Zander probably hadn’t expected someone who looked as meek as I did to fire back at him. As such, he frowned in surprise but didn’t say anything else.
I didn’t have the time to unpackage his emotions, so I turned and dragged John out of the office with me. “John, let’s go home! Maybe I should quit after all. I’m sure our family can support me, right?”
“Of course. This law firm isn’t that great anyway. The office is even smaller than our bathroom. I’ll set up a bigger law firm for you tomorrow, and you can be the boss!” John played along with me, catching on to my flippancy.
We sounded like a pair of petty upstarts.
As I got into John’s car, I replayed our conversation in my mind. I put a hand over my chest worriedly. Offending a senior on my first day as an apprentice was something I would never have done in the past.
I noticed that after giving birth, I had become even more protective of my family.
Just then, my stomach suddenly grumbled in protest, pulling me back to reality.
“Let’s get supper. I’m starving.” I perked up as I turned to look at John, only to realize he had been staring at me smugly. “Why are you looking at me like that? Is there dirt on my face or something?”
John twisted his body so that he was leaning on the steering wheel. He said lightly, “No, I was just thinking that you seem alive again.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I muttered awkwardly; I couldn’t stand sappy situations. I made a show of rubbing my stomach as I changed the topic. “Come on, let’s get something to eat. I haven’t eaten since this afternoon and I feel like I’m about to faint from hunger.”
“What do you want to eat?” John asked as he started the ignition.
“Anything’s fine. Let’s just look for a shop that’s still open. I can’t wait that long,” I said.
John thought for a while before picking up his phone to dial someone. “Mrs. Dune? Can you whip up something simple for us to eat? I’ll be home with Ms. Stovall in a bit.”
I didn’t want to disturb anyone at home at this hour, but I didn’t protest since John had already called them. My taste buds were also pampered by all the delicious food that Mrs. Dune frequently prepared, so I wasn’t particularly upset that we weren’t eating out.
When we got home, Mrs. Dune had whipped up some pasta and a few snacks. As I was eating, I could hear the chicken soup bubbling away in the kitchen.
“Mrs. Dune, you don’t need to rush around for me. I’m stuffed with all the food you prepared. Besides, it’s late, and you should get some rest too.”
“It’s no trouble at all, Ms. Stovall. I’m at that age where I tend to sleep less anyway. Besides, Mr. Stovall and Mr. John are still awake in the study too. I believe they’re not sleeping so early tonight as well. I’ve prepared some chicken soup for them so they won’t starve later.”
I pondered her words and stayed silent. After I had filled my stomach, I went upstairs.
As I walked past the study, I was surprised that it was quiet. I paused my track and decided to knock on the door.
Knock! Knock!
“What are the two of you talking about?”
The only thing that could give both Louis and John a headache was Ezra’s syndicate. It was also a topic where I could contribute little to the discussion.
At my entrance, John got up and gave me his seat. “Uncle Louis is thinking of indicting some members of Ezra’s syndicate who are in the department. To send a message of warning.”
Louis nodded with a serious expression. “Ezra’s syndicate has remained powerful in K City over the years, thanks in part to the support from the Zieglers and the Trivetts. We need to think carefully before making our next move, or they might strike our weak point again.”
When Louis was taken away for interrogation for over a month, his group of trusted officials had suffered greatly in his absence. As Ezra took the opportunity to restructure several departments, now, the departments that had actual acting power were almost wholly under Ezra’s control. The officials who really wanted to help the citizens suddenly had no means to carry out their plans. Louis was furious at the change, which led to his impassioned speech when he finally returned home.
Their concern was warranted. They had to be more cunning if they wanted to defeat an enemy like Ezra and force him into a dead end.
“Our biggest problem is the promotion next year that Ezra has in his sights. He’s going to be desperate, and I’m worried that the Fullers’ tragedy might repeat itself if he takes extreme measures to secure his position,” Louis sighed deeply.
