Chapter 320 A Real Lawyer

Ella

The rhythm of my heels echoed through the polished marble hallways of the courthouse.

Today, I was representing Logan in a preliminary hearing, a chance to sit face to face with the opposing counsel and discuss the evidence that had been uncovered thus far. The evidence I had, courtesy of Logan’s credible witnesses and backed by solid statements, made me confident.

I had spent the last month working like a dog to uncover the mystery surrounding this murder, and one thing was clear: Logan was not related to the murder in any way, and I had the evidence to prove it.

This was a winnable case, and I had every intention of proving Logan’s innocence. But as I turned the corner, I froze, taken aback by the figure before me. Standing just outside the conference room was none other than Attorney Richard Westbrook.

Even among the legal fraternity, his reputation was legendary in this city. He was known for his ruthlessness in the courtroom, but also for his decades-long streak of wins. His tall frame, salt-and-pepper hair, and trademark black glasses gave him an air of authority.

Swallowing my initial shock, I walked up to him, extending my hand with genuine respect.

“Mr. Westbrook, I’m Ella Morgan,” I said, offering a polite smile. “It’s an honor to finally meet you. I’ve followed a lot of your cases and have learned quite a bit from your work.”

He looked down at my hand, then back up to meet my eyes, offering a half-smile.

“Ms. Morrigan,” he responded curtly, not returning the handshake. “Pleasure.”

I swallowed. “It’s… Morgan,” I corrected him, withdrawing my hand. Mr. Westbrook shot me an unreadable glance, almost as though he couldn’t care in the least what my real name was.

“Maybe he’s just thinking,” I said inwardly, feeling my wolf bristle at the disrespect. “He’s a busy man.”

“Or he’s a Class A Asshole,” Ema interjected. A soft growl coming from her rumbled in my mind. “God, I hate men sometimes.”

Resisting the urge to chuckle at my wolf’s annoyed demeanor, I put on a smile for Mr. Westbrook and straightened my blazer. “Well, Mr. Westbrook, I must say that you’ve been quite the role model for me,” I said, lifting my chin to meet the older man’s icy gaze. “Your biggest case-Trainer v. Lindale’-was truly amazing. The way that you pulled that final card out of your sleeve, causing the case to turn in your favor, was impressive.”

down his nose at me. Or rather, through me. “It was one of my finer works. As for you, though…I can’t say I’ve heard of you,

my throat. “Morgan,” I repeated, resisting the feeling of anger bubbling up inside of me. “Ella Morgan. I’m still relatively new to the game,” I said, doing my best to maintain a neutral tone. “But I believe in

blood,” he muttered

the mediator motioned for us to enter. Mr. Westbrook and his client headed in ahead of me, but Westbrook stopped

“Where is your client?”

was nowhere to be found, and it was past time

was just about to answer with some excuse when I heard the unmistakable

“Ella!”

and his tie was askew. In his hand, he clutched a leather briefcase, its flap open and a

who had clearly caught sight of Logan’s hasty entrance,

with a chuckle, looking Logan up and down. “Excellent first impression, I must say.” His voice dripped

his heel and walked into the conference room, the door closing heavily behind him. Logan made a move to

hair, trying to smooth it back into place. “You look like you’ve been in a

letting me fuss over him. “I’m sorry,” he panted, catching his breath. “There was an accident on the freeway. Traffic was

frowned, tugging down on his shirt to straighten it. “Did you run from the

gave a

a step back, I examined him. He still looked a bit disheveled, but it was an improvement. “Alright,” I

nodded, a grateful look in his eyes. “I promise

fixing him with a stern gaze. “Good. Now get inside and don’t make a fool of yourself

darted around the room, resting briefly

“I was under the impression I’d be discussing this case with a more… experienced

had prepared for this. “Mr. Westbrook, I am the lead attorney

in his chair, steepling his fingers.

in the face. It was patronizing, intended to demean and undermine. Every fiber in my being wanted to react, to challenge his blatant disrespect,

I began, proceeding to lay out the case details and the evidence

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255