John’s becoming more ridiculous the older he gets. I can’t believe he’s being so serious with a child.
Pursing my lips, I discreetly signaled Summer with my eyes, to which she instantly understood. With that, she walked over to hold John’s hand and started behaving adorably. “Uncle John, will you come pick me up tonight? Can you bring me for some ice cream? You know I love eating ice cream with you the most, Uncle John!”
It was difficult for a man, no matter how old he was, to remain unmoved when a little girl said such sweet words to him, especially in such a cute voice.
True enough, the sullen look on John’s face was replaced by delight. Although he proudly raised his chin, he couldn’t conceal the smile on his lips.
He feigned indifference as he looked down at Summer, clearing his throat mechanically before saying, “It depends on your performance. If you’re a good girl, then I’ll reward you. If not, there’ll be no ice cream for you!”
“Okay!” Summer raised her chubby hand and made a salute gesture, almost losing her balance and looking absolutely adorable.
John finally caved, crouching down to take Summer’s hand as his gaze abruptly softened. “Be a good girl, mm? Listen to your teachers and have fun with your friends, okay?”
He was an imposing man who had once raised a colossal uproar, but he was like a tamed lion in front of Summer. The cautious way he treated her made others envious, thinking how nice it would be to have such a warm man as their family.
But I knew that he was actually overwhelmed with worry about Summer’s safety just like me.
Still a child, Summer didn’t understand the hidden meaning in a grown-ups’ words and took it literally. “Mm! I got it, Uncle John. I’ll make many, many new friends and work hard to become mini Superman!”
Witnessing a child’s innocence was the best way to wash away all our troubles and sorrows. Summer’s brilliant smile was immensely reassuring, and I found myself relaxing considerably. Without saying anything else, we let Jared lead her in.
This time, as I watched this so-called “Mr. Cress” walking into the building hand in hand with Summer, the weight in my heart was no less lighter than the previous time.
While I was lost in my thoughts, John suddenly leaned over and confidently announced, “Don’t worry. I’ve arranged an assistant for Jared, to make sure that he’ll never get the opportunity to be alone with Summer.”
Hearing this, I visibly slumped with relief.
…
Bryson’s court trial received quite a lot of media attention. There were reporters waiting outside the courthouse, while the courtroom was filled with people there to bear witness.
Surprise filled me when I saw Zander in the defense attorney’s seat. He had only recently passed the bar examination but was already defending a business tycoon like Thora in court. For a newly qualified lawyer, this was a form of recognition as well as an honor.
Unfortunately for him, although he tried very hard to defend his client, he failed to gain the upper hand over Brooklyn in the face was numerous valid pieces of evidence.
The first verdict stated that Ziegler Investment was required to compensate Bryson eighty percent of his investment, totaling up to a hundred and sixty million.
After emerging from the court, seeing as there was a high chance he was going to win the lawsuit, Bryson decided to bring us out to celebrate. Before we left the premises, Zander caught up to us with his assistant in tow.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Hoffman? As a lawyer, you should know that I can put in a request for you to be disqualified in court if you contact our witness in private.” Brooklyn was an eloquent speaker in court and someone you wouldn’t want to offend in private.
“Of course, I know that, but surely it’s not against the law to have a chat with Ms. Stovall?” Zander replied calmly.
My brows furrowed in dubiety. He’s doomed to lose the lawsuit. As his opponent, what is there for us to talk about?
Despite being uncertain about what Zander was playing at, I still agreed to his invitation and went to the pantry in the courthouse alone with him.
“Go ahead and get straight to the point, Mr. Hoffman.” If he wanted me to order Brooklyn to go easy on him, then I would immediately end this discussion.
“I admire your candor, Ms. Stovall. Since you insist, I’ll cut straight to the chase. My client, Ms. Ziegler, hopes you can persuade Mr. Queen to drop the lawsuit and settle things privately. As for the compensation, Ms. Ziegler said that she can pay the full amount of two hundred million.”
