“Mr. Calvert, is there something you needed today?”


    Despite the air conditioning humming overhead, sweat still trickled down Attorney Stone’s forehead. Someone like Calvert–a legend in the legal world–wouldn’t bother with a tiny firm like his unless something was seriously amiss.


    Calvert didn’t bother with small talk. He simply repeated what he’d said at the start.


    “Ethan?” Attorney Stone could hardly believe what he was hearing.


    “Yes. My client has othermitments, so his sister and I are handling things on his behalf. We’d prefer a private settlement, but if you’re unwilling to cooperate, we’ll pursue legal action.”


    “A private settlement, of course–a private settlement! I’ll call ounting right now to settle up and make sure Ethan gets every cent he’s owed.” Attorney Stone didn’t hesitate for a moment, but Simon clearly wasn’t pleased.


    “Mr. Stone, I was the one who saw that case through to the end. Doesn’t the firm’s policy say the attorney who closes the case gets the credit?”


    “Simon, we’ll discuss this privatelyter,” Attorney Stone said through clenched


    teeth.


    “Seems someone’s not happy with this oue,” Alessia remarked, arms folded, one leg crossed over the other.


    “Oh? Thinking of going to court then?” Calvert’s eyes sparkled, while Attorney Stone paled in rm.


    “N–no, not at all. Absolutely not.” Attorney Stone waved his hands as if fending off


    disaster.


    “That case was handled by Ethan from start to finish. It was only at thest minute, when Ethan got reassigned, that Simon took over. Just a misunderstanding, really.”


    “Simon, go get ounting. Don’t <i>you </i>have another case on your desk? Go take care of that.” He was all but ordering Simon out of the room.


    But Simon, never one for reading the room, lingered–especially with Alessia shooting him that provoking look from across the table.


    “Mr. Stone, you promised to help polish my résumé, remember? Besides, Ethan’s got no money and no connections. Even if he sues, what’s he going to do–waste. his time and energy going up against us? He can only bluff.”


    <b>14-45 </b>


    “I recall Benjamin Wells‘ firm has been dealing with several financial disputes over the past couple of years,” Alessia said, voice calm. “After receiving our client’s request yesterday, I did some research. We’ve already submitted the paperwork to the proper authorities this morning. Your father’s probably tied up as we speak.”


    Alessia leaned back, looking satisfied. Having a capable assistant meant she barely had to lift a finger–everything was handled before she even needed to ask.


    “What are you getting at?” Simon frowned, but before he could say more, Attorney Stone pulled him aside.


    “Simon, for God’s sake, get a clue! Do you even know who that is? He’s a legend inw–nobody wants to face him in court. If you have time toin, you’d better call your father and check on hispany!”


    “My dad is one of our biggest clients. If something happens to him, we lose a third of our business!”


    “Which is exactly why I told you to find out what’s going on at his firm–now!” Attorney Stone nearly snapped. Simon was hopeless. Originally, he’d just wanted to let Simon get some experience and maybe have Ethan show him the ropes. Who knew Simon would end up butting heads with Ethan and driving him away instead.


    Now look what’s happened. His father’spany was in trouble, and this tinyw office would be lucky to survive what came next.


    Finally, he managed to usher Simon out. Attorney Stone wasted no time–he settled Ethan’s remaining payments on the spot, terrified that these two powerhouses might turn their sights on his own firm.


    “There, is there anything else you need from me?”


    “Miss Morton, would you like to take a look?” Attorney Calvert handed Alessia the paperwork, but she only nodded, declining to take it.


    “Is there something else, Miss Morton?” Attorney Stone’s nerves were clearly frayed.