While they ate dinner inside, Brooklyn waited in the car,pletely in the dark about what was going on.

She was curious, sure, but she kept it to herself. After all, it was her boss''s personal business-definitely not her ce to ask questions.

In the elevator, Allison leaned in close to her little sister. "Lizzy, don''t tell Mom or Dad about dinner with Joshua tonight, okay?"

Lizzy nodded. "Okay, sis."

"Good girl."

Back in her room, Allison checked her phone for messages.

Watson: [Home yet?]

Allison: [Just got back.]

Watson: [Get some rest. Good night.]

Allison: [Night.]

***

The next day, Allison''sw firm got a surprise visitor.

Carolyn walked in wearing a light tan suit, an Hermès bag dangling from her arm, moving with so much confidence that the whole office couldn''t help but stare.

"Whoa, who is that? She''s gorgeous."

"Is she a client, or maybe a newwyer?"

"No way, she''s gotta be a client. She''s got that CEO aura."

"Totally, she looks like she owns the ce. Definitely not just an employee."

"That body, that face-she''s amazing."

Carolyn overheard the whispers and let a small smile y at her lips.

She stopped at a young woman''s desk and smiled warmly. “Hi, I didn''t see

anyone at reception, so I just came in. Could you tell me where Allison''s office is?"

Joy felt a little flustered. A woman this stunning was talking to her?

"I can show you," Joy said, jumping to her feet.

"Thank you." Carolyn''s smile got even brighter, and Joy just stared for a second before leading the way.

When they reached Allison''s office, Joy smiled. "Here you go-this is Allison''s office."

"Thanks."

"No problem, I''ll get back to work."

Carolyn knocked on the door.

From inside, Allison called out, "Come in."

Carolyn stepped inside. "Allison."

Allison looked up, surprised for a moment, but quickly recovered. "Ms. Witt, please have a seat."

Carolyn took a seat on the sofa behind the coffee table. Allison got up from her desk and joined her.

She started boiling water and set about making tea, carefully rinsing two delicate porcin cups before cing one in front of Carolyn and pouring her some tea conter

"So, what brings you here, Ms. Witt?" Allison asked.

Ve

"Thank you," Carolyn said, epting the cup, Theard you opened your own firm and wanted to check kit out. Plus, I have a case I''d like yout handle

"Oh?" Allison raised an eyebrow. "What kind of case?"

Olivia had already sent over

Carolyn''s background, so Allison knew Carolyn was now the CEO of a

publicparty. With her own legal'': team, what kind of case needed outside help?

Carolyn pulled out her phone. "Let''s exchange contacts. I''ll forward you the case

files my assistant just sent me."

"Sure." Allison scanned her code, and they added each other.

Carolyn sent over the documents.

"I''ll leave this in your hands, Allison," she said with a small smile.

Allison took a sip of tea. “Let''s talk through the basics first, Ms. Witt."

"Of course." Carolyn tried the tea and smiled. "This is really good, by the way."