CHAPTER 4: Renowned Lawyer

Fiona instinctively hid Rowan behind her in an attempt to protect him, as fear gripped her like icy talons, paralyzing her with its chilling touch. 

The tinted windows of the massive Mercedes-Benz offered no clues about the identity of the person inside. Just as she was about to gently move away from the car, the driver's door swung open.

A tall, muscular figure of six feet and two inches stepped down, sunlight glinting off his short, styled dark hair. He wore a crisp, white dress shirt that stretched slightly across his broad shoulders, with the sleeves pushed up to reveal strong forearms. A simple Paul Newman Rolex Daytona peeked out from under his cuff. His features were sharp and defined, with a strong jawline and warm brown eyes that added to his captivating and dashing appearance. 

She fluttered her eyes, trying hard not to believe whom she was seeing. The legendary lawyer and founder of the highly regarded Miller Law firm in front of her? She gasped inaudibly, masking her surprise. 

The figure stepped down; his polished black loafers clinked confidently on the tiled roads. He closed the door of the car, then rested his back on it, staring carefully at Fiona before he cleared his throat and spoke. 

"Fiona Robinson, right?" The man's voice was a deep baritone, laced with confidence. Recognition dawned on his face, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I’m Ethan. Ethan Miller," his hand outstretched towards Fiona for a handshake. 

Fiona nervously fiddled with her fingers, momentarily erasing the tension from her shoulders. She nodded slightly. She took his hands in hers as his expensive cologne lingered in the air.

“Ethan!” she repeated slowly. “Of course, I know who you are. We haven’t met before, so what are you doing here?" She wore a puzzled expression as different thoughts reeled into her head.

“Guess there won’t be any need for an introduction,” Ethan straightened, his smile widening. "Well, this might seem a bit out of the blue, but I heard about what happened to you two years ago. Jackson making you pay for what he did...," he trailed off, his expression hardening.

Fiona's jaw clenched. The memory of Jackson's betrayal was still fresh; it’s like a raw wound. "It's a long story," she said curtly. “But, how did you know about that?” Fiona gave him a questioning stare.

Ethan giggled softly. “I know of every lawsuit in the country, so why do you think yours will be different?” Ethan’s voice echoed, dripping with confidence. 

“Well, I know you are a renowned lawyer, but meddling into someone else’s life—is that part of your profession?” Fiona countered with her chin held high. 

"Look, Fiona, I'm not trying to interfere with your family, okay? I would love to help.” Ethan’s voice was soft and gentle. 

“I don’t like people meddling in my affairs, okay? Plus, there is nothing you can help me with.” Fiona’s voice was steady. “Look, I am back from prison. I don’t think I need help now,” she added, looking indifferently. 

“Don't you need help getting your company back?” Ethan countered, seemingly to shock Fiona. 

Fiona furrowed her brow in surprise and concentration. She seemed astonished that Ethan knew about what had just happened a few moments ago. “Looks like you are better at being nosy than being a lawyer, right?” She spat rudely, not afraid of who he truly was. 

“C’mon, you need to pay Jackson back for what he did to you. You can’t just act like nothing happened,” Ethan said with an unwavering voice that seemed not to falter. 

Fiona took a deep, quick breath. “Like I said earlier, it's a long story." 

"A story I'd be happy to hear," Ethan countered, his gaze steady. "Because let me tell you something, Fiona. You shouldn't just give up. That company is yours, and I can help you get it back."

Fiona's heart lurched. The idea of a legal battle filled her with dread. She shook her head. "No, Ethan. I can't. I don't have the resources, the energy…"

Ethan held up a hand, his voice firm yet gentle. "You don't have to do it alone. You know who I am. I specialized in corporate law, Fiona. And let me tell you something: Jackson's little scheme has more holes than a colander. With the right strategy, we can take him down."

Fiona hesitated, torn between a tiny seed of hope and the weight of the battle before her. Seeing her indecision, Ethan reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek business card.

"Here," he said, extending it towards her. "Take my card. Think about it. If you decide to fight, I'm on your side."

Fiona stared at the card, the weight of the decision settling on her shoulders. A fight for her company, for her legacy... could she face it? She looked up at Ethan, his warm brown eyes holding a quiet confidence. 

Maybe, just maybe, with Ethan by her side, she could take a stand, but again, she shrugged it off. 

Fiona took the card from him and murmured barely above a whisper. “Thank you,” 

Ethan nodded, and at the same time, his eyes dropped down to Rowan, clinging like a lifeline behind Fiona. He crouched down in front of Rowan, a wide grin fully etched on his features. 

“Hey, kiddo, how are you?” His voice, when he spoke to Rowan, was softer, gentler.

Rowan, who usually shied away from strangers, puffed out his chest a little and met Ethan's gaze with surprising confidence. “I’m Rowan,” the small boy declared, making Ethan seem surprised at his confidence. “And I am fine.” And a wide grin splitted his face. 

“Good, I’m Ethan. Nice meeting you. Will you be my friend?” Ethan asked, staring into Rowan's blue eyes.

A big smile flashed on Rowan’s face as he nodded his head in agreement with what Ethan had said. “Sure, I would love to.” 

Ethan's face broadened even further, with a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. He ruffled Rowan's hair gently, a gesture that seemed both playful and comforting. Fiona felt a strange feeling tug at her heart. 

“Then, we are!” Ethan exclaimed, balling his fist into a blow, then motioned for Rowan to do the same as they both hit their knuckles together.

“Friends!” Rowan beamed as Ethan nodded with a big smile. 

“See you around,” Ethan stood up, his eyes briefly meeting Fiona's again. They held a warmth that caught her off guard. Then, with a nod and a wave to Rowan, he retreated to his Mercedes-Benz. 

As he pulled away, Fiona watched the sleek black car disappear down the street. 

Rowan, oblivious to Fiona's internal thoughts, hits her mom, his eyes shining with delight. "Mama, I like that man!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms around Fiona's legs. "He's nice. Can we see him again?"

Fiona scooped him up in a tight hug, burying her face in his soft hair. The weight of his small body against her was a welcome grounding force. 

"Maybe," she murmured, still unsure how to navigate this unexpected twist in their day. She still seemed baffled as to why a renowned lawyer in the country had come to offer his help. 

She turned back and took a last look, bidding farewell to the home that held memories of her failed marriage. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, but she fought them back. 

"Mama, let's go meet Grandpa." Rowan nudged Fiona back to reality as she stood up to her feet.

“Sure, let’s go,” she choked, trying hard to fight back the tears. 

“What’s Grandpa's name?” Rowan, ever the inquisitive one asked. 

Fiona gulped down nothing in her throat at the thought of her father. Regret was obviously etched on her face, remembering what happened seven years ago. 

“Beckett Robinson,” she murmured haltingly. 

Hearing what Fiona said, Rowan raised his head to meet Fiona’s downcast gaze. “Beckett Robinson? The famous CEO of BECKETT’s Enterprises is my grandpa?."