Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Carolyn's case was a messy dispute over company shares. Complicated, missing evidence, and the kind of lawsuit that could go sideways fast-for someone like Allison, who'd only been a lawyer for three years, this was a serious challenge.

On the surface, Carolyn was here to hire Allison. In reality, she was itching for a fight. If Allison turned down the case, Carolyn could easily question her skills. But if Allison took it and lost, it would be proof she wasn't up to par-not even close to Carolyn's level. At least for now, Carolyn's career was leaps ahead of Allison's.

After talking through the basics, Allison had a rough idea of what she was dealing with. She skimmed the files Carolyn had sent over, starting to piece things together.

Allison kept her tone cool. "So, you want me personally to represent you?"

Carolyn smiled. "Exactly. I trust you, Allison."

"All the lawyers at our firm are great-no one doubts their skills," Allison replied, still calm. "But since you asked for me by name, I'll take it.”

Carolyn looked a little surprised.

She agreed that fast? Did Allison even realize how messy and risky this case was?

"Allison, that's it? Don't you want to think it over?"

Allison smiled. "The evidence is shaky and the case is complicated. Ms. Witt, there's a good chance we could lose. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

"I know."

"Court cases are never a sure thing." Allison's expression didn't change. "Every case comes with risks. This one's a big one, but honestly, it's been ages since I had a case this tough. I want to take it on."

A spark lit up in Allison's eyes, her gaze steady. "I like a challenge. If I can win this, I'll make a name for myself. It's risky, but it's also a chance-I want to try."

caught off

she saw courage, confidence, grit-an energy she hadn't expected. Before today, Carolyn had pegged

then." Carolyn's opinion of her shifted.

"Sure."

leaving the law office,

headedn

Joshua's private She

at the

in his

He was slim, with a

smiled. "Hi Luke, I'm here to see Joshua. We scheduled a meeting about a

friendly as always. "Just a moment, I'll let

"Thank

minutes later, Luke

to bring you in." He opened the door and motioned

Ma'am?

frowned for a

inside the living room, she saw Rose and realized Luke had

her.

a second there, she'd

pe thought he meant

Joshua's wife.