Unbeknownst to them, I only refused because I wanted my kids to have a carefree life. I never expected them to misunderstand my actions or even go as far as to feel grief. So after some pondering, I spoke into the phone, “Alright, see you tonight.”
My gaze shot back to the school gate once I hung up. There, Jared and Summer held hands as they skipped into the school. Call me a softie, but I couldn’t help feeling a hearth-like warmth after seeing them hop away like father and daughter among the other children.
Though that feeling lasted for a brief moment because everything that Jared did in the past was unforgivable—he would always be a despicable piece of scum in my eyes, even if he spent a lifetime begging on his knees.
I understood that Ashton allowed Jared to meet Summer because he felt sorry for Jared as a friend. However, I personally disagreed with trusting or forgiving a horrible man like Jared. So for the sake of my children’s health and safety, I decided to take additional precautions.
On my way back to the law firm, I texted Holden to find a nutritionist; preferably someone certified and licensed.
All I had to do now was wait.
Arriving at the law firm, I opened my office door and saw Bryson waiting inside.
“Mr. Queen, what brings you here?”
I initially planned to have Brooklyn transfer the excess of the one hundred and fifty million to Bryson. Yet, Bryson had unexpectedly taken the initiative and shown up here.
Bryson burst out into boisterous laughter as he stated, “I’m obviously here to pay you, Ms. Stovall!”
At this, my brow furrowed. Didn’t he shove me a check with a large sum scrawled on it last night? Did he lose his marbles?
Then again, he looked like he was serious. He then threw a quick look at his assistant. In a matter of seconds, the assistant pulled out a document and passed it to me from across the table.
“Sign this. From today onwards, your law firm will be in charge of my many companies’ legal affairs.” Bryson guffawed heartily.
My eyes rounded at the thin document. Oh my god, this is my lucky day!
According to Emma, Bryson’s net worth is estimated to be far more than mine and Ashton’s combined. If our law firm successfully negotiates this deal, then we’ll never have to worry about rent ever again.
It was like we had struck gold. Although a beaming delight smeared across my face, I still couldn’t ignore the teeniest hint of worry inside me. After all, nothing good came this easy.
This jackpot, along with the rough ten million that he gave me last night, might bite me in the ass someday. What if he comes asking me for impossible favors? How am I going to refuse?
After weighing my options, a decision finally came to mind. I cracked a smile whilst gently nudging the document back to him. “We were only doing our jobs by settling your case. Moreover, you’ve already over-compensated us for our efforts. Mr. Newman will get the Finance Department to transfer the excess sum over to your personal account. As for this other matter, there’s really no need to be polite.”
Bryson’s smile faltered for a split second after hearing this. “That’s alright then. We’ll put this matter aside for the time being since your current schedule is overwhelmed. Now, I came here today because there’s this other thing I need your help with…”
I knew it! No one’s that nice for no reason.
“Go on.”
Seeing that I didn’t refuse, Bryson raised a fist over his mouth and cleared his throat while shooting an impatient gaze at his assistant.
A knowing look flashed in the assistant’s eyes as he nodded, then promptly turned to leave.
Once the door clicked shut, Bryson’s eyes darted around to ensure that it was just two of us before he finally felt safe enough to pull his phone out of his pocket.
He then unlocked his phone and raised it before me with a giddy smile.
“Ms. Stovall, take a gander at these women and let me know if any of them catches your eye.”
Regardless of how ridiculous his request sounded, I still did as told.
The screen showed a photo album. Tapping on it, the display flickered to a photo of a stunning young woman. However, she stared at the camera vacantly as if she were a soulless zombie.
I glimpsed at the thumbnails and recognized the first few women from last night’s birthday banquet. Nonetheless, I continued to scan the following pictures.
