The gavel struck again.
The court recessed.
Moments later, two court clerks pushed a rattling metal cart through the side entrance.
Stacked atop it were dozens of thick manila folders, their edges yellowed, the smell of aged paper filling the courtroom as they were unloaded one by one.
The files were placed directly on the floor before Lucas Carter.
A small mountain of case histories.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Even Judge Sullivan, seated on the bench, stared silently at the pile.
How was this supposed to be reviewed?
Even skimming each file would take days.
The livestream erupted.
"What is he planning to do—speed-read them all?"
"There's no way this can be analyzed in court."
"I don't understand it, but somehow I trust him."
In the gallery, Michael Bennett had just been helped back into his seat.
When he saw the cart of files, the fear on his face faded—replaced by a thin, confident smile.
Investigate all you want, he thought.
Every ruling is legally airtight. You won't find a single smoking gun.
He straightened his collar, wiped the sweat from his brow, and leaned back.
Lucas didn't even look at him.
Instead, he turned slightly and glanced at the young woman standing behind him.
Lily's palms were damp. Her posture stiff.
Her clear eyes searched his face, filled with questions—and unease.
Judge Sullivan's gaze moved back to Lucas.
"Applicant," he said gravely,
"the requested files have been retrieved. What is your next step?"
"Thank you, Your Honor."
Lucas bent, lifted the top file, and handed it to Lily.
Then another.
Then several more.
He placed them neatly in front of her.
"You have thirty minutes."
Lily froze.
Lucas continued calmly:
"Using the comparative-case analysis method I taught you, identify all cases in which the plaintiff was represented by Donovan & Pierce LLP."
"Analyze the judgment outcomes."
"I want a statistical report."
"H-Huh?"
Lily stared at the files.
Thirty minutes?
This many cases?
And statistical analysis?
For a split second, doubt flickered across her face.
Her chair shifted slightly beneath her.
Lucas lifted his eyes.
"Can't do it?"
Her spine straightened instantly.
"No."
The answer came out sharper than she expected.
She saw it then—the absolute certainty in his eyes.
Lucas never gambled.
If he asked for this, it meant the path was already mapped.
She inhaled deeply, steadying herself, and opened her laptop.
Her fingers began flying across the keyboard.
The courtroom watched in silence.
Minutes passed.
Bennett's smile grew.
A performance, he sneered inwardly.
Let's see what nonsense they produce.
The livestream buzzed.
"This is impossible in half an hour."
"She's under insane pressure right now."
"If Lucas dared to do this, it means he already knows the answer."
Twenty minutes later—
Lily's hands stopped.
She slammed the Enter key.
"Lucas," she said, her voice trembling—not with fear, but shock.
"I'm done."
She looked up.
Her face was flushed, her eyes bright—almost frighteningly so.
Lucas nodded once and pointed toward the screen.
She understood immediately.
The USB drive was handed over.
Moments later, the projector lit up.
Comparative Analysis Report
Cases Presided Over by Judge Michael Bennett (Past Three Years)
Total relevant cases: 17
Cases where plaintiff was represented by Donovan & Pierce LLP:
15 cases (88%)
Judgment Outcome Analysis:
Male party found at fault: 15 / 15 (100%)
Male party awarded no marital assets: 15 / 15 (100%)
All counterclaims filed by male party rejected: 15 / 15 (100%)
Silence.
Then—
"What… does this mean?"
"Fifteen cases. Same firm. Same outcome?"
"Coincidence? You call this coincidence?"
The courtroom erupted into murmurs.
Bennett's face drained of color.
His hands trembled as he stared at the screen.
That's impossible.
There's no way they connected it this fast.
Judge Sullivan's expression darkened.
"Applicant," he said slowly,
"explain."
Lucas rose.
"This data reveals a judgment assembly line, Your Honor."
"As long as the plaintiff's attorney was Donovan & Pierce, the trial outcome was predetermined."
"Procedure compressed. Defense neutralized."
"One result only."
He paused.
"Total loss for the husband."
Then, colder:
"I further submit that the fifteen female plaintiffs in these cases were not independent actors."
"They followed one another on social media."
"They communicated in private groups."
"They met regularly."
"They formed an organization."
Lucas let the words sink in.
"A coordinated group internally referred to as the 'Fair Justice Network.'"
"Their method was simple: identify financially stable, compliant men."
"Build trust through relationships or marriage."
"Then file allegations—abuse, infidelity, coercion."
"Donovan & Pierce files the suit."
"Judge Bennett delivers the verdict."
"Assets transferred. Records closed."
Lucas's gaze locked onto Bennett.
"You are not a passive participant."
"You are the keystone."
"The judicial shield."
The livestream exploded.
"This is industrial-scale injustice."
"A pipeline for stripping men of everything."
"No wonder Ethan Walker's first trial was lightning-fast."
"Lies!"
Bennett snapped, leaping to his feet.
"This is slander! Where's your proof that I took bribes?! Show it!"
The courtroom fell silent.
Everyone looked at Lucas.
Lucas nodded once.
"You're right."
Bennett's breath hitched.
"I don't have a cash receipt," Lucas continued calmly.
"You were careful. Extremely careful."
Relief flickered—
Then died.
"But," Lucas said softly,
"I located your long-term extramarital partner."
"She has agreed to testify."
"And to explain the unexplained assets transferred through her accounts and her relatives' accounts over the past six years."
The word hung in the air.
Partner.
Bennett's knees buckled.
The world went white.
How… did he find her?
He collapsed back into his chair—
A judge finally facing judgment himself.