After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 342

Shirley was on the screen, broom and rag in hand, cleaning with a look that could sour milk. She was clearly annoyed. The memory played out in her mind, sharp and uncomfortable. That day, her advisor had suddenly told her to clean the lab. She hated the idea, so of course she brought her mood with her.

The footage made everything obvious. While Shirley wiped down a desk, her eyes landed on a USB drive still plugged into the computer—the very same one Catherine had just used and forgotten.

In the video, Shirley looked around, checking carefully to make sure she was alone. When she was sure, she reached over and pulled out the USB drive, gripping it tight in her hand. Without a hint of hesitation, she slipped it into her pocket, picked up her cleaning tools, and walked out like nothing had happened. The whole thing took less than a minute.

“No, this isn’t real.” Shirley jumped to her feet, her face drained of color. “This video is fake.” She pointed straight at Catherine. “You faked this footage just to frame me!”

Waldo’s face turned stormy as he stared at Catherine, clearly wanting some answers.

The courtroom erupted. People whispered, shocked by what they’d just seen. In the gallery, the executives from The James Group looked stunned and unsettled.

Meanwhile, the folks from Nexus Dynamics stayed perfectly calm. Magee, Nicol, and their colleagues watched with cool, unreadable faces.

Nettie could barely hold back her excitement. After all this time living in Shirley’s shadow, she felt like justice was finally being served.

Everyone in the room was a big name in tech, and now Shirley’s true colors were about to be revealed to all of them.

Malvin stood up, his voice steady. “Your Honor, this video was legally pulled from Veridian University’s archives. It’s the original file, and it’s been verified by forensic experts. The report is already with the court.”

Shirley’s hands clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her skin seemed to drain of all color. She never imagined that what happened six years ago would suddenly play out for everyone to see.

Even though deep down, she knew the USB drive did hold the original Resonance AI code.

“Innovation always builds on what came before,” Ted said, his voice confident. “Amy was a pioneer in this field. My client spoke with her, and Amy was always open about sharing knowledge. There’s no way this could be considered theft.”

“Is the witness Amy present?” the judge asked.

Amy walked up to the stand, calm and composed.

Every eye in the courtroom followed her, the room suddenly quiet, waiting to see what would happen next.