Chapter 118


    Atter sharing her piece, ra was about to turn and leave when Anders suddenly stepped in


    front of her, blocking her path.


    ra, the clients we’re meeting it’s them. My mom’s caught up in a giarismwsuit, and it


    wouldn’t be right for me to represent her in court since I’m family. That’s why I


    rmended you,” he said earnestly.


    ra was well aware that Anders‘ mother was a renowned designer for a top–tier fashionbel.


    Such disputes over intellectual property were not umon in the fashion industry. Her guard


    dropped at once, and she approached Alicia with a cordial air. “I’m grateful for your trust, Alicia. I’ll


    pull out all the stops to win this case for you.”


    Alicia tugged ra to sit down and even poured her a cup of herbal tea. Alicia was all smiles as


    she spoke, “Back in our school days, I’ve heard nothing but praise for you from Ny. Knowing


    you’re on the case gives me peace of mind.”


    “You’re too kind, Alicia. I’m just thankful for the opportunity, and I’ll give it my all,” ra responded


    with genuine enthusiasm.


    The group hit it off instantly, segueing from work to family life in their conversation.


    Alicia was a great conversationalist, sharing with ra the myriad of challenges that came with


    being an independent woman in society. These were issues ra had grappled with herself, and


    she listened intently, nodding along with enthusiastic agreement.


    without him even realizing.


    They had just broken up, and she was already meeting the parents?


    His face grew dark as he retreated to his own private booth.


    Chase, noticed his mood, and pretended to be concerned, “Come on, it’s just lunch. Why the long


    face? It’s not like you’re picking up the tab.”


    Dawson, ever the helpful assistant, chose that moment to twist the knife a bit more, “Dr. Chase, Mr.


    Hicks, don’t take it personally. Mr. Hayes just saw Attorney ra. That’s why he’s upset, not


    because of you guys.”


    After saying this, Dawson nced atn, expecting some sort ofmendation. Instead,n shot


    back, “Ever heard of ying dumb? Or would that kill you?”


    Startled, Dawson quickly stepped back.


    Roger, always the peacemaker,ughed it off, “Which booth is ra in? We don’t have many


    people; why don’t we join tables?”


    11:03


    Mentioning ra seemed to make Dawson forget his boss‘ ‘kind‘ warning, and he blurted out,


    “Afraid that’s not possible. She’s having a meet–the–parents moment with Mr. Anders.”


    The remark dropped like a pebble in a still pond, sending ripples everywhere. Chasetched


    onto the news, his eyes wide as he gazed atn’s stony countenance. “Wow, Anders is moving


    fast. ra’s already meeting the parents. Doesn’t seem too reserved, does he?


    You gotta be more liken here. After three years of dating, he did not acknowledge ra as his


    girlfriend in public, and he didn’t even admit it in private! How cool is that? I’m in awe, really.”


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Roger chimed in with his own jab, “Exactly. I should’ve taken a leaf out ofn’s book. Instead, I got


    married early, had kids, and now I’m tied down. My wife’s like a hawk, watching every move I make,


    worried I’ll get a girl on the side. Butn? Free as a bird. When he gets bored, he just moves on, no


    strings attached, right?”


    After a long silence that saw no reaction from him, his two friends and Dawson were all perplexed.


    Their eyes were wide as they stared at him. “That’s your response?”