William nodded in agreement. “Exactly! I was wondering how she could afford to treat the entire firm to dinner at Union Restaurant. That meal alone cost nearly ten thousand dollars. Turns out she had a sugar daddy foot the bill.”

Yasmin’s eyes were full of disdain. “She’s a disgrace to everyone in the legal profession.”

…

At the end of the next workday at Shelton Law Firm, Sarah walked over to Tessa’s desk and handed her a file.

“Tessa, as per the firm’s usual practice, handling client negotiations is typically the business department’s job. However, as you know, being a lawyer requires strong negotiation skills.

“In fact, in most cases, it’s best if you handle consultations independently. Having said that, I have a case here that I need you to negotiate.”

Tessa picked up the file and looked through it.

Sarah continued, “If you successfully secure this case, I’ll give you a 20% commission based

on the business department’s rate. This can also be combined with the subsequent lawyer’s fee.” Tessa wasn’t particularly concerned about the commission. Rather, what excited her more was the opportunity to hone her negotiation skills.

When she was working at a law firm in Haverford, case negotiations were typically handled by the business department before being handed over to the lawyers. She also had no connections there, which was why she rarely had the chance to negotiate cases herself.

Tessa accepted the job and looked up at Sarah. “Got it, Ms. Young.”

Sarah patted Tessa on the shoulder reassuringly. “The meeting is set for 7:00 pm at Starlight Club. I’ll have William go with you. Thanks for your hard work!”

Tessa nodded. “No problem at all.”

…

At 6.30 pm, Tessa walked over to William’s table and asked, “Mr. Kiernan, how are we getting to the meeting later?”

William looked at her with a disdainful gaze. “Let’s drive your boyfriend’s Cullinan there. I’m sure it will make quite the entrance.”

When Tessa had gone to the hospital to visit Tim yesterday, Yasmin and William had spotted her getting out of a Cullinan. William had even asked her about it.

Tessa frowned. “It’s too late to have him drive over now. I’ll just take a cab there.”

She had her own car, but she had driven it back to the Yates residence yesterday. Stephen had driven her back to her apartment, so her car hadn’t been brought over yet.

Besides, Sarah had only informed her about the meeting toward the end of the workday, so there was no way she could get to her car in time.

William sneered. “Are you that unwilling? I get it. We, commoners, don’t have the right to ride your sugar daddy’s Cullinan.

“Did you say you’re going to take a cab there? Are you looking down on my Porsche Macan? I mean, it’s nothing compared to the Cullinan, right?”

Tessa frowned as she looked at him.

She said in a cold voice, “What the hell are you saying? Do you have a problem with me? Why do you keep calling him my sugar daddy? What are you implying?”

William chuckled coldly. “Don’t get me wrong, Ms. Yates. I’m not implying anything. I’m simply complimenting you. You’re so lucky to have a guy with a Cullinan I’m so envious of you.”

Tessa sneered. “I haven’t offended you, have I? Why are you being so sarcastic? Did I use your money to buy the Cullinan?”

William snorted. “I don’t have that kind of money.”

Tessa shot back. “I’ve never met someone so gabby. Instead of being jealous, why don’t you work harder?”

Her words struck a nerve. William’s expression darkened as he spat, “Yeah, I’m jealous. I hate that I’m not

a woman like you, who can just seduce men as she pleases.”

Tessa’s expression hardened. With gritted teeth, she responded, “You’re a lawyer yourself. I’m sure you’re aware that defamation is a criminal offense. You’d better watch your mouth, or I’ll have you sent to jail!”

William seemed to have realized that he had overstepped. He rolled his eyes, grabbed his briefcase, and stormed off without saying a word.

Tessa took a moment to calm herself before hailing a cab.

Starlight Club wasn’t far from the law firm. In fact, it was only a ten-minute drive away.

When Tessa opened the door to the private room, she saw William with two clients drinking inside.

The clients were Timothy Zachman and Jimmy Loewe. Both men in their 40s were presidents of a company. They each had a heavily made-up woman snuggled in their arms.

The minute Tessa walked in, all eyes immediately turned toward her.