The chair felt the same.
Leather. Heavy. Perfectly balanced.
And yet, when Ace Charles sat in it for the first time as Managing Partner, the entire firm felt different.
Not because of ceremony.
Because of consequence.
The First Morning
Ace arrived before sunrise.
Not to prove a point—routine required it.
The skyline outside his office glowed faintly as he reviewed overnight reports.
[LAWYER SYSTEM — LEADERSHIP MODE ACTIVE]Loyalty Risk: ModerateResistance Nodes: 7Cultural Stability: 82%
Ace acknowledged the data.
Then summoned the partners.
The Resistance Emerges
Not everyone clapped.
Not everyone smiled.
Most nodded politely.
But Ace didn't miss the tension.
Senior Partner Richard Vaughn spoke first.
"We appreciate stability," Vaughn said carefully. "But some of us are… concerned about speed."
Ace met his gaze calmly. "Speed prevented collapse."
Another partner added, "This firm has traditions."
Ace nodded. "So does stagnation."
The room stilled.
Fight #1,002Opponent: Institutional inertiaStatus: Challenged
The First Loyalty Test
Ace didn't argue.
He delegated.
Within hours, Ace reassigned three high-value cases.
Not randomly.
Strategically.
Those who resisted found themselves accountable.
Those who aligned were empowered.
Louis Litt watched it unfold with awe.
"He's not firing anyone," Louis whispered to Harvey. "He's exposing them."
Harvey smirked. "That's worse."
Fight #1,014Opponent: Passive resistanceStatus: Neutralized
Mike Ross Steps Forward
Mike knocked once and entered Ace's office.
"You wanted to see me?"
Ace nodded. "Sit."
Mike did.
"I'm making you lead counsel on the Stanton Group," Ace said.
Mike blinked. "That's a billion-dollar case."
"Yes."
"And politically radioactive."
Ace nodded again. "I need to know who stands under pressure."
Mike didn't hesitate.
"I do."
Ace smiled faintly.
Fight #1,027Opponent: Doubt in successionStatus: Resolved
Evelyn's Perspective
That night, Evelyn joined Ace in his office.
"You're quieter," she observed.
Ace glanced at her. "Leadership is loud internally."
She smiled. "You're testing everyone."
Ace nodded. "Including myself."
She kissed his cheek lightly.
Fight #1,034Opponent: Emotional overloadStatus: Managed
End of Chapter 20
Ace stood alone as the firm settled.
Resistance hadn't vanished.
But it had identified itself.
And tomorrow—
Ace would decide who stayed.