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.”

looking down his nose at me. Or rather, through me. “It was one of

frown creased my brow as I cleared 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

“Hmm, fresh blood,” he muttered more

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

“Where is your client?”

looking around. Logan was nowhere to be found, and it was past time for

to answer with some excuse when I heard the unmistakable sound of shoes clicking rapidly on marble,

“Ella!”

neat hair was mussed, and his

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

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

and walked into the conference room, the door

trying to smooth it back into

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

shirt to straighten it. “Did you run from

a sheepish grin.

looked a bit disheveled, but it was an improvement. “Alright,” I said, exasperated. “You’re here now. That’s

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

stern gaze. “Good.

resting briefly on Logan before settling back

“I was under the

his tongue. I took a slow breath, reminding myself that I had prepared for this. “Mr. Westbrook, I am the lead attorney on this case,” I stated clearly.

back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “Very well, sweetie. Enlighten

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

wish,” I began, proceeding to lay out the case details

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