At that moment, the door of the private room opened again, and a handsome man walked in. As he approached, the strong smell of alcohol wafted from his body.Ray hung up the phone and walked familiarly to his exclusive seat—a short sofa on the right. As he settled in, a waiter approached, helping him remove his suit jacket and thoughtfully whispering to ask what he needed.Ray said, "Today, I’ll eat vegetarian."It meant no women.The waiter understood and, without disturbing them further, quietly exited the room.Henry’s hands didn’t stay idle. He touched and teased the woman beside him and asked, "What’s wrong? Are you tired? It’s rare to see you eating veggies."Ray loosened his tie and dropped himself onto the sofa in a disheartened manner, one arm propped up, revealing a Rolex watch. Even his sophisticated attire couldn’t conceal his exhaustion."Don’t ask! I was almost drowned in alcohol by those old cronies tonight."Calvin snorted coldly. "The entertainment industry hasn’t been
Calvin drank all the wine in his glass and placed the crystal glass on the table with a bang! “Adriana… Adriana… Adriana… Are you her fan? Can you just stop talking about her?”Ray couldn’t help but laugh, “Hahaha… Wow! It seems that only Adriana can make Calvin angry. Henry, don’t stop… don’t stop, let me see his angry face a little longer. I can’t imagine Calvin Walker, who has maintained an expressionless face for the past twenty years, finally showing some emotion.”Calvin ignored his ridicule. “I think you’re quite comfortable recently and have lost water in your brain. Why don’t you go to Africa to sunbathe for a while?”Ray stopped laughing and looked at him flatteringly. “Don’t threaten me. It’s not like I swindled two hundred million from you. What’s more, it’s not decided yet—maybe that project will be able to restart.”Last year, Ray had negotiated with Arab countries to develop an oil field project and pulled Calvin in as a shareholder. However, even after drilling the gro
Adriana, who had an unbearable headache, washed up and lay down before she figured out that Calvin was scolding her.As soon as they met, they would argue.Adriana threw what Henry said out of the window. With Calvin’s attitude towards her, Adriana couldn’t believe that Calvin would risk his life to save her.Thinking about Calvin’s arrogant and disdainful attitude when he spoke to her, she almost overturned her perception.Maybe she is making a fool of herself and Calvin didn’t mean it at all. Maybe it’s purely a coincidence or he did it on a whim.However, it is also good that there is no other meaning. Since it’s just a business, then after the lawsuit is over, they can go their own way.****The next day, Calvin was woken up by a phone call.After that incident, his sleep continued to deteriorate, and he often couldn’t fall asleep till three in the morning. However, because of his biological clock, no matter how late he slept, he still woke up by six or seven o’clock. And it was v
The next continuance date was ten days later. During this time, Adriana met with the Technology Head of Grand Empire to discuss a two-million-dollar compensation. However, the other party refused to back down and instead demanded a compensation of two million dollars along with a public apology.The conditions set by the other party were harsh, but as a lawyer, Adriana was committed to fulfilling her client's requests. In court, she maintained a tough stance and refused to yield. She meticulously analyzed the defendant’s infringement and presented several precedent-setting patent cases involving large overseas corporations to substantiate Grand Empire's compensation claim.The defendant’s lawyer countered by arguing that the compensation amount was excessive. However, Adriana’s strong arguments and rigorous evidence proved unassailable, rendering the defense’s claims weak.Frustrated, the defendant lost his composure in court, accusing Grand Empire of bribing the judges, including the
As soon as Adriana walked over, Mona excitedly embraced her arm, “Ma’am, you are so good! When you were talking just now, your whole body was glowing like a goddess. Why don’t you take me as your disciple?”Adriana touched her head, “If you want to be my disciple, graduate successfully first.”“Okay! I will certainly write my thesis and try to graduate early, then I will be your disciple in the law firm!”Adriana looked at her vibrant smiling face and thought about the time when she was same age her.‘What was she doing at that moment?’Adriana went to college two years earlier than her peers and was only twenty years old when she graduated, and that was also the year when she became enamored with Calvin.So in addition to the thesis, she walked around, inquiring about Calvin’s schedule, and studying his preferences. Her mind was only occupied with one thought, ‘TO BECAME Mrs. WALKER.’In a flash, she had wasted the precious six years of youth for that heartless man.‘She was really s
After he said that, Adriana decided not to insist on declining. Not to mention, there were still many people lingering at the entrance of the court—particularly a group of reporters who hadn’t yet dispersed. If they discovered she was representing Grand Empire, she would undoubtedly become a topic of discussion for some time.The thing Adriana feared most in the world was being surrounded by reporters.“Then I’ll trouble Counselor Wilson,” she said, stepping into the car and fastening her seatbelt.With her black robe removed, Adriana was now wearing a simple black suit. Beneath the jacket was a white blouse with a chiffon lining and a black bow tied at the neckline. Her slim waist was accentuated by the fitted outfit. Sitting elegantly in the car, her silhouette—from her jawline to her arms and the curve of her body—formed a graceful, seamless line.Mark broke the silence. “What kind of food does Counselor Clarke enjoy? There’s a local restaurant nearby that’s famous for its sweet di
