Meanwhile, Leo was strutting around like he'd just won the lottery.
"See? I told you digging into that hearing would pay off."
"You don't come across a mixed outcome like that every day!"
He shot Amber a knowing look.
Amber immediately got defensive. "Everyone messes up when they're new! Sue has lost cases before too—why is everyone ganging up on me?"
Her eyes welled up with tears, clearly playing the victim.
Leo just laughed. "Some people have no shame—happy to let others clean up their mess. Sure, Sue's lost cases, but she fought tooth and nail. You just bailed."
"I'm not like some of your little fan club, buying every sob story you spin."
Amber stammered, "You—how dare you—"
I cut in with a slight smile. "Leo asked you a few simple questions, and you fell apart. With language skills and emotional control like that, maybe law isn't the right career for you."
She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
Tommy, unable to watch Amber squirm, stepped in. "Sue, Frank said we're dropping this. Why keep dragging it up? Not everyone's a smooth talker like you. Why are you being so harsh?"
I smirked. "Trying to tell me what to do again?"
Then I grabbed my water bottle and splashed it right in his face.
"We're done. You, Dave, and Amber can have your little happily ever after. Let's see how far that gets you."
"This firm has its own standards—its own fire. I don't need to stay where I'm not valued."
I walked out.
Leo followed, still pitching his firm to me.
Amber's "genius" reputation was officially wrecked. She'd always been flighty, avoiding the gritty work while soaking up the praise. People used to excuse it—geniuses could be eccentric, right?
Not anymore.
Now the whispers were ruthless:
"All that hype from Frank, and she's a total disaster."
"I'd rather work with a golden retriever than her. At least the dog wouldn't botch the case and steal my credit."
"Whoever gets stuck with her is screwed. How does she even show her face here after that?"