Chapter Seven

~Maya’s Pov~

I pushed the door to my office open, and the smell of processed papers and coffee filled the room. It's always a chaotic day at the firm but I always get excited to open new cases.

“Good day everyone,” I greeted my colleagues with a soft voice. Few of them responded but I did not care.

“Morning Miss Sinclair!” Jason calls out from his desk with a smile on his face. His desk was filled with case files and sticky notes, he always strives in chaos.

“I’ve always told you to stop calling me that, just Maya is fine,” I replied with a little smile, heading over to my desk. “I see you have a lot on your desk today, as always.” I let out a smirk.

“What's new today?” I asked while dragging a chair closer to him.

“Well here is something juicy, your specialty.” Jason searches through the files in front of him, giving me a crooked smile.

“Hmmm, what is it?” I asked with enthusiasm. He hands over a file to me.

“Here is the rundown. We've got a client looking to sue a construction company. Her husband works for the company and while at work, there was an accident which led him to be hospitalized. But unfortunately, the company is not covering for treatment. My client is asking for damages so we are going to dig into the details and find some loopholes. You're up for it?” he briefly explained.

“I can take it, do we have any leads or contact with the construction company?” I took the files, flipping through the pages.

“That's for you to handle, but the client said there is something fishy going on,” he muttered while pressing the keyboard on his laptop.

“Something fishy?, hmmm just what I like.” I smiled with excitement.

“You will have to dig deeper. Look for witnesses or anyone who can give you some information.” Jason instructed me.

“Got it!” I replied.

Skai, one of my junior colleagues, walked by, her face full of excitement. She overhears our conversation and halts.

“Did I hear you talk about a construction company? she asked, her eyes lighting up. “Bells construction company?”

“Yes Skai, do you have any contact?” I asked her with a small smile.

“You know I have contacts everywhere, today is your lucky day. I have a contact who worked on a project sometime last year. I could give you his number. I'm sure he'll be happy to help." She was amazed, looking through the pages of the file.

“Oh, that would be great Skai. Thank you so much.” I thanked at her. I would need everything we can get on the company's past and recent projects if you can help me reach out to him.” I politely requested.

Skai nods. “Sure Maya, I'll let you know when I reach him.”

Jason looks at me in awe. “See? This is what I like about us, we're always happy to help each other.”

“Don't jinx it, you of all people know there are so many people here who would withhold information just to watch you lose the case.” I lowered my voice to whisper, rolling my eyes slightly.

I headed back to my desk with some files in my arms. The construction case is quite interesting and I'm ready to dive into it. Uncovering all hidden truths and agendas no matter the cost.

I've worked for this agency for two years and I must say, it's been a love-hate experience. But the pay is good so I won't complain. It's always been my dream to expose the dirty secrets of big organizations, no matter the amount of money they have, they can't always escape the law.

I took my phone from my bag to call Lucy, my best friend. I have not heard from her since yesterday. I wanted to know if she got the package I sent her.

I dialed her and she picked up immediately.

“Hey girl so sorry I've not called for days. A lot has been happening in ways I can't explain. I'm so sorry.” she began with a shaky voice. One would know she has been crying.

“Slow down Lucy, I'm not upset with you. I know you have a lot at hand. I called to check on you. How are you holding up?” I asked her.

“I'm not fine, Mom lost consciousness, and the doctor said something about her cancer metastasizing. I got mugged by some loan sharks in my apartment.” she continued with a teary voice.

“Omg, I'm sorry Lucy, that is a lot, I wish I could send more money to help,” I said, trying to calm her. “I could only send that amount but I promise to send more when I receive my pay,” I assured her.

“It was from you??” she asked.

“Oh….. I'm sorry I sent it in a hurry. I forgot to write the sender's name. But please take it easy on yourself okay?”

“How can I repay you, Maya? I'm so grateful to you. Thank you for all your help.” she replied.

“Please take care of yourself and update me on anything that may arise okay?” I expressed.

“I will do that. Thank you once again. I was too scared to spend the money without knowing where it came from yesterday. I appreciate it.” she continued.

“You have to stop thanking me Lucy, we've been friends for how long now? It's nothing, what are we friends for if I can't help out when I can?“ I responded.

“Maya I have some news, I don't know how you'll react to this but I'll say it anyway. I just signed a contract to marry a billionaire.”

“Wh…..what??! You signed what?” I exclaimed in disbelief.

I didn't realize the volume of my voice was loud. I could sense several gazes shift toward my direction. I gave them a fake smile and politely excused myself to the restroom.

On getting there, I checked if the stalls were empty and locked the door behind me, before proceeding with my conversation with Lucy.

“Lucy you did what?” I asked her again.

“I kno….I know but I didn't have a choice,” she grumbled.

“You could have told me before doing something like that. Why did you let desperation lead you to something you might regret later in the future irrespective of the money involved? Now tell me what it contains and who is the billionaire?” I continuously asked her.

“His name is Drey Jackson. He is the Ceo of Grant Pharmaceuticals. He is also the owner of……” she murmured.

“Wait wait wait Lucy, did you just say Grant Pharmaceuticals?” I asked. My voice is rising now, filled with disbelief.

“Yes,” she responded.

“ No no no Lucy what have you done? Now listen to me carefully. No matter what happens, d……” The call dropped suddenly before I could finish my statement.

“No, My friend is about to make the worst mistake of her life.”