Peter Gardner is an investment banker narrowly saved from a bailout when his bank, Markham Fraser, nearly went bankrupt from the market crash. His clients lost their savings, which garnered much hate in Gardner's direction, while he kept to just enough investments and donations keeping his money and status. He also had an affair with Blair Carlson on the side, paying her with a penthouse and countless expensive accessories she wanted.
Blair was kidnapped for ransom while Gardner was in Arizona. After getting past his assumptions that it was a joke, and not calling the police because he had a wife, he promised the kidnappers he'd get them the 200 grand they demanded, but in a day because he was barely sympathetic about Blair's life being on the line. The kidnappers agreed, but Blair escaped and was hit by a truck while trying to get away.
Ronny Aldridge, a youth organization founder, was behind it all with one of his kids, Carlos. Carlos watched over Blair, then tried to pull her back before she ran out onto the road. When they were taken to trial, Gardner refused to testify for fear of civil suits against him, until the prosecution said the law and justice system had enemies of his who'd ensure his contempt citation. Gardner was confronted on the stand with the expensive property and merchandise purchases he made with his bailout money, which incited the jury plenty for an acquittal of Aldridge, after Carlos was let go already for his testimony. (L&O: "Bailout")