Chapter 13: The Legal Titan Is the Only Hope
Evening, Manhattan, outside Freddie’s Ribs
Chad stood at the entrance of the run–down restaurant tucked away in a secluded spot. He couldn’t understand why Richard had asked to meet him here.
Pushing the door open, Chad stepped inside. Apart from the chef, there was only Richard, sitting alone
The rays of the setting sun streaming through the window framed Richard in a golden glow. Even in such a modest establishment, his presence radiated power, like a regal king awaiting his subjects–only lacking a crown.
Chad felt a pang of discomfort as he observed the scene. On his way here, he had been trying to guess why Richard suddenly wanted to meet him. He had many theories, but one thing was clear: Richard needed something from him, which put him at a disadvantage.
Chad took a seat across from Richard.
“Have you tried their signature ribs? They’re excellent,” Richard said, slicing his steak with deliberate ease.
“Let’s cut to the chase, Chad replied curtly.
Richard wiped his mouth with a napkin and pulled a small electronic device from his pocket, placing it on the table.
Chad recognized the gadget–it was a recording scrambler, often used in high–stakes business negotiations to ensure confidentiality. This made it clear to Chad that whatever Richard wanted to discuss wasn’t something meant for public ears.
“I’ll be honest,” Richard said, dabbing at the corner of his mouth, “I’m jealous of you.
His icy blue eyes locked onto Chad’s. “You have the most dazzling diamond in all of New York, yet you treat her like a glass bead.”
Chad’s expression darkened. He knew exactly who Richard was referring to, and the mention filled him with a bitter jealousy of his own.
His tone grew sharp. “Since when has my personal life become part of city business?”
Richard took a sip of coffee and continued, undeterred. “If you’re willing to relinquish custody, finalize the divorce, I can offer you opportunities–projects, at least enough to satisfy your family and shareholders.” Chad’s temper flared. “Is she worth all this to you?”
“The only thing you need to concern yourself with,” Richard said coolly “is whether or not you want those city projects.”
“Of course, Chad replied, his voice low,
Richard nodded. “Then do everything you can to wrap up the divorce. Help me win her over, and the city’s deals will be yours.”
The screech of a chair against the floor filled the room as Chad shot to his feet, his chair toppling backward. His jaw clenched tight, the composed demeanor of the privileged businessman vanished
For a moment, he wanted nothing more than to grab the steak knife from the table and slash the throat of the man before him. How dare Richard demand he sacrifice his dignity as a man, to help him pursue his
own wife?
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But then Chad remembered who Richard was. Restraining himself, he hissed through gritted teeth, “I want the city contracts, but I would never trade my wife for them!”
With that, Chad stormed out of the restaurant. The message behind Richard’s choice of venue became clear to him. In Richard’s eyes, Chad was no different from the ribs on his plate–something to be devoured without resistance
Richard shook his head as he watched Chad leave. “If Amelia means so much to you, why didn’t you cherish her before? Idiot”
After finishing his ribs, Richard decided to take a walk to help with digestion. Strolling through the streets of his city, he was filled with a sense of pride and ambition. The only thing missing was the woman he loved.
As he turned a corner, his heart skipped a beat. There, etched into his soul, was a familiar sight: Amelia, holding Luna’s hand as they waited in line at a food truck.
Luna was bouncing with excitement, while Amelia looked exasperated, likely worried about Luna eating something that might upset her stomach.
Richard caught his reflection in a shop window. He adjusted his suit, smoothed his hair, and checked his breath with a puff of air. Then, with hurried steps, he ducked into a nearby grocery store to buy mouthwash and gum.
Emerging moments later, he approached them with a warm smile. “What a coincidence.”
“Richard!” Luna exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy. Amelia glanced at Richard, then looked at Luna in surprise.
Luna, with her characteristic boldness, introduced them. “Mom, this is Richard. He played games with me for hours yesterday and even bought me ice cream!”
Realizing she had let something slip, Luna scratched the back of her head sheepishly. Her mom had always forbidden her from eating ice cream, worried about cavities and stomachaches.
Richard chuckled. “I happened to be at her school yesterday for an inspection, and she was my guide. She was a big help.”
Luna beamed at the compliment and asked, “Richard, are you here for dinner too?”
Kneeling to her level, Richard replied in a playful tone, “I am! What’s your favorite?”
“You bought me ice cream yesterday. How about I use my allowance to buy you dinner tonight?”
“Deal. You’re such a generous young lady.”
daughter’s antics.
Blushing at the praise, Luna covered her face with her hands, while Amelia couldn’t help but smile at her daughter’s
Richard stood and looked at Amelia with a warm smile. “You’ve done an amazing job raising her. She’s a wonderful girl.”
None of them noticed the black luxury car cruising down the street
Inside, Chad sat fuming after a hastily chosen dinner nearby Seeing Richard laughing with Amelia and Luna made his blood boil. He slammed his fist against the seat, the sound echoing in the confined space.
The driver glanced at Chad through the rearview mirror, waiting for instructions. Chad opened his mouth to say “Stop, but the words wouldn’t come out.
He was furious that Amelia had allowed Richard to grow close to Luna. But what angered him more was his own helplessness,
What could he do? What could he say? He couldn’t afford to confront Richard or make a scene in front of Luna,
Pulling out his phone, Chad called his lawyer, Michael. “Have you found a solution yet?”
The silence on the other end only deepened Chad’s frustration.
Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to speak calmly, though his voice trembled with suppressed rage and fear. “I want you to use every resource available. Find that undefeated legal titan and convince her to take my case. I don’t care what it costs. If she refuses, it’s because the offer isn’t big enough. If she helps me win, money won’t be an issue.”
“And you’ll get half her fee as a bonus,” he added.
“Yes, Mr. Chad,” Michael replied, his tone enthusiastic. “She’ll be in court when the trial begins!
Chad ended the call and issued the same command to his company’s legal team. Then, exhausted, he leaned back in his seat, clutching his phone tightly. That legendary legal titan had become his last hope. Eater that evening. Amelia and Luna returned to Elise’s estate, where they were temporarily staying.
Elise chatted with Luna, listening to her stories about school.
When Luna went to take a bath, Elise turned to Amelia with a teasing smile. “Richard is really going all out to win you back.”
Amelia shook her head, clearly troubled. “I need to tell Luna about the divorce soon. Even though Chad has barely been involved in her life, I’m still worried about how it’ll affect her.” She hesitated, then added, “And I’m not sure if letting Richard get close to us right now is a good idea or not.”
After a pause, she confessed, “But I’m wavering. Maybe Richard could fill the role of the father Luna’s never had.”
Elise thought for a moment before replying. “Then don’t force yourself. Let things happen naturally
She smiled and suggested, “You’ve recovered from the pain of the divorce, and you’ve rested long enough. I think it’s time to get back to work. Be a role model for Luna.” Elise’s tone
turned playful as she extended an invitation. “So come back. Reclaim your career”
