“Yeah,” Whitney murmured, her thoughts racing.
“Klein, you…” she hesitated, unsure of how to express herself.
But Klein cut in, “Whitney, I’m not planning on being a saint here. Once we’re married, we’ll be sharing a bed.”
“Look, I’m just doing this to keep my grandpa happy, and you have your own reasons. But let’s be clear, we’re not going to sleep in separate beds, you know that, right?” he stated, his tone firm yet playful.
“… Yeah, I know,” Whitney responded softly, a mixture of relief and anxiety washing over her.
At that moment, Whitney felt a wave of relief. *So he’s only marrying me to keep James happy,* she realized, feeling foolish for having entertained other thoughts.
The question “Do you like me?” was on the tip of her tongue, but she quickly retracted it. *Good thing I didn’t ask. That would’ve been so awkward,* she thought, a flush creeping up her cheeks.
“Alright, I’m glad you understand. So, are you coming over next week to see how the bed feels?” Klein teased, his voice light.
“No need for that. You can check it out yourself,” Whitney replied quickly, unable to bring herself to say the words “see how the bed feels.”
“Okay,” Klein said, though Whitney could detect a hint of disappointment beneath his casual demeanor.
“I’m going to hang up now,” Whitney said, her mind racing.
“Wait, Klein,” she called, almost forgetting the real reason for her call.
“Hey, next Saturday marks the end of my grandma’s memorial. When do you think we should go get married?” she asked, her heart pounding.
Klein’s lips, which had been downturned, slowly curved into a smile. “Oh, not sure yet. I’ll check my schedule with my assistant,” he replied, the warmth in his voice evident.
“Alright, just let me know. And Klein, thanks for helping with the trending topic,” Whitney added, feeling a mix of gratitude and confusion.
*So she found out,* Klein thought, a smile spreading across his face.
“It’s nothing. Isn’t that what a husband should do?” he said, his voice laced with a tenderness that Whitney couldn’t quite grasp over the phone.
“I said I’d give you a leg up, didn’t I? I couldn’t just let you lose, could I?”
She smiled softly, feeling a warmth spread through her. “Thanks. See you next week.”
The next time they met would be the day they officially tied the knot, a moment that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.
–
“Mr. Barton,” Hector began, his voice steady yet insistent, “I understand that Mr. Walton values his reputation immensely. However, regardless of his high regard for Whitney, he cannot simply ignore this situation, can he?”
With a swift motion, he pivoted his laptop screen towards Townsend, revealing the damning evidence. “Take a look at this. This is the new artist that Carter Harris has been championing lately. And the individual accusing her of plagiarism, Jay Lockson, has actually come to our firm seeking Whitney’s assistance.”
Townsend’s expression shifted, his brow knitting together in concern. “Are you implying that Whitney had a private meeting with Jay Lockson and represented him in the infringement case against Carter Harris?”
A smirk danced on Hector’s lips, his confidence palpable. “Mr. Barton, it gets even more alarming. Whitney didn’t just meet him; she actually sent Jay Lockson over to Everglow Law Firm! She willingly handed off a client to our competitor, all to create chaos for our most significant client. How can we possibly overlook that?”
“And here’s the kicker,” Hector continued, his voice lowering conspiratorially. “I got tipped off about this whole mess by George Harris’s assistant at Harris Group. She’s clearly meddling with the son, and now the father is demanding explanations.”
PrimeBridge Law Firm wasn’t merely the legal counsel for Carter Harris; they were at the forefront of Harris Group’s mergers and acquisitions. Betraying a client like this was akin to committing the gravest sin in their industry.
Townsend’s demeanor hardened as he processed the implications. “George Harris’s assistant alerted you about something so trivial?”
“Mr. Barton, you doubt my word? I can show you the chat logs,” Hector replied, his tone slightly defensive.
“Moreover, you may not realize this, but the new artist Carter is backing is actually his fiancée. They’re set to marry next month!” Hector added, his voice tinged with urgency.
Townsend took Hector’s phone, his exasperation palpable. ‘No wonder this is escalating,’ he mused internally.
He was acutely aware of the longstanding rivalry between his two top lieutenants. With Ivan Walton’s team now under scrutiny, he had to tread carefully, ensuring he remained impartial.
