Odell Moore is a successful partner at one of Manhattan's leading law firms, an African-American all-star who manages teams of lawyers on the largest transactions in America. Odell's always played by the rules-until he falls for Dee, the daughter of a prominent Alabama senator. The two lovers elope, avoiding the censure of the senator who is deeply opposed to their mixed-race marriage. As the conflict between Odell and the senator deepens, the senator turns to Jackson Sherman, a family friend and Odell's trusted protégé, to cause a rift between his daughter and Odell. Driven by overwhelming ambition, Jackson will stop at nothing to become a partner. But things don't go according to Jackson's plan. A dead body is discovered in Odell's penthouse apartment, and Dee is severely injured. Two detectives are convinced that Odell is the culprit. But did he do it? Even Odell isn't certain. Odell descends into a personal hell that requires him to confront a secret from his past.