Court VIII

Harvey Lancaster adjusted his suit jacket as he stood from the defense table, his measured stride exuding confidence as he approached the witness stand. Richmond Blackwell's grin had returned, albeit smaller than before, as if he were bracing himself for a challenge he thought he could handle. Harvey stopped a few feet from the stand, his sharp gaze locking onto Richmond's.

The room, though sparse and devoid of an audience, seemed to hum with an invisible tension. Judge Patterson gave Harvey a nod, signaling him to begin.

"Mr. Blackwell," Harvey started, his voice calm and even, "you've painted quite the vivid picture of your late brother. A ruthless man, as you described, who put business above everything else. Would you say that's an accurate summary of your testimony thus far?"

Richmond leaned back slightly, his hands clasping the edges of the stand. "That's putting it mildly, but sure. Cassius was the definition of ruthless. A brilliant businessman, but absolutely ruthless."

Harvey gave a small nod, as if he'd expected that answer. "And yet, despite your personal misgivings about his character, you accepted a two percent stake in Blackwell Investments from him. Is that correct?"

Richmond's smirk widened. "What can I say? I'm not one to turn down free money."

"Of course," Harvey said smoothly, pacing a few steps to the left. "Now, would you agree that your brother's focus on business above all else, as you put it, was what made Blackwell Investments the powerhouse it is today?"

Richmond shrugged. "I guess. If you're measuring success by the size of the company's bank account, then yeah, he did a hell of a job."

"And this success," Harvey continued, his voice steady, "was built within the confines of the law, wasn't it? Your brother, for all his faults, never broke any legal boundaries in his pursuit of profit."

Richmond's grin faltered for a moment before returning. "No, he didn't. But that doesn't mean he had morals. He'd push every limit, exploit every loophole. As long as it wasn't illegal, it was fair game to him."

"But not illegal," Harvey pressed, his tone unwavering. "That's the key, isn't it? Cassius Blackwell operated within the parameters of the law, ensuring the company's success while maintaining its legitimacy."

Richmond's expression hardened slightly, but he gave a curt nod. "Sure, if that's how you want to spin it."

Harvey allowed a faint smile to tug at the corners of his mouth. "Let's talk about Alexander Blackwell, then. Earlier, you suggested that he's inherited his father's traits—both his brilliance in business and, in your words, his ruthlessness. Is that accurate?"

"It is," Richmond said, his voice steady. "Like father, like son."

"And do you believe," Harvey said, leaning forward slightly, "that Alexander's understanding of business mirrors his father's? That he, too, knows how to operate effectively within the boundaries of the law while maximizing the company's potential?"

Richmond hesitated, his fingers drumming lightly against the wood of the witness stand. "I'll admit he's got a head for numbers and deals. But that doesn't mean he should have full control of the company."

"Why not?" Harvey asked, his tone sharpened just enough to draw focus. "If Alexander shares his father's business acumen and commitment to legality, wouldn't it stand to reason that he's more than capable of steering Blackwell Investments into the future?"

Richmond's jaw tightened. "Because it's not just about capability. It's about trust. And I don't trust him to think about anything beyond the bottom line. Cassius didn't, and neither does Alex."

Harvey straightened, clasping his hands in front of him. "Let's revisit that idea of the 'bottom line,' Mr. Blackwell. You've benefited directly from your two percent stake in the company, haven't you? Your financial stability is, in part, thanks to Blackwell Investments' success."

Richmond's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm not denying that."

"Then wouldn't it be fair to say that Alexander, by continuing his father's practices of prioritizing business success within legal boundaries, would protect not just his own interests but yours as well?"

Richmond's eyes narrowed. "That's a convenient way to frame it. But just because it's profitable doesn't mean it's right."

"Profitable and legal," Harvey corrected, his voice firm. "Two qualities that have ensured the company's survival and growth for decades. Mr. Blackwell, do you have any evidence to suggest that Alexander has acted outside the law or endangered the company in any way?"

Richmond opened his mouth, then closed it again, the words seemingly caught in his throat. Finally, he shook his head. "No. Not yet."

Harvey stepped closer, his tone softening but retaining its edge. "Then what is your objection, Mr. Blackwell? That Alexander is too much like his father? The same father who built a company that's benefited you and countless others? Or is it that you're projecting your personal grievances with Cassius onto his son, without giving Alexander the chance to prove himself?"

Richmond's smirk had vanished entirely, replaced by a tight-lipped frown. "I'm saying he's dangerous. Maybe not now, but one day. You don't know him like I do."

"And yet," Harvey said, stepping back slightly, "there is no evidence, no action, and no behavior to suggest that Alexander has been anything but a competent and lawful leader of Blackwell Investments. Would you agree with that assessment?"

Richmond's silence spoke volumes. After a long pause, he muttered, "For now."

Harvey let the words hang in the air for a moment before turning to the judge. "No further questions, Your Honor."

Judge Patterson nodded, his gaze shifting to Richmond. "You may step down, Mr. Blackwell."

Richmond rose slowly, his expression unreadable as he left the stand. As he returned to his seat, he cast a lingering glance at Alexander, whose face remained an impassive mask. Harvey walked back to the defense table, his posture composed, a faint smile playing on his lips as he exchanged a brief look with Alexander. The battle wasn't over, but for now, the defense had made its point.