Iris said, "Just shut up and order."Brad obediently picked up the menu.Fiora watched the exchange, somewhat shocked at how readily Brad complied with Iris' command.Before this, she and Brad had looked down on each other, and their mutual disdain was evident. She had always thought Brad was too wild and could not be easily controlled, yet here he was, completely under Iris' command. She wondered how Iris had managed to subdue such a wilful young man, especially given Brad's less-than-ideal character.Having spent considerable time with Iris, Brad knew her preferences in food. He ordered the dishes he knew she liked, along with some of his own favorites, before turning to Fiora. "What would you like?""Anything," Fiora replied, prompting Brad to place a random order for her.While they waited for the food, Fiora broached the topic that lingered between them. "About what happened before...""Let's not dwell on the past," Iris interjected. To her, an apology from Fiora held littl
Brad was right, Fiora knew that now. Yet her personality made it difficult for her to apologize and admit her mistakes. When Brad tried to take a sip of water, she snatched the glass from him.Brad looked at her, speechless. Fiora lifted her chin defiantly. "Whether he cares about me or not is none of your business."Brad wanted to ask her if her head had been kicked by a donkey. Instead, he said, "Alright, think what you want. I'm not your brother; I'm not gonna worry about you."Unintentionally, his words elicited a silent reaction from Iris, who lowered her gaze."My brother is overseas dealing with his heartbreak; he doesn't have time to worry about me," Fiora lamented. "I wonder if all the luck in our family has gone to the financial side. Is that why we're so unlucky in everything else? Half a year ago, my brother announced that he had a girlfriend. My mom had even met her and apparently really liked her, but then it all fell apart. My love life is rocky, and my brother's is
"Are you really going to take on that case, by the way?" Brad asked Iris.Iris asked him back, "Why shouldn't I?""This kind of case could go viral online and attract public scrutiny. I'm worried you'll face backlash. Many people these days lack critical thinking and just follow the crowd," Brad expressed.Iris responded firmly, "I'm a lawyer. I just need to fulfill my duties and do my job well. If I have to weigh the pros and cons before taking on every case..." she turned to him, adding, "What would be the point of doing this job?"Brad fell silent for a moment, then conceded, "Yes, you're right. Don't worry, I'll be at your side."Iris poured cold water on his enthusiasm. "I don't need you to be at my side. You need to go independent.""I don't want to," Brad said, sticking close to her, as if afraid of being left behind."What? Are you just going to cling to me?" she asked."Yes, I am," he chuckled."By the way, I need some fruits but I don't have time to go to the superma
Brad arrived at Iris' house precisely at ten past seven. Holding the lunchbox, he rang the doorbell. Iris had just woken up, still in her pajamas, and wondered who could possibly be at the door this early. Sometimes, if she weren't driving, Brad would pick her up at around ten to eight. He wouldn't come this early.When she opened the door, she found him dressed in smart casual attire — a suit jacket, trousers, and white sneakers. In the past, he would wear cool attires like casual pants with a hoodie or a leather jacket, but after accompanying Iris to court on formal occasions, he had adapted his wardrobe considerably. Although he still felt uncomfortable in formal wear, he looked much more mature than before."You're here so early?" Iris asked, surprised."When you're busy, you never eat properly," Brad replied, entering without hesitation. He knew the passcode to her house anyway, so he made himself at home. He walked directly to the dining table. "Go freshen up and change yo
Iris chuckled upon hearing that. "Why do you sound like a clingy girlfriend?""Just think of me as your clingy girlfriend then," he replied with a grin.Iris looked at the time."What's the matter? Do you have a date?" Brad asked.She shook her head. "I have an appointment with a witness.""Do you want to go there directly or do you want to go to the law firm first?" he asked.Iris decided they should stop by the law firm first to pick up some stuff. Brad nodded, and they headed to the firm before meeting the witness.The case Iris was handling was complex and couldn't be resolved quickly; it involved multiple parties and factors. Iris was also juggling another case simultaneously. A month later, one case was resolved while another entered its final critical stage, keeping her extremely busy.During this time, Cassie had called her, telling Iris she missed her and asking Iris to visit, but Iris simply didn't have the time. This hectic pace continued for another two months.Sum
Cassie failed to understand her husband's intentions and remarked, "It's not easy for our daughter to earn money. Do we really need to go on vacation? Since when are you so extravagant?""I..."Before Dennis could explain, Iris set down her cutlery and addressed her mother earnestly. "Mom, I'm happy to spend money on you. Your happiness is what matters to me. If I earn money but don't use it, what's the point? Since Dad wants to go, you should go with him. You both have worked hard all your lives; it's time to enjoy yourselves. Don't worry about money; I'm doing well."She retrieved a bank card from her bag. "There's $150,000 in here."Cassie's eyes widened. "So much?"Iris continued, "I'm an official lawyer now and can earn commissions from cases. You both should spend some money and enjoy yourselves. Don't hold back."Cassie took the card, but didn't put it in her pocket. Despite her love for money, Cassie was reluctant to spend the money that her daughter earned. She returned
