Long Time, No See.

Alison stopped in her tracks, looking back at Oscar.

Her gaze on him was as though the answers lay written on his face.

"What’s in it for me?" she asked, "how do you plan to help me?"

"I can help you get your son back," Oscar had replied, his tone low, and desperate. "You just need to help me win this case. There is a lot more at stake than just the law. You could be the key, Ms. Harper. It's why you are the queen of justice."

She had to get him back, no matter the cost. For all she knew, The Franciscos were not ready to hand over custody of her son to her, and now that she was fully established, she would use all means to get her son back.

"I understand your conflict. Here is my card, just in case you change your mind," he said, handing her a white card with his phone number and email address written on it.

***

After her encounter with Oscar, she had forgotten about his ordeal. Her focus was to get her son back; nothing else mattered.

Just as she was thinking, her phone buzzed, and the caller ID showed it was Bruno.

She hesitated for only a moment before answering.

“Bruno,” she said, her voice sounding cold.

“Alison,” he replied, his tone surprisingly calm. “I was just thinking about you.”

She scoffed. “Oh, really? How thoughtful of a married man.”

“I’m serious,” he continued. “I just came across your profile, and you have improved greatly.”

Alison rolled her eyes. “Cut the pleasantries, Bruno. What do you want?”

“I want you to know that I’m working on something big. A project that will change everything. I’m taking the company to the next level. There is a lot of money to be made.” He paused, almost too casually. “You wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to work with me, would you? Why don't you come back to the company? I'll give you whatever position you want.”

"Bruno, I am not the old Alison you could toy around with. I am not, and will never work for you. To hell with your project and company," she responded.

"How would Theo feel about this?" He suddenly said, causing Alison to be silent.

Finally, she let out a chuckle, "What kind of a monster are you? Are you trying to blackmail me by using my son? It won't work, try again."

"Just you wait and see what the future holds for this project. You will come back crawling to me. Don't miss your chance now." He added with a sneer.

She hung up without saying a word. She knew of the project, at least a tip of it, and knowing Bruno, he would do anything to make it a success.

She reached for her phone again and dialed Oscar’s number. The phone rang twice before he answered.

"Ms. Harper,” he said, his voice calm “I’m glad you called. Have you decided yet?”

“I’ll do it,” she said, her voice filled with determination. “I’ll help you win your case. Be sure to keep to your end of the bargain."

Oscar let out a relieving sigh, "thank you so much, Ms. Harper."

"But first, there is a catch." She added.

Oscar paused, "what is it?"

“I want to be in your company. I want a real position. I’ll be the head of the law firm. That way, I can work from the inside and find out who your spies are. If I work in your company, I won't be able to work for another, no matter what; until the deal is over.”

“I was hoping you would say that,” he replied, a tinge of happiness in his voice. “I will send over the contract. We will get everything in writing and seal it. Once you sign, you can resume duty here.”

***

After carefully reviewing the contract, she signed her name below getting ready to start the game of justice.

She walked into Rodrigo Internationals, the biggest conglomerate in the US, wearing black pants and a white shirt, coupled with a pair of black stiletto heels.

When she stepped into the elevator, she met Oscar, who stood expressionlessly.

"Good morning, Ms. Harper," he greeted.

She nodded slightly, "good morning."

“So, welcome aboard,” he said, his voice calm yet professional. “I trust you are ready to begin.”

Alison nodded, wearing a smile. "I’m ready. But I need to know one thing, Oscar."

He raised an eyebrow. "Go ahead."

She turned to him and asked. "Who exactly am I defending in this case?"

"I'm sorry about that, I should have informed you before now," he said, letting out a sigh, "but first, I must thank you for accepting to work with us. Since you have signed the contract, I will let you meet the CEO of the company; the one in whom you are helping with the case."

She nodded and remained silent.

The elevator doors opened, and they walked into a spacious, glass-walled office.

As she walked behind Oscar, observing the large space, they walked into the office of the CEO.

"She is here, sir," Oscar said with a bow.

The man stood tall with his back to them, gazing at the city from his ceiling-to-floor glass window.

"I'll leave you now, Ms. Harper," Oscar said and walked away.

There was something familiar about the man, but Alison shook the feeling off.

She cleared her throat and introduced herself, her tone sounding professional.

"Good day, Mr. CEO. I'm Alison Harper, your new lawyer, and I will be taking on your case from now on."

There was no reply from him for some minutes, and before Alison could say another word, the man finally spoke up.

"Long time, no see, Ali."

That voice... That nickname..

She refused to believe it was who she thought it was until he turned around.

The CEO of Rodrigo Internationals...the one she was supposed to defend was none other than Travis.

Her first love.

The man who had abandoned her at the time she needed him the most.

She stared at him, her heart beating faster than usual in her chest.

The very man she had sworn to never set her eyes on was now standing across from her, and he was her client.

"Travis," she whispered.

"Hi, Alison. Thank you for accepting to—"

"Never! If I had known it was you, I would never have signed the contract. I'm resigning."