Wyatt stepped forward, trying to defend Lexi:

"Ms. Ellis, it's just Lexi’s first time. She was just nervous."

"You shut up too!"

I snapped.

Wyatt froze, totally surprised. It was the first time I'd ever yelled at him.

"Ms. Ellis, you're overreacting!"

I scoffed.

"She had a meltdown in court, totally unprofessional, and you're all bending over backward to defend her?"

"If I hadn't stepped in, do you think our client would've gotten a fair shake today?"

"Instead of calling Lexi out, you're attacking me!"

"Do we need an innocent person in jail before you feel bad?"

Wyatt took a step closer: "Ms. Ellis..."

I cut him off, dragging him in front of the scales of justice.

"Look at that symbol! Did you forget your oath? To defend the constitution?"

"Can you honestly stand there and defend Lexi with a clear conscience?"

My fiancé and protégé hesitated, but they were still protecting Lexi.

"Stop saying it's her first time! If she's such a prodigy, how did she mess up?"

"You're all out of your minds! Have you forgotten about respecting the law, fighting for justice?"

I glared at Lexi, who was snuggled in my fiancé's arms, crying:

"This can't be swept under the rug. If you defend her again, I'm done with you!"

My anger made me dangerous.

My fiancé and protégé saw it and backed down for once.

I stared at Lexi and said:

"For the next three months, I'm pulling you from cases."

"You're going to assist other lawyers, see how they fight for their clients!"

"And at the review next week, I want to hear your apology."

With that, I walked out, done with those three.

"Wait!"

Sean stopped me, his face serious:

"Lexi was part of the team for this hearing. When we win, she gets the credit too."

I gave Lexi a cold look:

"The lawyer who cried in court? I'm sure the client appreciates her support."

"Sue! She needs a win to get a name for herself..."

I cut him off.

"Did she contribute to this win at all?"

"She couldn't even present basic evidence, let alone argue.

"If you want to beg, get a cup and hit the streets! You're asking the wrong person!"

Sean was speechless and just glared at me.

Lexi cried even harder, leaning on Sean:

"Ms. Ellis, you can't say that to me... You're so mean."

I laughed:

"If I hadn't been there, your client would've been ruined!"

"Taking credit for others' work," I scoffed, "You can't live beyond your talent, or you'll face consequences!"

"If you don't improve, you'll never work a case here again!"

Back in my office, my assistant knocked on my door:

"Ms. Ellis, Mr. Harrison wants to see you."

I frowned:

"Isn't he at a meeting today?"

"Mr. Walsh and Mr. Davis called him back."

"And... he doesn't seem happy."

My assistant warned.

Mr. Harrison was the founder of the firm, a respected name in the industry.

He was also my mentor, helping me get where I am today.