“Public denunciation?” Urban chuckled, as if Maxine had told a joke. “In families like ours, this is Tuesday. Just stay within the law and ensure Pandora never recovers.”
Urban poured coffee into Maxine’s cup. “I know you recently left your old law firm. Normally, you can’t represent me privately–unless you join my company’s legal department. But I don’t want to waste your talents, so-”
Urban slid a document toward her.
Maxine scanned it, her breath catching. “A law firm? You founded this?”
Even with her extensive knowledge, Maxine was nearly stunned. She suddenly wondered if she’d stepped into an invisible trap.
Setting the file down, Maxine eyed him warily. “We barely know each other, Mr. Soto. You founded a law firm overnight and want to make me lead counsel. This is… excessive.”
“Is it?” Urban remained calm. “I’ve actually heard of you for a long time. Your reputation precedes you, Ms. Hudson. Consider this a gesture of trust.”
“Trust? Or a trap?‘ Maxine crossed her arms. ‘If I didn’t know exactly what kind of person you are, I’d almost suspect you have a crush on me. There’s absolutely no such thing as a free lunch,‘ she thought.
“Mr. Soto, I can’t take this offer. I’ll handle your case as your legal representative, but the rest should be handled by your legal department. Nothing more,” Maxine said politely.
Then Maxine solemnly returned the paper, drawing a clear boundary.
Urban pressed on smoothly. “And Gabriel’s sexual assault case? You think you can take down a billionaire alone? You’d need a miracle.”
Maxine froze, speechless for a moment.
“Courage is admirable, Ms. Hudson, but courage without strategy is folly.” Urban said.
Then he continued, “Especially with the victim’s child depending on you–she’s so young. Protecting her and winning the case? Without support, you’ll throw yourself into the abyss.”
Urban tapped the paper. “I mean no ulterior motive. Accept my help, and we both win.”
By the time Maxine left the restaurant, it was already afternoon.
Needing to pick Jessica up from school, she drove early to wait near preschool. As the gate opened, Maxine got out of the car with a heavy heart.
Outside the preschool, Jessica sprinted toward Maxine happily. “Auntie!”
Maxine hugged her tightly, nuzzling her little cheek. “Why so happy today, Jessica?”
“Look, Auntie–I got 100 points in painting class!” Jessica quickly unzipped her schoolbag, pulled out a drawing, and proudly showed it to Maxine.
The drawing depicted two figures, drawn with wobbly lines and colors. Maxine’s breath caught–the taller figure could only be herself. And the other was clearly Jessica.
Maxine’s heart softened as she gazed at the drawing. “Why did you draw us, sweetheart?” She’d assumed Jessica would draw her parents instead.
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17:13 Wed, 18 Jun
Chapter 57
“Because I love you!” Jessica hugged her. “I wanna be your family!”
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