward the entrance as the sound of footsteps echoed against the polished floors. The figure approaching remained just out of view, obscured by the angle of the door, but the air was electric with anticipation.
Harvey stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the door. Gregory's face twisted in frustration, his fingers gripping the edge of his table. Stephanie leaned forward slightly, her green eyes narrowing as she tried to catch a glimpse of the newcomer.
The tension in the room was palpable as the footsteps grew louder, closer, until finally, a shadow emerged in the doorway. The figure stepped inside, their features coming into view, and the courtroom seemed to collectively exhale.