Chapter 13: The law suite

JAXON'S POV:

“Hopward Lipkin.” The name left a sour taste on my tongue. Hopward was a famous business lawyer in New York, everyone knew about the way he handle his cases.

Why would she go to such lengths to fly him in?

She was really determined to terminate this contract— But why?

Something told me the answer to that question had everything to do with me. And that even made me curios the more.

I walked through the sidewalk, leading my entourage: My secretary Reene, Mr. Paul, my security officials and a few lawyers into the courtroom.

I ran into her as we walked up the aisle, she was smiling, and walked with a certain confidence that made me laugh.

She didn't so much as give me a glance.

What made her so confident even when I still had the upper hand here. I searched for the answer in every corner of her face and..

She was so determined to avoid looking at me too.

I scoffed.

Walked pass her to my seat. I had that thrill of adrenaline rushing through my body like the old days. I sat down. My eyes met with the judges— he gave a curt nod at me, and adjusted his spectacle.

I recognized him, immediately. Judge Thomas was a family friend and that alone stirred something in me, like a rising beast.

This case was good as closed.

The contract was ironclad to start with, the terms very much clear and a win-win for both sides.

Twelve years under me she'd be richer. I adjusted my thigh and slouched into the chair. As her lawyer, Hopward Lipkin jumped up.

“Your Honor, my client, Laura Jacobs seeks to terminate her contract with Montreal Recording Company, citing undue influence,exploitation,and unconscionability.”

What?

I looked up at her. Her head popped up, her gaze sliding over me. Watching me like I was watching her. There was an unspoken competition in our stares.

She wanted to win for whatever reason, and I wasn't going to let her have her way just for the sheer thrill of not letting her do as she pleased.

Because, hell — I had already poured out money into her, and I couldn't just throw that away.

I was a business man.

I am a business man and this was just another business.

I know it wasn't entirely true, but at least I had something to cover it up with.

One of the lawyers from my side stood up, “Objection, Your Honor. The contract is clear. Ms. Jacobs signed it willingly, with the advice of counsel.”

I smirked at her. After all the legal bullshits, I was still going to win regardless. There was no way, she was walking out of the label after all the effort, I put into getting the company and everything.

It all fell back to business again, and she was my business.

I felt a jolt in my chest.

Mr. Paul lean closer to me and whispered “I don't know what her reasons are, but we can just terminate the contract sir.”

“No!” I found myself growling almost immediately, something vicious flashing in my eyes.

How could I let her win?

“We can't have that.”

“But, Your Honor,” Howard stood up again. “The contract's terms are oppressive. My client is bound to Montreal Recording Company for 12 years, with no opt-out clause. That's not a partnership; that's indentured servitude.”

“Call it whatever you will— no one forced her to sign it.” I muttered under my breath.

“That's not true, Your Honor. Ms. Thompson received a significant advance and has benefited greatly from her relationship with Montreal Recording Company.” The Company's lawyer countered.

I took a mental note, to give him a pay rise after today.

I then threw her my shit-eating grin, resting my chin on my palm and staring straight at her.

She rubbed her open palm over her nose, which I thought was adorable— a clear warning sign I chose to ignore—and cocked her head sideways.

The judged cleared his throat, everyone turned to look at him. He adjusted his glasses again, and peered at her closely. “I've reviewed the contract. Ms.Jacob, can you explain why you signed this agreement if you felt coerced?”

She stood up, my eyebrows crinkled, I was watching her with amused interest. Her eyes darted to me and then back to the judge.

“I was young and ambitious, Your Honor. The label promised me success, but I didn't realize the terms were so one-sided. I felt pressured to sign.” She said blatantly, looking the judge straight in the eye, reeking in her own confidence.

Something about her reminded me of my mom. She was commanding and forbidden, like she had no room for any other human emotion. I chuckled, studying her and finding her more interesting every single moment.

The judge smirked. “And isn't it true, Ms. Jacobs, that you've made millions under this contract? That you've lived a life of luxury at Montreal Recording Company?”

She nodded slowly, but even so not admitting defeat. “That's not the point. The point is I'm not free to create my own music, my own way. I'm a puppet on strings.”

A puppet on strings?

I looked at her strangely. Had Mr. Paul treated her shabbily before?

I glanced at him, he shifted uneasily under my gaze.

That was not my business anyway, I turned back to her.

If that was the case, why'd she wait till now to seek redress?

“Ms. Jacobs, the contract is clear.” Judge Thomas snapped. “You've agreed to its terms. It's not the court's place to rewrite contracts. The court finds in favor of the defendant, Montreal Recording Company. The contract will remain in effect for its full term.”

I smiled. A surge of triumph spread through me. I watched her as she balled her small hands into fist and placed it on the table. Something stretched over her face.

“No!” The word cracked through the room like a gunshot, abruptly cutting off the noise and buzz of the paparazzis.

“It seems the court's decision is clear, Your Honor.” My lawyer prompted, smiling at her.

All eyes were on her.

“In that case, we'll appeal, your honor!” She said the words slowly, tension fell over the courtroom.

Why was she so determined to get out?

I shook my head slowly, but still stood up and buttoned my jacket properly.

I walked up to her, “We'll be waiting for you back at the label, Vixen.”

I said with a smile, watching the frustration flush through her face and seeping in to her entire being.

Her nostrils flared. Her chest rose and fell like she was holding back a scream. For one electric second I thought she might actually hit me. Instead she leaned in, her voice low so that only I could hear: “Enjoy your little victories while they last.”

Was that even suppose to be a threat.

I scowled at her, waved to Reene and stalked off out of the courtroom, leaving her to deal the newsmen and paparazzis flocking in the doorway.

The fight with her was already good as won.

I was going to get her, no matter how much fight she put up.