Chapter 1279


    “Coffee,” stated Keegan.


    “Tea,” replied Marshall.


    Ste hesitated momentarily, then nced at Keegan and suggested, “You might as well have some


    tea too. It would save us from firing up the coffee machine.”


    Keegan looked slightly displeased about the situation but chose not to argue.


    Marshall pressed his lips together slightly as he watched the scene unfold. ‘Brewing tea was also a bit


    of a hassle,’ he thought. The fact that Ste did not ask him to amodate Keegan’s request felt


    respectful, yet created a sense of unfamiliarity between them.


    Keegan settled onto the nearby couch, maintaining afortable distance from Ste. He turned to


    Marshall and asked, “How’s the injury?”


    Marshall opened up his palm to show Keegan the wound. Though it was healed, the scar remained


    prominent. It would likely need some time to fade. “It’s alright,” he said.


    “Given your experience, you don’t really need to take on cases like that. The pay isn’t a lot, and there


    are tons of risks involved. Why bother?” Keegan said indifferently.


    Marshall chuckled and said, “I wasn’t nning on taking it initially. But no one wanted a messy


    domestic abuse case,


    especially since the man’s family had connections. I felt sorry for the woman. She’s visited nearly every


    law firm in town. I’ve seen her at our office multiple times, and on each visit, her face bore signs of


    injury. Once, her left ear was torn and needed stitches. She was determined to proceed with the


    divorce, even if it meant losing everything.”


    “I asked myself why should individuals who just want to live endure such hardships. And that was when


    I took on her case. I just didn’t expect her husband to locate her new residence so quickly that it almost


    led to Ste getting hurt.”


    Keegan thought about it and said, “You shouldn’t have taken her there, and you shouldn’t have gone


    alone. You should’ve involved the authorities. You should’ve known who you were dealing with. Thank


    god that nothing major happened that day. Did you ever consider what your parents would feel if you


    lost your life?”


    Marshall’s throat tightened slightly, and he clenched his fist. After a while, he admitted, “You’re right. I


    made the wrong call.”


    “Try your best not to let your parents worry. You might not recall it, but I witnessed firsthand how


    devastated they were when that incident happened to you seven years ago. No one is forcing you to


    push yourself to the extremes, Marshall. You don’t have to take on everything head-on. Do you know


    that your current state is far from what it used to be when you were abroad?”


    “Is that so?” Marshall smiled and said, “I feel fine.”


    Keegan was a little annoyed by his response and decided to stay quiet.


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    Marshall used to engage in extreme sports overseas, from racing to marathons. Even people


    ustomed to theid- back lifestyle like Vermont envied his achievements.


    However, upon his return to Rivera, he seemed to revert to his state from seven years ago. He was dull


    and depressed as he carried the weight of everything behind his back.


    After a while, Keegan spoke again. “Get to know the girls your mom introduces you to and go on dates


    with them. If you find a connection, give it a shot. Being in a rtionship is generally more fun than


    being alone.”


    Marshall lowered his gaze and said, “Being with Ste is quite exciting.”


    Hearing that, Keegan froze. “Are you intending to pursue her?


    “Do you have a problem with that?” Marshall stared at him and asked.


    Keegan thought about it and said, “No, of course not. I’m fine with it as long as you’re genuine.” He


    knew Marshall did not stand much of a chance, so there was no harm in letting him try. “However, if


    you’re not brave enough to pursue her, I advise you guys to remain friends. Don’t make things


    awkward.”


    Marshall looked at him for a moment before suddenly asking, “Why don’t any of you want to tell me


    what happened seven years ago?”


    “It wasn’t a pleasant experience, and the scene was gruesome. Some things are best forgotten,”


    Keegan replied indifferently.


    “Was I the one who crashed into Ste’s mom?”


    Keegan was taken aback. “Why on earth would you think that? Don’t worry. Your injury wasn’t caused


    by a car ident.”


    As Marshall was about to continue, Ste entered the room with the tea. “Felicity went out for


    breakfast. She’ll be back soon,” she said.