Cassie smiled upon hearing that. "I'll tidy up your room for you."She walked away with light steps, every cell in her body leaping with joy, indicating her good mood.Dennis watched his wife with love and indulgence in his eyes. "Look how happy she is."Iris noticed the affection in her father's eyes. She was deeply moved by his love for her mother.In the old days, there were a lot of men who couldn't accept not having a son, so her father's equal regard for daughters was refreshing. It showed how much he loved his wife."My career is on the rise now. In a couple of years, once my career stabilizes, I'll take on fewer cases, and I'll have more time to spend with you," Iris said."Okay," Dennis replied.Iris spent the evening watching TV and chatting with her parents. She listened to Cassie gossip about their relatives.Cassie and Dennis usually went to bed early, but they stayed up late that day because Iris was there. The three of them conversed and enjoyed each other's comp
The unreserved praise from Luka left Iris feeling embarrassed. She modestly replied, "I got lucky.""Your character and hard work have earned you a good reputation in the industry," he said, patting her shoulder. "Keep up the good work, and if you need anything, just let me know.""Thank you, Uncle Luka," Iris replied, genuinely grateful."I'm so happy to see your accomplishments," he continued, then glanced at his daughter. "If only Yvonne is like you...""Dad, stop. Don't drag me into this," Yvonne interjected, shrinking away. She hated it when her family compared her to other people. She knew she was the black sheep of the family who didn't inherit the family career, but there was no need to keep repeating it. She had grown tired of hearing about it.Although her job in the financial industry had nothing to do with the legal field, she was doing well. Why must he belittle her?Her father's sigh echoed disappointment. "I've been too lenient with you; look how spoiled you are."
Iris turned to her, surprised."You don't seem too happy," she teased. "Rather than getting married, it looks more like you're going to attend a funeral.""Is marriage something to be happy about? Aren't you a cautionary tale?" Yvonne shot back.Iris was speechless.She was indeed a textbook cautionary tale.Yvonne poured herself another glass. "Marriage isn't something to be happy about. I'm just fulfilling my parents' wishes."In the past, she just wanted to have fun and didn't want to get married. When her parents urged her to get married, her grandfather defended her.Now that her grandfather had fallen ill and was not in good health, he also wanted to see her get married.She could ignore her parents, but for her grandfather's sake, she had to get married.Iris sighed. "I'm sorry for being a bad example. You're not me. Most marriages don't end like mine. Most people do well."Yvonne smiled. "Are you trying to comfort me?""Kind of," Iris admitted."I'm very rational. I
She only realized that when she checked her phone at the end of the workday. Brad had called multiple times, but she merely glanced at the notifications without replying. There were also missed calls from Yvonne, who asked to meet up that evening.Iris messaged back, asking: [What time? Where?][Star Coast.][Got it.]Iris went to the underground parking lot. She took the stairs as the elevator was under maintenance. The maintenance was scheduled to be performed after work hours when there were fewer people.Her footsteps echoed in the dimly lit stairway, clattering loudly as emergency lights flickered on.A person in a black windbreaker, baseball cap, and face mask entered the stairway. Their head was bowed low, with half their face scrunched up inside their collar, obscuring their expression.Iris found her car, opened the door, and got in. Unbeknownst to her, a pair of eyes watched her intently from the shadows.The person's tightly clenched hands and the bulging veins o
Iris kept quiet and didn't say anything. She felt a pang of regret over the waste since those things cost money. He could have just given them away instead of throwing them away. However, she couldn't help but find his jealousy endearing. She couldn't believe a successful man like him would get so jealous."Let me help you," she offered. She closed the fridge and moved into the kitchen to help him serve the breakfast that Samuel bought."What time did you wake up?" she asked."Before seven," he answered.Iris glanced at the time; it was already past eight.Just then, her phone in the bedroom rang.She got up to answer it and saw it was Brad calling. She hesitated before answering."What time are you coming to visit me, Iris?" Brad asked, sounding forlorn."I have to go to the law firm. I haven't been there for two days. I can't put the case off anymore," she explained, politely declining.Though it was true she had to deal with the case, she could actually spare a couple of ho
