Chapter 6
Hunter's POV
The next morning, in my office at Huxley & Partners LLP.
Mark strode in, probably just back from the police station.
"Have the police found anything out?" I looked up and asked him. "Was it Mrs. Warren's doing?"
Mark leaned against my desk and said: "Not Mrs. Warren," he said, that characteristic grin playing across his features. "It was your client, Lyra."
My fingers tightened imperceptibly around my pen. 'Interesting,' the case hasn't even progressed and she's already making trouble. Does she think I can't successfully defend her?
"If Jane finds out," Mark straightened his tie, reminding me, "she'll take Lyra straight to court. But I've already told her it was Mrs. Warren's people."
Without comment, I pondered for a moment, then reached for my phone and dialed Lyra's number. "My office. Now." The words carried the weight of command that came naturally to those born to power.
Mark raised an eyebrow, looking at me. "You're not planning to file charges? Just using Ryan's attempted bribery would make it an easy win. Then you wouldn't have to face Jane in court again. Wouldn't want to hurt your old classmate's feelings."
"I'll handle it," I have my own plans and didn't want to answer his questions further, taking a measured sip of my coffee.
"This isn't like you, Hunter," Mark put away that slight smile, paused thoughtfully before continuing. "Don't tell me you've fallen for Jane after sleeping with her that night?"
I looked up, fixing him with a steel-gray stare. "Where did I show any signs of falling for her?"
"Then why not end this divorce case quickly?" Mark asked, puzzled.
"She's so arrogant," I thought about how my entire body tensed up every time she teased me, and a cold smile unconsciously touched my lips. "Isn't it okay to have some fun with her?"
'She said in the group that we could have a second and third time, right? So let's just play along...'
"Just don't get too cocky and lose the case. I've seen Jane in action at court—she's razor-sharp and can completely control the courtroom. Other attorneys can barely keep up with her."
“You really think I can't handle her?" I gave him a confident, skeptical look.
Mark hesitated, glancing at me, then looking down at my crotch, muttered under his breath, "Some things... it's better not to be too overconfident about." He shook his head as he walked out.
Twenty minutes later, Lyra sashayed in wearing a black suit. She approached my desk with practiced seduction, reaching for my shoulder.
I glanced at her hand, then swiftly grabbed her wrist, firmly gripped her neck, and dragged her toward the window outside. My office was on the 60th floor, high enough to make any adult tremble with fear.
"First," I said, my voice arctic, "touch me again and you'll lose these hands. Second, try anything with Jane again, and you'll lose everything, including your freedom."
Lyra struggled uncomfortably, being choked made it difficult for her to make a sound, her hands frantically tugging at my grip.
Her entire upper body dangled precariously over the edge, her face pale with terror. After looking down, her body went limp and trembled with fear, barely able to beg: "I... I... wouldn't dare..."
"Remember what I said." After I finished speaking, I forcefully threw her aside.
Lyra stumbled and fell to the ground, her eyes filled with resentment as she gasped for air. When she recovered, she turned her head and glared at me angrily. "Why are you protecting her?"
I sat back at my desk and elegantly wiped my hand with a handkerchief, as if removing a stain. "You think you can afford the damage to Huxley & Partners' reputation?"
"You're sure you can win this case, right? I can't lose half my assets..." Lyra pleaded miserably.
"In my world," I cut her off, leaning back in my chair and raising an eyebrow at her, "there's only whether I choose to win, not whether I can. Get out."
Lyra lowered her head, paused for a moment, not daring to say another word, and finally slipped quietly out of the room.
Jane's POV
It was a new day, and I was heading to court with my assistant Brynn. This time, we were representing the insurance company in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit over a property claim stemming from a warehouse fire. Brynn hadn't stopped speaking on behalf of the plaintiff since we left the office.
"His daughter is still in the hospital, waiting for the insurance payout to cover her heart surgery..." Her voice dripped with sympathy.
At first I ignored her, focusing on reviewing my case notes. But as she seemed never-ending, for the sake of my ears, I looked up from my notes and interrupted her, "As a qualified attorney, our only obligation is to maximize our client's interests. Save your sympathy for charity work."
When she still wanted to argue, I had to sharply stop her. "If everyone who faces misfortune could commit insurance fraud, what would be the point of law? Focus on the case, Brynn."
'It's not that I don't understand compassion, but sentiment has no place in a courtroom.'
‘For a young girl just out of school, her stubbornness is understandable. I can only say this much—growth requires trials and tempering.’
After the trial, I proactively arranged to have lunch with Mike. But to be honest, my real purpose was to use my time with Mike to continue flirting with Hunter. Because I knew they would dine together. Ever since I learned that Hunter had evidence of Ryan bribing him, I needed to keep a close eye on his movements. I had to keep him interested, in case he suddenly decided to file a case.
As expected, Hunter had joined us for the meal.
When I arrived at the restaurant, Mike and Hunter were already there. I stroked my hair, swayed my hips, and walked into the private room without hesitation. Before they could react, I turned and sat on Hunter's lap. Intimately wrapping my arm around his neck, I gently blew in his ear. "Miss me, darling?"
Hunter frowned. "Get off." Just as he tried to push me away, I tightened my arms, pressing myself against his chest.
I deliberately ignored the gazes of those around me, freeing one hand to pick up his glass. "I’ve been speaking in court all morning and I’m parched. "
I took a big sip, then frowned. "Sparkling water? Next time, remember to order some juice. Drinking more juice is good for your skin."
When putting the glass down, my hand "accidentally" brushed his thigh.
His body instantly tensed, fingers wrapping around my wrist in a vice grip. I leaned in close to his ear, whispering coquettishly, "Careful... you're hurting me..."
'God, he smells good', I thought, fighting the urge to inhale deeper.
His ear turned red again, but his expression remained cold and warning. "Will you move yourself, or do you need my help?"