Lucas disappeared into his Lamborghini as soon as they landed. Rivera Tech New York headquarters was already buzzing with tension.

The Stark Group, one of the company’s most influential shareholders, had officially withdrawn their shares leaving the company vulnerable.

Today was the first real case at Harper Langston and Rowe LLP. Manhattan’s most elite corporate litigation firm. The case wasn’t just important. It was massive.

Nexora Biotech vs Damien cross

The case file had only referred to him as “D.Wells” until the morning briefing. She hasn’t connected the dots. She had been too focused on proving herself.

Nexora, her client, accused their former investor of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and deliberate sabotage.

Apparently, Damien Cross had pulled his funding days before a crucial merger, crashing Nexora’s stock and leaving the company vulnerable right before investing quietly in their competitor.

No lawyer wanted the case because they all feared Damien Cross just one call and they would end up jobless in New York City.

On the other hand, Aria was happy that she had landed her first case. She just returned from Silver crest and was really looking forward to this case.

Her client, Nexora corporation, was happy that they had found someone to take up their case as every other lawyer failed to take up a case against Damien.

Aria sat at the far end of the long conference table, reviewing disposition notes when the senior partner, Andrea Langston, glanced at her phone and said. “The defendant’s legal team will be joining us shortly.”

Alright… The door opened and Damien walked in.

All the lawyers bowed when Damien walked him. They were all greeting him. He just waved and kept on heading to who was still seated when he walked into the room.

Mr Damien is here. Andrea said, tapping Aria to stand up. She stood up and her eyes clocked with her ex husband.

Damien.

….Aria”? Damien called.

She lifted her head up and couldn’t believe who was right in front of her. “Mr Cross.” She said evenly

What the hell are you doing here? He yelled.

Andrea turned to Mira. “You two know each other.”

“Yes briefly. A long time ago. Aria replied first without giving Damien a chance to talk.

“Do you have a conflict with the case?” Andrea asked her.

“No, I'm perfectly capable of doing my job.” Aria replied calmly.

“You dare go against me, Aria Langley?” Damien asked.

“I’m defending the truth and the truth doesn’t look good on you.” She added taking her seat.

Other lawyers were stunned. Who the hell was this lady? Hasn’t she heard of Damien cross?. She’s sitting while Damien is standing talking to her. They couldn’t believe what just happened.

Damien took his seat and instructed others to do so.

For the next hour, the team outlined their case. Aria blinked as she walked Damien’s attorney through a timeline of emails, meetings and financial transactions that painted a damning picture.

She doesn’t know why she’s talking. Damien yelled.

Actually I do. You see Mr Cross. I read every contract you signed with Nexora. And I know exactly how much stock you offloaded before their valuation dropped. Numbers don’t lie.

I’m going to expose you for manipulating a villain into collapse for personal gain. That's the difference.

The meeting had ended. Damien moved fast stepping into the hallway after blocking her exit.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?”. He snapped.

Aria turned slowly. “My job.”

“You seriously think you can drag me through court.”

“If the evidence is as bad as it looks. I won’t need to drag you.”you will fall on your own.” Aria fired back.

Damien stepped closer. voice low and dangerous.

“You think just because you have got a suit and a law degree that you are above me now.”

“I don’t think I’m above you, she said. I have finally walked past you.”

Damien couldn’t believe his ears. He grabbed her hands and shoved her to the wall. She was in pain and he enjoyed it.

“Let go of me Damien”. She yelled.

Damien ignoring her “You think this makes us even?”

“There’s no us, Damien.” Not anymore.

“You are still the same. I can see it. Hiding behind paper and power, but you are just playing grown up.”

She used her last strength to push him off. “Don’t you lay your filthy hands on me again next time and you are not intimidating anymore.” She warned and asked away.

Who the hell does she think she is. I’m going to teach her a terrible lesson. She doesn’t know who she’s up against. She should wait and see.

As she got on the elevator. She received a text message asking her how the first meeting went.

“You won’t believe I’m defending myself against Damien. My ex husband. But he has no idea who he is up against.