Jason simply smiled without saying a word, leaving Iris feeling as though she had been unwittingly tricked. He seemed like an easy-going person, but there was an innate confidence and control about him that set him apart from others."You have a hidden agenda, don't you?" she asked."Once you finish the case in Southerland, I'd like to transfer you overseas," he replied.As for Brad Vassell, he would continue to stay at the law firm.The two would naturally be separated.Iris sat up straight, alarmed. "What did you say?"She was not going to sacrifice her career for a man! Their relationship wasn't at a stage where such sacrifices were warranted. Actually, no matter how much she ended up loving him, she would not sacrifice her career for him. She had already learned her lesson."With your skills, limiting yourself to marriage cases is a waste. Don't you want to tackle international cases?" He spoke casually, but his words were full of temptation.Iris was aware that Jason had
"I'll explain to her." Jason bent down, lifted Iris up and carried her to the bedroom.Iris, feeling sad, buried her face in his neck. "I'm sorry," she mumbled."It's not your fault. You didn't know she would be there." When Jason opened the bedroom door, the light passed over his face, illuminating the fleeting hint of danger in his eyes. "When you went to the Vassell family mansion, what did they say to you?""They just thanked me for mentoring Brad..." At that moment, Iris felt something was off. A family like the Vassells wouldn't need to invite her to their house for something so trivial. But if it wasn't to express their gratitude, why would they invite her? She wasn't close to them, and their statuses were vastly different."What was their intention?" she asked, looking up at him.All she saw was his firm jaw.Jason answered, "They had their reasons."He didn't blame Iris for easily accepting Brad's invitation; she wasn't part of their circle and naturally didn't know the
Iris was unbothered by Yvonne's antics; she would be more surprised if Yvonne didn't say something inappropriate.Yvonne closed the door with a smile. To be honest, she was genuinely happy for Iris, pleased to see her stepping out of her shell. She didn't care if Iris got together with Brad or Jason. She was happy as long as Iris could emerge from the shadows of her failed marriage without losing her confidence in men and still being open to love. After all, they say once bitten, twice shy. Yvonne feared that Iris might lose her ability to love someone after experiencing Stanley's betrayal.Iris approached the dining table, eyeing the fried chicken and beer. "We have dinner now.""Junk food," Jason remarked, glancing at it before pulling out his phone to make a call.Iris interjected, "Don't. It's fine to have junk food once in a while; it's not like we eat this every day. It would be a waste to throw it away."She opened the paper bag, retrieved the fried chicken, and set out gla
Iris stared at the crumpled note in the bin in surprise. She was only joking when she asked him if he was jealous.She thought a man as successful and mature as Jason wouldn't be bothered by something so trivial.Looking up at him, her tone shifted to a more cautious one. "Are you angry?"Jason sidestepped the question, suggesting instead, "What are those things in your fridge? Let's eat out."Iris hesitated. "But it's already so late...""I'll have someone bring us food," he interrupted, making the decision for them.She chuckled, "Stop being so childish. Why are you jealous of a kid?"Without warning, Jason removed the food from her hand, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into his arms. He leaned in close, his warm breath tickling her neck.Iris turned her head aside, pressing her hands against his strong chest. Clearing her throat, she said softly, "Didn't you say you'll have someone bring us food? Shouldn't you make a call?""You're hungry, huh?" he asked, his voice casual
Jason asked, "What are you doing at this hospital?"This wasn't the hospital where Professor Sandler was."Brad had an accident; I came to check on him," she fastened her seatbelt."Is it serious?" he inquired, raising his eyebrows."His leg is broken," Iris replied."Oh, really?""Why do you look a bit pleased?" Iris asked, observing him closely. His side profile was illuminated by the light, so his facial contours were clearly outlined.He said somewhat absent-mindedly as he started the car, "We're love rivals; only one of us can emerge victorious."Hearing his tone, if Iris didn't know better, she would have thought that he was the one behind Brad's accident.He drove with one hand and held her hand with the other.Her hand was cold.He frowned and turned on the car's air conditioning.The car moved into congested traffic.It was early winter, and the roadside greenery appeared desolate. It was only a little after five, yet the streetlights were already illuminating the
"I didn't answer your call yesterday because I was with Jason Just. You've always wanted to know if there's anything between us, right? Well, I'll tell you now, there is something between us. We like each other." Iris felt that being completely honest was the best way to prevent Brad from harboring any unrealistic fantasies."You're just saying that to dissuade me, aren't you?" Brad wouldn't believe her. "Jason Just isn't even in the country. How could you have been with him?""He's in the country," Iris stated matter-of-factly.Brad's expression shifted to one of panic. "He... he's back?"Quickly regaining his composure, he continued, "Even if he's back, so what? You haven't been in touch with him for a year, and he hasn't come to see you. If you love each other, why didn't you keep in touch? Why aren't you married?"His words pierced Iris' heart like needles, and she felt a bitter ache. Yeah, why weren't they together? Why weren't they married?Because the obstacles between t