After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 364

"That's impossible. Who can actually prove this data belongs to Catherine?" Shirley's voice broke as she struggled against the truth. "There's so much overlap in tech research, so many similar results. Why are you saying it's hers? I don't accept this."

"Shirley, please look at the screen," the lawyer said calmly. "We took the original data your company submitted. When we analyzed it, we found a hidden watermark."

Shirley looked up. There it was, on the big screen, the one watermark that had haunted her for weeks. She'd tried everything to get rid of it, but nothing had worked.

"This is—" she started, but the lawyer cut her off.

"This isn't just any watermark. It's a DNA sequence code. It's unique to Catherine. The Resonance AI you brought forward, from start to finish, carries that mark. That means the version you have was copied straight from Catherine's USB. You stole her work, and your intentions are obvious."

Shirley collapsed back into her chair. All the color drained from her face. She tried to say something, anything, but Ted just shook his head beside her. "It's over. We lost."

Behind them, Waldo sat stone-faced, his eyes cold as he watched Shirley fall apart.

After a short break, the judge came back. Everyone stood as he took his seat, then the verdict was read aloud.

Catherine was given full ownership of Resonance AI. Shirley was ordered to immediately stop all infringement. Every bit of technical documentation and patent rights would be returned to Catherine. On top of that, Shirley would face criminal charges, and the court set a preliminary compensation amount.

Shirley herself was liable for one billion dollars. The James Group would have to pay fifty billion for the profits they made from Resonance AI.

Shirley let out a wild scream and jumped to her feet. "No, this isn't fair! I won't accept it!" She spun around, desperate. "Waldo, say something!"

She looked toward Nestor, her voice cracking. "Dad, please, help me!"

Waldo just stood up without a word. He didn't even glance at her as he left the courtroom.

Bailiffs moved in and grabbed Shirley as she thrashed and screamed. Alice, in tears, rushed after Nestor, but he only gave Shirley a cold look before standing up and following Waldo out the door.

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