Carolyn''s case was a messy dispute overpany shares. Complicated, missing evidence, and the kind ofwsuit that could go sideways fast-for someone like Allison, who''d only been awyer for three years, this was a serious challenge.

On the surface, Carolyn was here to hire Allison. In reality, she was itching for a fight. If Allison turned down the case, Carolyn could easily question her skills. But if Allison took it and lost, it would be proof she wasn''t up to par-not even close to Carolyn''s level. At least for now, Carolyn''s career was leaps ahead of Allison''s.

After talking through the basics, Allison had a rough idea of what she was dealing with. She skimmed the files Carolyn had sent over, starting to piece things together.

Allison kept her tone cool. "So, you want me personally to represent you?"

Carolyn smiled. "Exactly. I trust you, Allison."

"All thewyers at our firm are great-no one doubts their skills," Allison replied, still calm. "But since you asked for me by name, I''ll take it.”

Carolyn looked a little surprised.

She agreed that fast? Did Allison even realize how messy and risky this case was?

"Allison, that''s it? Don''t you want to think it over?"

Allison smiled. "The evidence is shaky and the case isplicated. Ms. Witt, there''s a good chance we could lose. Are you sure you''re okay with that?"

"I know."

"Court cases are never a sure thing." Allison''s expression didn''t change. "Every casees with risks. This one''s a big one, but honestly, it''s been ages since I had a case this tough. I want to take it on."

A spark lit up in Allison''s eyes, her gaze steady. "I like a challenge. If I can win this, I''ll make a name for myself. It''s risky, but it''s also a chance-I want to try."

Carolyn was caught off guard.

In Allison''s eyes, she saw courage, confidence, grit-an energy she hadn''t expected. Before today, Carolyn had pegged Allison as just another pretty face with family connections. She hadn''t expected this kind of boldness.

"All right then." Carolyn''s opinion of her shifted. "Let''s sign the contract now."

"Sure."

After leaving thew office, Carolyn

headedn

Joshua''s private She

he doorbell at the gate, a

à in his fifties answered a

"Ms. Witt." He was slim, with a kind face. "How can I help you?”

Carolyn smiled. "Hi Luke, I''m here to see Joshua. We scheduled a meeting about a partnership."

Luke nodded, friendly as always. "Just a moment, I''ll let him know you''re here."

Carolyn nodded back, polite. "Thank you, I appreciate it.”

A few minutester, Luke returned.

"Ms. Witt, ma''am asked me to bring you in." He opened the door and motioned for her toe inside.

Ma''am?

Carolyn frowned for a second.

Once inside the living room, she saw Rose and realized Luke had meant

her.

a second there, she''d

pe thought he meant

Joshua''s wife.

She walked over, smiling. "Rose."

"Luna, you''re here. Please have a seat." Rose''s smile was polite, but not overly

warm.

Carolyn sat down beside her. The housekeeper brought her tea.

Carolyn nced around but didn''t see Joshua.

Rose

sip of tea and said

shua''s upstairs in his

be

study, busy with a meeting.

soon." Content belo

down

Carolyn nodded. "No problem. I''ll wait here."