In Contempt

Alternative intro

Chapter 1

The conference room of Pierre & Associates buzzed with activity, the sleek, wood-paneled space alive with the rustling of papers, muted conversations, and the occasional clink of coffee mugs. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a commanding view of the Washington Monument, its silhouette glowing orange in the late-afternoon sun. At the head of the long, polished table sat Aaron Pierre, impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit. His sharp jawline and sharper focus silenced even the boldest of junior associates.
Aaron flipped through a case file, his movements precise and efficient. The room seemed to hold its breath, every junior associate hyperaware of his presence.
Lorraine Baxter, a first-year associate fresh out of law school, sat at the far end of the table, meticulously organizing the exhibits for a critical case. She adjusted her glasses, the faint blush on her cheeks betraying her nerves as she glanced up briefly at Aaron. He didn't look back.
The double doors swung open, and Rachel Fame strode in, her power suit crisp and her confidence palpable. She placed her briefcase on the table with practiced ease, her sharp gaze scanning the room before settling briefly on Lorraine.
"You've double-checked the affidavits?" Rachel asked, her voice low but firm.
"Yes, ma'am," Lorraine replied quickly, her fingers brushing against the papers as if to confirm their order. "Everything's in place."
Rachel nodded approvingly. "Good. Stay sharp. Pierre's not exactly forgiving if there's a typo."
Lorraine swallowed hard, nodding as she pushed her glasses up her nose. She could feel Rachel's eyes on her, appraising her, but the older woman said nothing more.
"Fame," Aaron said without looking up, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. "We're wasting time. Are your exhibits ready?"
"They've been ready since 9 a.m.," Rachel replied smoothly, settling into a chair near him. "What about yours?"
Aaron finally looked up, his dark sea-green eyes sharp with irritation. "Always."
He leaned back slightly, his gaze sweeping the room. When his eyes flickered over Lorraine for a brief second, she froze, her grip tightening on the exhibits. But just as quickly, he moved on, as if she didn't exist.
"Let's get something straight," Aaron said, his voice commanding the room. "This trial isn't just another win for the firm—it's a statement. Every document, every argument, every word in that courtroom will be scrutinized. If one of you drops the ball, the entire firm's reputation is at stake."
The room fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of his words settling heavily. Lorraine stared at her papers, her heart pounding. She didn't dare look up.
Rachel smirked faintly, unfazed by Aaron's tone. "Always the motivational speaker, aren't you, Pierre?"
Aaron ignored the jab, his focus unrelenting. "Fame, you're lead counsel. I expect nothing less than precision."
"And you'll get it," Rachel replied, leaning back in her chair with a calm confidence that matched his intensity.
Aaron stood abruptly, gathering his files with the crisp efficiency of a man who wasted no time. He paused briefly at the door, as if considering something, but then exited without another word. The tension in the room eased slightly, the associates exchanging cautious glances.
Rachel turned to Lorraine, her sharp features softening just slightly. "You did well, Baxter. I know he's intimidating, but you'll get used to it."
Lorraine managed a faint smile. "I'm not sure anyone gets used to him."
Rachel chuckled, an unusual warmth in her voice. "Fair point. But here's the thing—Pierre doesn't notice anyone who doesn't make waves. One day, you'll make him look up."
Lorraine's smile faltered. She wasn't sure if Rachel's words were meant to encourage or challenge her. She nodded politely and returned to her work, her hands trembling just enough to make her grip the papers tighter.

Aaron's footsteps echoed down the dimly lit hallway, his stride purposeful. Rachel caught up with him, her heels clicking against the polished floor.
"You could've acknowledged the girl," she said as she fell into step beside him.
Aaron didn't slow down. "Which girl?"
"Lorraine Baxter," Rachel said pointedly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "The one who's been organizing your exhibits for two months."
Aaron's expression didn't change. "If she's doing her job, there's nothing to acknowledge."
Rachel stopped, forcing Aaron to turn and face her. "Classic Pierre. God forbid you crack a smile or, heaven help us, say thank you."
Aaron's jaw tightened. "This isn't summer camp, Fame. If she wants acknowledgment, she can earn it in the courtroom."
Rachel crossed her arms, her gaze steady. "Careful, Aaron. You might just eat those words."
He didn't respond, his face unreadable. After a moment, he turned and continued down the hallway, leaving Rachel standing there, shaking her head with a knowing smile.