Twenty thousand dollars. You plead guilty. We ask for leniency. Everyone’s happy. The company collects the insurance. This wraps up quickly.”
Jenna’s voice followed: “Take it, Daniel. You already lost your job. Don’t lose your whole life too, just because of pride.”
The room went silent.
“This court considers this clear proof of attempted bribery, manipulation of the judicial process, and conspiracy to commit fraud,” Judge Lawson said at last. “I order the immediate arrest of Attorney Martin Cole and Ms. Jenna Collins. Officers, proceed.”
As they were handcuffed and led away, she turned back to Daniel.
“Mr. Daniel Carter, you are officially cleared of all charges. This court recognizes your innocence and deeply regrets the harm you’ve suffered.”
Daniel closed his eyes for a second, not for drama, just relief.
When the courtroom finally emptied, she rose to leave. Daniel stepped forward.
“Your Honor.”
She turned, face softer now. “Yes, Mr. Carter?”
He took something from his pocket—the first USB.
“I found this under the seat of your car. When I helped you with the tire, I think it fell out then.”
She looked surprised, then smiled faintly. “So that’s where everything changed, isn’t it?”