bChapter /bb572 /b

    Ariel had just returned to Faye Technologies‘ office after finishing some work when she received a call from Edward, who informed her of a new development. “Sarah’swyer has refused to represent her in

    court.”

    Surprised, Ariel asked, “He refused to represent herb?/bb” /b

    Edward, on the contrary, didn’t sound surprised at all. He responded, “That’s right. Considering all the issues Sarah’s facing, this will probably be a heavy blow for her.”

    Ariel pondered for a moment. “This is quite unexpected.”

    “Not really. Mr. Larkin had introduced Sarah to thewyer, who was working abroad. Perhaps there were reasons why he decided to do that.”

    Edward continued, “Thewyer probably never intended to take the case. He simply agreed to their request to buy time, ensuring Sarah wouldn’t go looking for anotherwyer. 2

    “Basically, Sarah’s side will bepletely crushed. Without the necessary help and preparations, it’s impossible for them to find anotherwyer now, and judging by their current situation, they won’t be able to get any legal help at all. Sarah is probably feeling very anxious right now.”

    Ariel stared at the screen of herptop, her eyes unreadable. Sarah’swyer had decided to drop the case at a critical time, which meant even Nancy was at risk of imprisonment.

    They were also dealing with intellectual propertywsuits, since Sarah was being prosecuted for illegally acquiring Elena’s painting. Considering various factors, Sarah and Nancy wouldn’t even be able to get

    legal help.

    The oue of thiswsuit wasrgely predetermined at this point.

    “Was it Jayson’s idea?” Ariel said slowly.

    After all, Jayson was the one who introduced Nancy and Sarah to thewyer. It seemed strange to Ariel

    bnow/b.

    Edward replied in a calm, t tone, “I can’t answer that, Ms. Walker. However, there are probably more

    things that you’re unaware of.” (1)

    Edward was clearly hinting at something with what he just said.

    Ariel knew he wouldn’t be sharing more than what he already had. She tactfully stopped asking him

    more questions regarding the matter.

    After discussing some details regarding thewsuit with him, Ariel finally ended the call.

    As she sat in her chair, Ariel tapped her finger on the table with a pensive look on her face. She scrolled

    through her call history, and soon enough, she found the number that wasn’t saved with a name.

    Jayson was someone who just did whatever he wanted. Ariel hadn’t once understood the man. Even now, she had various questions about what he had done.

    What interrupted Ariel’s train of thought was another phone call.

    The federal investigative agency called to inform her that they need to meet her again to ask a few more questions. Additionally, Cedric had visited their office and shared what he knew. With that, they had pretty much concluded the investigation.

    Nancy flew into a rage when she learned theirwyer had refused to represent Sarah in court. She hurled her phone to the floor, feeling as if she was about to lose it as her frustration peaked.

    Despite that, the teary–eyed Nancy picked up her phone a whileter. Fortunately, it only had some cracks on the screen and was still functioning normally.

    Sarah had received confirmation about the news as well. Upon receiving such a critical blow, her legs went limp. She was so aggravated that she felt like she was about to have a heart attack.

    Everything they had done so far seemed to havee back to haunt them, destroying what they had built so far bit by bit and cutting off all their escape routes.

    Initially, Sarah reckoned they would eventually be able to turn things around if they just made sure not to

    lose thewsuit.

    However, the tiny bit of hope they had was nowpletely crushed.

    Nancy’s heart sank when she received another call from the federal investigative agency. She could tell that they were already conducting the final part of their investigation.

    “Ariel must have been waiting for this day toe. She was the one behind this incident! She even

    tormented and humiliated you!” Sarah heaved a deep breath. However, the voiceing out of her mouth was a bit shaky. Her eyes zed with hatred.

    “We can’t just stay here and do nothing!” Sarah had lost her usual radiance and elegance. Instead, her face was pale and haggard. Still, there was a venomous look in her eyes. “They’re keeping you under close surveince. Under normal circumstances, you won’t be able to leave the country. However, you won’t have the opportunity to do so if you don’t leave now.”

    Nancy swiftly turned her gaze toward Sarah.

    Sarah’s breathing became a little erratic. “I’ll figure out a way. We’ve established connections throughout the years. The Nielsen family… they should be able to help us. We need toe up with a n to leave the country first.”

    Staying here only meant that they would be facing their end.

    Sarah knew very well that what Nancy did was considered extremely serious and unforgivable in their country. Nancy’s life would bepletely over if she were convicted of the charges and sentenced to

    prison.