Judge Sipho Ndlovu thought he was untouchable.
For over a decade, he'd ruled from behind his polished bench, his name whispered in elite legal circles with reverence. But what they didn't know was how many verdicts he'd been paid to deliver, and by whom.
Now, he was about to discover that the shadows he served could also swallow him.
Lynn sat inside a quiet café across from the courthouse, sunglasses on, sipping ginger tea. Michael sat nearby, pretending to scroll through his phone. On the table between them was a folder Vusi had delivered — detailing every bribe Judge Ndlovu had accepted from Mokoena.
> "He's the cornerstone," Michael whispered. "Take him down, and the others fall in line."
Lynn nodded. "But we won't take him down. We'll make him walk himself off the cliff."
---
That evening…
Judge Ndlovu entered his secure parking garage, keys in hand — only to stop cold when he saw the envelope resting on his windshield.
Inside was a printed screenshot of a bank transfer from Mokoena to an offshore account in the judge's daughter's name.
Attached was a single note:
> "We don't need to destroy you. You'll do it yourself. Choose wisely — Loyalty or Legacy."
His hand trembled.
---
The next day…
At a private club in Phakalane, Judge Ndlovu found himself sitting opposite Lynn. No bodyguards. No cameras. Just her, smiling politely.
> "I know you love your daughter," Lynn said calmly. "And I know Mokoena doesn't care if she burns with him."
> "What do you want?" he asked, voice low.
> "Delay the case. Force a mistrial. Leak one memo to the press. One move. That's all."
> "And if I don't?"
Lynn slid a flash drive across the table. "Then every ruling you've ever made under his influence goes public."
Judge Ndlovu looked at the drive… and at Lynn.
> "You're worse than him."
> "No," she replied. "I'm just done playing fair."
---
That night, a news report broke:
"Mokoena's Lead Case Mysteriously Stalled – Judiciary in Question"
Lynn smiled as she turned off the TV.
> "One crack down," she whispered. "Time to shatter the rest."