Adam walks back to the table and steeples his hands on the surface as he looks over his papers. “We have no further questions for Miss Jones.”
The label rests its case against Ruby, and Adam takes center stage in the countersuit. He calls witness after witness—doctors, roadies, backup dancers, and singers—all testifyingthat Ruby was heavily controlled, abused, and neglected throughout her contract.
They even submit affidavits from six other acts that were previously signed to C&L entertainment, alleging the same misconduct occurred throughout their contracts—all of them women. Ruby never once has to take the stand in her own defense, and I’m grateful. A pattern is quickly established, and by the end of the four-hour trial, the record label no longer has a leg to stand on.
“Based on the evidence presented in the original claim, the court finds that the defendant in this case is not liable for breach of contract as the plaintiff committed a prior material breach, thereby excusing the defendant from their obligations under the agreement. There is significant evidence to prove that Miss Hayes experienced severe emotional distress and negligence prior to the termination of the contract, and the counter-defendant will be liable for compensatory and punitive damages as assessed by this court.”
I tune out the rest of the verdict as I watch Ruby melt into Abby’s arms. Years of negligence and abuse, months of worry over the trial, it all ends now. My heart gives an involuntary squeeze as I fight the urge to climb over the barrier and hold her.
When all is said and done, Ruby is awarded three million dollars in damages. The courtroom starts to empty, and Abby takes Ruby’s face between her palms, murmuring something to her. Then, my girl looks over at me and gives me a watery smile.
She stands and steps through the swinging barricade. The moment she’s within arm’s reach, I pull her against me and kiss her. “I’m so goddamn proud of you, baby.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you,” she says, her voice slightly choked.
I brush a lock of hair away from her forehead and meet hergaze. “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re strong as hell, and you would’ve won this case whether I had been here or not.”
“But having you with me made all the difference. You’re my safe place, Liam. Remember?”
I kiss her forehead and let my lips linger on her skin.
“Can we go home now?” she asks Adam.
“Yes. They could appeal, but I doubt they want that kind of fight on their hands. Abby has a press release ready to go, and if I had to guess, I’d say they’re already working on doing damage control.”
I release her so she can hug them both, then we walk out of the courtroom hand-in-hand. Nico is already at the door with two other bodyguards I’ve never met before, and they escort us to the waiting SUV near the back entrance.
I help her into the backseat and slide in next to her. Nico rides shotgun. The other guards stay behind, their job complete.
She rests her head on my shoulder and releases a heavy sigh. “It’s finally over.”
I lift her hand and kiss her knuckles. “And we’re just getting started, baby.”
Chapter 22
Baddies & Daddies
? Power over me - Dermot Kennedy
Liam
When we arrive back at Ruby’s penthouse, she turns on the television and settles into the couch with her head in my lap. Every news channel and gossip site has been reporting the outcome of the lawsuit with clips of Abby and Adam facing off with reporters on the courthouse steps. Unbeknownst to the media, Ruby and I were quietly slipping out the back door while they were providing a distraction.
I absently run my fingers through her hair as we watch the coverage.
“How is Ruby feeling about the verdict and the three million dollar payout?” one reporter asks.
Adam looks at Abby, and she gives him a subtle nod of approval. “She’s happy to have closure. Ruby was never in it for the money. Every penny of the settlement is being donated to various charities throughout the country, focusing on equality and women’s rights. C&L Entertainment is finallybeing held accountable for their mistreatment of women in the music industry, and we will be watching to ensure that they do better in the future. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have somewhere to be.”
Adam grabs Abby’s hand and tugs her down the stairs after him. The reporters are still shouting out questions, but they ignore them and slide into a waiting SUV.
My brow furrows. “Are they?—”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure they’ve been together for a while,” Ruby says. “I haven’t called them out on it, but it seems pretty obvious.”
“Still wanna get those nipple piercings?” I ask.
“As much as I love the idea, I’m exhausted.” As if on cue, she lets out a slow yawn. “Maybe a celebratory nap instead.”