Back in the morning, at Calvin’s office.After finishing a meeting, Calvin was about to open another file when his cell phone rang. He glanced at the screen—it was a call from his grandfather.Sometimes, he suspected his grandfather had planted spies to watch him.“Don’t even think about rejecting me,” his grandfather’s authoritative voice came through. “I’ve arranged a meeting with Anna at seven o’clock. Go and meet her. This matter cannot be delayed any further.”Calvin’s eyes were sore from staring at documents and his computer all day. He pinched his brow, the faint lines on his forehead deepening. “Grandpa, what if she stands me up?”George responded in his usual confident tone, “The Blake family facilitated this meeting, so that won’t happen.”“In that case, why should I hurry?” Calvin asked, his voice calm yet laced with sarcasm. “Grandpa, ever since I was a child, you taught me to always stand tall and never lower myself. And I learned that lesson well.”George chuckled, sensi
Calvin was too lazy to even glance at the details of the two men. He didn’t know them personally, but he was well-acquainted with their fathers, who still had to greet him politely whenever they met.Kevin noticed the time and gently reminded him, “Sir, shall we leave now?”Calvin hadn’t been paying attention to the clock. It was only the sinking afterglow of the sun outside his window that hinted at the passage of time.“What’s the hurry?” Calvin said nonchalantly. “Let her wait a while and see how sincere the Blake family is about this marriage.”Kevin discreetly glanced at his watch. It was already seven o’clock. Fortunately, the meeting location was only ten minutes away, so the delay wasn’t excessive. Yet, he couldn’t help but feel that his boss’s attitude was typically arrogant, taking things for granted as usual.Whether in work or life, Calvin’s natural authority drew people to flatter and curry favor with him.The two men sat silently in front of the floor-to-ceiling window,
Calvin spoke out in shock. Adriana was afraid he would say something else, so she hurriedly advised, “Calvin, let’s just come together and part peacefully. At least let’s leave each other with some dignity. Let’s not make a mess of things until there’s nothing left.”There was a warning in her eyes, and her stance made it clear she was drawing a line with him.Calvin cooperated by lowering his head slightly, and likewise lowered his voice, whispering, “Do you like that playboy so much? Do you even know what kind of person Carson really is?”Adriana glanced at Carson out of the corner of her eye. He appeared calm and composed, not at all embarrassed by being left out, standing there like a clear stream.“What kind of person he is — time will tell,” she replied. “I’ll also keep my eyes wide open to see it for myself. Instead of listening to your version, I’d rather experience it firsthand.”Calvin was thoroughly exasperated by her. “It seems you’re determined to go against me.”“Calvin,
New York is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the country and has been ranked as a highly livable place for several years in a row. Facing the sea and stretching northward, its late spring and early summer evenings are filled with a gentle breeze and bustling traffic—a perfect blend of vibrant life and the relentless struggles of young dreamers.Strolling through the college campus, where students gathered in groups, one could see couples walking arm in arm, hear playful bickering, and catch fleeting glimpses of youthful romance. It was enough to rekindle even the most faded sparks of sentiment.Carson pulled a cigarette case and lighter from his trouser pocket, but just as he was about to light one, he hesitated and put them back. “There’s an observation deck nearby. Want to check it out?”Adriana refused without hesitation. She wasn’t here for a date. Why would she follow the same route as young lovers?“I’m not going.”Carson glanced at a couple embracing in front of the
Looking at the smelly rice noodles bubbling on the table, Adriana wrinkled her eyebrows into two tight knots. “This is refreshing?”Carson, his long fingers stirring the noodles and auxiliary ingredients in the large bowl, looked completely at ease—clearly, he had eaten this many times before. “These rice noodles are made from the shop owner’s authentic recipe. Only his family knows it. Have a try!”Adriana’s expression darkened as she pushed her bowl away. “Deputy Director Carson, you should eat more.”She found it hard to believe that someone like Carson, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, would be good at this.Actually, it was more than just being grounded—it was practically underground.Carson noticed her reluctance and frowned. “Didn’t you used to love this?”Adriana hesitated. “Before? How do you know what I used to eat?”Had their paths ever crossed? Searching her memory, Adriana couldn’t recall.Carson smirked mysteriously. “Eat three bites, and I’ll tell you.”Back in co
