Chapter 130
In the peaceful ambiance of the Serenity Chamber, Pearl, Donna, and Peter found themselves in a brief lull, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Charlie
As Donna and Peter rose to greet him, they were momentarily taken aback when their eyes met the man who had just entered. Charlie’s reputation as a young, legal prodigy had preceded him, but the extent of his striking good looks had remained a well–guarded secret.
Charlie, impeccably clad in a pinsinped suit, stood tall at over six feet. His shoulder–length hair, with a slightly wavy texture, framed his chiseled features. Gold–framed glasses perched on his distinguished nose, and a Rolex watch adorned his wrist, adding an air of refinement to his casual demeanor.
“My apologies. I’m running late due to a traffic jam on the trail”
Charlie’s voice, though soft–spoken carried an undertone of gravity even in his apology.
Donna and Peter quickly reassured him, “You’re right on time” However, Pearl interjected with a sly grin, “Charlie, had you arrived any later, those meatballs would’ve turned cold”
Charbe’s stern countenance finally cracked into a wry smile as he removed his coat. “Well then, best bring those meatballs right over. Without these meatballs, I wouldn’t have raced from White Town to Nanston
Pearl snapped her fingers, summoning the servants to serve the dishes. She also uncorked a wine barrel, freshly harvested from the vineyard, still bearing traces of soil and a thick layer of dust on the surface.
“Charlie, today we’ve got some aged whiskey for you. It was a special request from Noah”
Charlie had just hit a cigarette, but upon hearing this, he narrowed his eyes, and his lips curled into a subtle smile. That little scoundrel has a heart,
As the delectable dishes and fine wine graced the table, Charlie didn’t waste a moment. He crushed out his cigarette and eagerly speared a piece of the braised meatball. His eyes, framed by those glasses, sparkled with delight. “Impressive. It’s just as flavorful as ever
Pearl gestured for Donna and Peter to join in, all the while discussing the case’s progress.
While it was often considered indigestible to talk business over a meal, there was no choice but to seize the opportunity. Getting time with Charlie was a challenge, more complex than squeezing milk from a stone. Every minute was precious.
Charlie was a man of few words who didn’t care for small talk. He briefly summarized the current state of the case,
was simple enough.
Peter was willing to pay the breach of contract penalty, and Pearl had successfully settled Paul’s debt. Terminating the contract was sit However, Donna’s situation presented a bit of a problem.
Paul wasn’t inclined to let go of his cash cow, Donna, so quickly. Furthermore, Donna had been entwined with Paul for many years, their connection unbreakable. She knew too much about him, and he held a tight grip on her reputation. If she terminated the contract, Paul could ruin
After hearing Charlie relay Paul’s tough staner, Pearl and Peter exchanged concerned glances and turned toward Donna.
Donna’s scarlet laps curled into a wry smile as she ignited a slender cigarette, puffing it with a touch of allure. “I expected nothing less from him. He’d rather tear me apart than let me slip through his fingers.
Amid the conversation. Pearl hesitated as if to speak, but Charlie cut to the chase with Donna, his expression devoid of emotion. “Has Paul ever ined to drug your
The question hit like a thunderbolt, sharp and direct. Donna shivered, and her cigarette quivered in her hand.
“Charlie” Pearl furrowed her brow, attempting to interject.
However, Charlie dismissed her with a wave of his hand, silencing Fearl, and continued to press Donna. Just a simple yes o
or no will suffice.
Even though Donna, seasoned by life’s ups and downs, found herself in an uncomfortable spot, she couldn’t evade Charlie’s question, especially in front of this audience. It felt as if her dignity was being stripped bare in broad daylight..
She had heard of Charlie’s eccentricities his penchant for cutting through the fog and extracting the truth. Those not pushed to their limits didn’t willingly choose to work with him.
Sering Donna’s pallid face, the answer seemed glaringly obvious.
Pearl motioned for the door to the private room to be shut tight before turning to Donna. “Miss Palmer, please don’t take offense. Charlie didn’t mean to disrespect you. It’s akin to a doctor examining a patient. Lawyers require unwavering trust and full disclosure from all parties involved. Do
Chapter 130
you comprehend what I mean?”
“In that case, Peter and I will step outside, and you can converse in privacy,
Pearl started to rise, and Peter followed suit, but Donna held Pearl back, saying firmly, “No need. There’s nothing I can’t say that you shouldn’t hear.”
Despite the brief moment of vulnerability, Donna swiftly regained her composure, and color returned to her cheeks,
She replied to Charlie, “Yes.”
Charlie’s face remained impassive as he pressed, “Did he get what he wanted?”
“No.” Donna’s countenance turned as still as a stagnant pond. “I tipped off his wife, and she arrived in time. She gave me a good thrashing, caused a stir, and then made her exit.
Pearl clenched her teeth secretly, a flicker of icy determination gleaming in her eyes as she discreetly tightened her grip on her hands, the joints emitting a faint, brittle sound.
That scumbag, Paul!
Charlie gave a subtle nod and asked, “Is Paul still attempting to push you into bed with other men for shady deals?”
“Yes,”
there was no point in hiding anything now.
With the situation laid bare, the
Donna’s demeanor remained calm as she narrated the tale as though it were someone else’s. Just recently, Paul found himself in dire need of a business partner for advertising. After his negotiations with the Males Group fell through, he had to approach Mr. Kinsley from the Maritime Group…
Peter’s eyes glinted with cold determination, and tension pulsed through his temples as he continued, “That evening, I was also present. Max had set his sights on me. Donna shielded me from his advances, downing drinks with Max. As for what transpired afterward, 1 remain unaware.”
Donna took a deep drag of her cigarette, her voice carrying a lonely and hollow tone.
“And then… Max figured he’d take advantage of the situation. He demanded me from Paul, who played the role of a pimp, engaging in the disgraceful trade of his daughter.
She smiled mockingly, “I was feeling utterly defeated, had practically given up hope, thinking I’d just embrace my wretched fate and go down with him… Little did I know, Henry showed up our of the blue and whisked me away without a word.”
Unperturbed by her words, Charlie spoke in a business–like tone, “So, you’re saying that Paul’s attempts have all been in vain. Since you can’t get a grip on him, you can’t break free from him either. You might as well stay with Starfield Media. Why bother breaking the contract?”
With these words, it seemed like he had run out of patience. He muttered, Tve had enough, and rose to leave.
Pearl furrowed her brow.
She was well–acquainted with his unpredictable temperament, having listened to Noah complain about him countless times. However, leaving in such a manner was different from his usual style.
Donna watched Charlie’s retreating figure, her heart pounding with anxiety. Unable to hold back, she exclaimed. “What if I had evidence to prove that he did harm me!”
Charlie finally stopped, turning to give her a sharp glance.
That look was piercing, and Donna’s heart skipped a beat, feeling exposed and guilty.
Indeed, if it weren’t for Charlie’s goading, she might never h
have taken such a desperate step, putting herself in this predicament
But what if she could turn the tables