After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 341

“The plaintiff may begin.” The judge’s calm voice filled the courtroom.

Catherine’s lawyer, Malvin, stood and nodded respectfully before launching into a clear, methodical explanation of their claims and the evidence behind them.

He began at the very start, talking about Catherine’s original idea. He painted a picture of a brilliant young woman chasing her dream in artificial intelligence, setting the stage for everything that had happened since.

Malvin didn’t raise his voice, but every word came out steady and strong. As he spoke, the screen flickered to life, showing Catherine’s early sketches, access logs from Veridian’s lab, and messages between her and her advisor.

Photo after photo, document after document, the pieces came together, building a timeline that made the story hard to deny.

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the quiet. “Impossible. This is all fake. None of it’s true.”

Shirley couldn’t hold back, ignoring the rules of the court. Deep down, she just couldn’t accept that Catherine might actually be the creator of Resonance AI.

To Shirley, Catherine didn’t deserve it. Resonance AI was hers, something she and her team had poured themselves into. How could she let someone else take the credit?

Malvin didn’t miss a beat. “Please let me finish.”

Shirley scoffed. “I don’t know where you found this so-called evidence, but it’s all made up. Every bit of it.”

“The defendant will remain silent.” The judge’s voice was firm.

Shirley finally crossed her arms, lips curled in a cold smirk, but she stayed quiet.

Waldo, watching from the gallery, clenched his fists. So this was Catherine, six years ago? Not painting or arranging flowers, but writing code, confident and sharp. The girl he remembered from after she returned home had always been gentle and obedient, learning delicate arts and acting like a model daughter. He’d never seen this side of her.

Shirley pointed at the screen, scoffing. “It’s just her in the lab. So what? This doesn’t prove anything.”

Catherine glanced over, calm as ever. “Just watch.”

The video sped ahead ten minutes. Someone else came into the lab.

Shirley’s face went pale as she recognized herself on the screen. She stared in shock, unable to believe what she was seeing.

She gasped, her mind spinning. How could this be? Wasn’t it Amy who used the lab before her? How could it have been Catherine?