“I understand. I will provide Carter Harris and the Harris Group with a thorough explanation,” Townsend stated, his voice firm and resolute.
As Hector exited the office, a satisfied grin plastered across his face, Gina approached him, her curiosity piqued. “So, what did Mr. Barton say?” she whispered, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Hector’s confidence radiated as he replied, “All taken care of.”
“Are they going to punish Ivan for this?” Gina inquired, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hector shook his head dismissively. “I doubt it. If anyone faces repercussions, it’ll be Whitney.”
–
In truth, if Hector aimed to take down Ivan Walton, this incident barely scratched the surface. However, seeing Whitney, Ivan’s most trusted attorney, face consequences was a welcome outcome for him.
If they could secure the merger contract with the Harris Group, Whitney would be in line to become the next non-equity partner. But with this scandal brewing, the future looked uncertain.
She had squandered what could have been a golden opportunity.
As Hector made his way back to his office, Gina followed closely behind. The moment the door clicked shut, she pressed against him, her voice a hushed whisper. “Hector, do you think I’ll be considered for the next non-equity partner position?”
Hector blinked, momentarily taken aback. “Just focus on nailing your mid-level certification next month. As for the partner position, leave that to me.”
–
Whitney hadn’t even set foot in the office when her phone buzzed with an urgent message from HR.
[After a review, we have determined that you have committed serious misconduct at work, which has significantly harmed the firm’s interests. Therefore, you are suspended, and your salary will be withheld during this period. From HR, PrimeBridge Law Firm.]
The suspension notice was also broadcasted in the work group chat.
Whitney had just parked her car when her phone erupted with notifications.
[Frank Reese: Whitney, what’s happening? Why did HR announce your suspension in the group chat?]
[Valerie Garner: Whitney, are you alright? Are you at the office yet? Did you see the message in the group chat?]
She quickly scanned her messages, responding to Valerie, “I’m in the parking lot. I’ll be up in a moment.”
Choosing to reply only to Valerie, she ignored the rest, her heart racing with anxiety.
Inside Townsend’s office, Ivan was fervently advocating for Whitney.
“Mr. Barton, why on earth are you suspending Whitney?” Ivan pressed, his tone laced with urgency.
Townsend’s expression was troubled, his voice low and serious. “Ivan, I understand your loyalty to Whitney, but there are boundaries that must not be crossed. Did she aid Jay Lockson in pursuing Starwave Entertainment for plagiarism? If she had kept this under wraps, I might have been able to turn a blind eye. But now that George Harris from Harris Group is involved, and you’re managing their merger, tell me, does that sound acceptable to you?”
Ivan shot back, his frustration boiling over. “She was merely doing a favor for a friend! What’s the big deal? She wasn’t even the lead attorney on the case. She cleared this with me beforehand. Did Harris Group actually lodge a complaint? Mr. Barton, the merger is being personally handled by Klein Harris, not George Harris.”
In other words, if the actual decision-maker at Harris Group hadn’t raised any objections, George Harris had no standing to interfere.
“Ridiculous! Isn’t Klein Harris part of the Harris family? You think he’d just sit idly by while his own nephew is bullied by outsiders?” Townsend snapped back, his voice rising.
“And do you even grasp who Carter is supporting this time? That’s the Harris family’s soon-to-be daughter-in-law!” Townsend added, frustration evident in his tone.
“Suspend her for now. Let her keep a low profile until this all blows over. She can return once things settle down,” Townsend concluded, his decision firm.
“Mr. Barton, do you understand how detrimental this suspension will be for her career?” Ivan protested vehemently.
He had been intending to recommend Whitney for the non-equity partner position once the merger concluded.
If she was suspended, how could he possibly advocate for her afterward?
Townsend shot Ivan a stern look, a blend of warning and counsel. “Ivan, you must prioritize the firm. Whitney is merely your apprentice. No matter how much you wish to safeguard your interests, you must place the firm above all else!”
Ivan felt a surge of anger bubbling within him. “Did Hector betray her? Mr. Barton, will he ever cease his meddling? Why don’t you just suspend me too while you’re at it?!”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.