Chapter 479

Judge Mathews called for the morning break, and you were able to relax for a moment.

“Nice job, John,” Eric said, reaching past Gemma to pat you on the back. “Seriously.”

“Thanks,” you said with a smile. “I’m still trying to figure out where their overall strategy is here though. I feel like they are just throwing shit at the wall and hoping it sticks.”

“Maybe they weren’t given as much time as we were?” Gemma guessed.

“Or they only worked on it during regular hours,” Sabrina said. “Most of our best work was done on our own time.”

“I think it’s both,” Eric said. “As well as a leadership issue. You did a really good job, Sabrina.”

Sabrina’s smile was big and broad, and you knew that hearing that from someone other than you or Gemma meant a lot to her. For how Eric had come off at the start of the summer to where you all were now, you couldn’t have imagined how well you all worked together and were friends. Part of you wondered if you would stay in contact with him afterwards - realistically it would probably just be through mutually following social media, but you also thought about those stories of someone knowing someone from college and that connection being helpful ten or fifteen years down the line. Who knew what Eric would become in the future, and how having a friendship from your interning days would connect you.

“Hey, you guys,” Amanda said, interrupting the conversation as she approached with a half-smile.

“Morning, Amanda,” you said.

“You’re looking cute today,” Sabrina said. “I love that dress and jacket combo.”

“Thanks,” Amanda said, her smile growing. She was wearing a simple dress that only showed a bit of her collarbone and hugged her curves without looking tight, and it paired with a jacket made of the same material that gave it a business feel. There was no hiding her bust, but it definitely helped minimise how apparent it was. “So, I’ve been sent over with a settlement offer,” she said, smirking just a little. “Apparently the others think they’ve pushed too hard and you’re not receptive to them. I couldn’t imagine why.” She rolled her eyes.

“Well, they’re right,” Sabrina snorted softly. “And we’re definitely more receptive to you.”

“What’s the offer?” Gemma asked.

“Three-quarters of the full policy payout, and cover our clients’ legal expenses,” Amanda said. “We’ll waive all rights for damages, and no apology from either side.”

Sabrina sighed and shook her head. “Three quarters is still a million and a half on a two million dollar policy,” she said. “Our counter is a replacement vehicle of equal value to the one that was covered by the policy, no damages, no legal fees.”

It was a little harsh, but you all knew that you had the plaintiff’s over a barrel.

“I’ll take it to my team,” Amanda said, shaking her head slightly. “But I doubt they will take it. They think this last witness will be the nail in the coffin.”

“Alright,” Sabrina nodded. “Let us know.”

Amanda smiled a little sadly to all of you, shrugged a little and then winked at you before heading back over to her team.