Adriana ignored the message alert and pretended not to see it.At the dinner table, Anderson both explicitly and implicitly mentioned that Calvin’s plan for the night was to attend Karl’s birthday party. He even emphasized, “Our president—when has he ever given anyone such an honor? He rarely attends private parties in a year.”The implication was clear: the relationship between the Walker family and the Blake family was extraordinary.His remark was directed at Adriana, who simply smiled.Anderson might have intended to provoke her, but her lack of response left him disinterested, and he didn’t bring it up again.A house call and a banquet—it seemed that things between Anna and Calvin were progressing well.Pretty good.Drip!The sound of a car horn suddenly interrupted her thoughts. Adriana turned toward the road, and her expression darkened instantly.Carson rolled down the window and leaned out, his elbow resting on the window frame as he smiled at her. “What a coincidence!”At tw
Calvin said, “Whether we are falling out or not, Chairman Blake, there’s no need for you to know too much. I didn’t see Albert.”No one could force a word out of him if he didn’t want to speak.Karl, understanding Calvin’s style, knew better than to press the matter. Truth be told, there was no need to ask—Carson had likely crossed a line that Calvin, who couldn’t tolerate even a speck of sand in his eyes, found unforgivable. Perhaps even Albert himself was not worth seeing in Calvin’s view.This is tricky.Karl kept a smile on his face and said, “Carson—that boy lacks determination. Albert has mentioned many times that… well, never mind. Even raising his own son hasn’t been easy for him. It’s clear that mistakes are inevitable in other areas as well. But let’s not dwell on it.”Despite his lighthearted tone, Karl was struggling internally.With his current cash flow issues, he had planned for Albert to meet Calvin tonight, hoping to reinforce his confidence and secure financial suppo
In the evening, the Grand Empire lawyers dined at Savory Spice Heaven.Adriana kept her thoughts to herself—after all, her last traumatic experience had taken place here, and revisiting the same place felt like an emotional wipeout.As they entered the private dining room, Marshal smiled and said, “Lawyer Clarke, this way, please.”Marshal, holding the highest position, rightfully should have taken the seat across from the door. However, he reached out to invite Adriana instead, even offering her the most honorable chair.Wasn’t that cynicism?Adriana politely declined, took a seat on the left side, and pulled out a chair. “Minister Marshal, you are too polite. You are the host, and I am the guest. Where is the reasoning in competing with the host for a seat?”Lawyer Miller smiled. “Lawyer Clarke, with your relationship with the president, why be so modest? Not to mention just a single seat—this entire restaurant must look up to you!”Adriana didn’t show even a hint of anger. She simp
Carson wasn’t blind, nor was he stupid. The lingering redness at the corner of Adriana’s mouth wasn’t from accidentally scraping it while drinking water.“You left too quickly at lunch. I hadn’t finished what I was saying. Busy now?” he asked.Adriana replied calmly, “Just finished work. I was about to head down.”Carson nodded, finally turning his attention to Calvin, who was practically radiating hostility. “Calvin, I’ll be taking my person with me. I wouldn’t want to disturb your office. See you later.”Calvin’s fingers casually brushed over the corner of his mouth. Then, as if savoring the moment, he deliberately glanced at the faint traces left on Adriana’s lips—his traces.“Miss Clarke, seven o’clock—don’t be late.”Adriana’s head buzzed for a moment. Can’t you phrase it more clearly? Now it sounded like they had some private rendezvous.She quickly corrected him. “Of course, Mr. Calvin. The Grand Empire Legal Department is full of industry elites. I’ll be sure to learn from the
Adriana knocked on the door and entered after receiving Calvin’s permission. “This is—”Before she could finish, Calvin’s landline rang. He gestured for her to come forward while answering the call.“Cancel tomorrow’s appointment with General Manager Park. Is he waiting for my time, or am I waiting for his? Let him think carefully before reaching out again."It seemed like things weren’t going his way over there, and Calvin’s tone was strong.Adriana placed the two documents on her left and right and waited with her head lowered.Calvin answered three calls in a row. Ten minutes passed before he finally freed himself. “What’s this?”“This one is paperwork, and this one is a document the secretary asked me to bring in,” Adriana replied.Calvin wasn’t sure he had heard her correctly. “The secretary told you to bring it in?”“She had an emergency and had to meet someone in the parlor. I just happened to be delivering something to you, so she asked me to bring this along.”Calvin leaned b
The deeper meaning was self-evident—she had been discarded in the divorce, yet now she was being specially invited to participate in an important case for the company.Marshal could see this implication, and the others weren’t foolish either. Sensing the situation, they quickly followed suit, laughing and saying:“Thanks to the president’s appreciation, today’s hardest-working person is Lawyer Clarke. She wrote the entire draft, and it took a great deal of effort.”“Lawyer Clarke is meticulous in her work—a role model for us all.”“Despite her age, Lawyer Clarke considers issues with remarkable depth and a fresh perspective.”Adriana didn’t feel pleased. Instead, she felt immense pressure.These people were experts at reading the room. The moment they sensed Calvin’s attitude toward her, they immediately started singing her praises.She kept her expression neutral and replied modestly, “Compared to all of you, I’m still a novice. I’m grateful that you seniors are willing to guide me d