Chapter 9 - Conflict of InterestSterling froze as Judge Vance ordered the bailiff to take the envelope from my hand.
"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Sterling?" Judge Vance asked, her eyes narrowing as she reviewed the financial statements enclosed in the folder. "According to these bank records, your firm received two hundred and fifty thousand dollars from an offshore entity linked to Mercer House three days before this arrest."
"Your Honor, those were retainer fees for unrelated corporate counsel—" Sterling began, a bead of sweat breaking on his forehead.
"Retainer fees paid from a charitable trust for domestic violence victims?" Judge Vance’s voice was ice. "This presents an immediate, glaring conflict of interest. You cannot represent the defendant while simultaneously being listed as a payee in the fraudulent transactions underlying the grand larceny charge."
Daniel’s calm demeanor shattered. He turned violently toward Sterling, his voice dropping into a fierce whisper that carried across the quiet room. "What did you do?"
"Silence at the defense table!" Judge Vance struck the block with her gavel three times. "In light of this evidence, Mr. Sterling is disqualified from representing Mr. Mercer in these proceedings. Furthermore, given the severity of the charges, the clear evidence of financial fraud, and the documented threat of witness intimidation, bail is denied."
Daniel whipped his head around, his eyes locking onto mine across the wooden railing separating the gallery from the well of the court. For the first time in five years, there was no charm in his eyes. No calm superiority. Only pure, unadulterated fury.
"You think you've won, Clara?" he sneered as two bailiffs stepped in to grab his arms and pull him toward the side holding door. "You have no idea what happens when this building goes quiet!"
"Take him down," Judge Vance ordered sternly.
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As the heavy metal door clicked shut behind Daniel, the courtroom burst into chaos. Reporters stood on benches shouting questions, cameras flashed wildly, and Rachel wrapped her arms around my shoulders from behind, sobbing with relief.
I didn't cry. I kept my eyes fixed on the door through which Daniel had just disappeared. I knew him better than anyone in that room. He was trapped, but a wounded animal with resources was far more dangerous than one sitting on a throne.
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