Chapter 3 Don't Sell Yourself Too Cheaply

Sierra was stunned for a moment. Then her face turned red as she held up the paper bag in her hand and said, "I came to return Mr. Howard's coat."

Eric reached out to take it from her and nodded slightly. "Thank you," he said coolly before walking towards the elevator without another word.

Sierra panicked and hurried after him, saying, "Mr. Howard, I want to ask you..."

Eric pressed the elevator button and stepped inside when the doors opened. Sierra followed him in with a thick skin.

Eric glanced at her sideways and said flatly while adjusting his shirt in front of the mirror, "I won't take your case."

Sierra felt cold all over. It seemed that Eric already knew about her family's situation!

She asked softly, "Did Roger talk to you?"

Eric met her gaze through the mirror and smiled faintly. "He doesn't have that kind of influence! Miss Adler, I just like to keep my personal life separate from business."

Sierra understood what he meant: if she wanted something exciting with him personally, he would welcome it; but if it involved business matters then forget about it.

She felt embarrassed but Eric didn't force her any further. After a brief exchange of words, they arrived at the 28th floor where Eric's secretary was waiting for them at the door.

The secretary looked surprised when she saw Sierra but maintained her composure as always and respectfully said, "Mr. Howard, Mr. Ma has arrived."

Eric handed his bag over to his secretary and instructed her casually: “Take this for dry cleaning.”

The secretary left discreetly while Eric checked messages on his phone without paying much attention to Sierra who was still standing there awkwardly.

"You should find another lawyer," he told Sierra nonchalantly before adding: “And don’t sell yourself too cheaply.”

With that, he walked out of the elevator leaving Sierra feeling utterly disgusted by his hypocrisy.

...

Sierra was rejected by Eric and couldn't find a way to see him. Olivia at home became increasingly anxious and kept complaining. Sierra felt immense pressure so she arranged to meet up with her college friend Sarah Harris.

Sarah got married right after graduation to a rich second-generation in New York City and had a wide social circle.

Sierra asked Sarah for help and they met at a coffee shop where Sierra explained everything to her.

Sarah cursed Roger before asking: "Did you almost hook up with Eric that night?"

Sierra blushed as she stirred her coffee lightly.

"Sierra, you can do it! Eric is known for having high standards and rarely has any scandals," said Sarah in a low voice.

"I have no other choice. Otherwise I wouldn't bother you," replied Sierra with a bitter smile.

Eric held great power within their circle, so helping Sierra could easily offend someone important. But Sarah was loyal; she used some connections to get hold of Eric's schedule for them both on Saturday afternoon when he would be playing golf at the club.

Sierra went there with Sarah's husband but was surprised to see Roger there too. She froze momentarily while Sarah pinched her husband hard, scolding him: "You didn't check properly! How can Sierra relax if Roger is here?"

Her husband apologized sincerely: "I'm sorry, Sierra! It's my fault."

Before Sierra could say anything else, Eric noticed them all. He wore white casual clothes which made him stand out from the crowd due to his tall stature and handsome features...he looked like the center of attention among stars!

Just like in the office, Eric pretended not to know who Sierra was but greeted only Sarah’s husband briefly before noticing her standing nearby awkwardly.

He glanced over her slender legs casually then said nonchalantly, "Who is this?"