The food and soup were both inedible and ended up in the trash.
The alternative was boiled dumplings.
Calvin propped up one side of his head, not wanting to comment on the layer of white, floury dumplings on his dinner plate. “Lawyer Clarke, when treating guests, at least show some hospitality. Letting guests eat dumplings twice doesn’t seem very gracious, does it?”
‘What kind of guest are you? If you don’t want to eat, leave!’ Adriana wanted to say these words aloud.
However, after reminding herself three times of the “cooperation case,” she said with a smile on her face, “How could it be? This time it's different. Last time it was pork and scallions, but this time it's pork and mushrooms, without scallions.”
It made Calvin so angry that he almost choked on his words.
After dipping the dumplings in vinegar, Adriana burped.
Calvin furrowed his brows. “You have quite the
Calvin looked down at her stiff body. She stared coldly at the door, refusing to give him even a single glance—perhaps too disappointed to speak to him anymore.“I’m equally sorry that someone in the Crown Group is ill, especially the youngest one. The child is still unborn. I don’t want this tragedy to happen any more than you do. But since the damage is already done, all we can do now is try our best to make amends. I’ll allocate some funds from the Grand Empire’s Charitable Foundation—”“No need.” Adriana shrugged off his arm. “Doing something wrong and then trying to fix it with money? That kind of conscience-buying… I suggest you save it.”What’s the difference between this and a corrupt official who donates stolen money to temples or struggling schools?Not out of kindness, but out of guilt and fear of divine punishment.As if doing one good deed with dirty money could buy off the gods and keep you safe from their wrath.Ridiculous! What kind of god would forgive someone for the
“How dare you drive that fast in a new car? Are you even familiar with it? Aren’t you afraid of getting into an accident? Are you stupid?”The corner of Adriana’s mouth curved into a faint sneer. “You don’t need to worry about that.”Calvin put down his signing pen and looked at her across the president’s desk. “I heard about the trial. I know you’re not satisfied with the result.”Heh!How could he say that so calmly?Adriana opened her briefcase and dumped out a stack of documents—piles of evidence spilling across the desk. “Calvin, are you really this indifferent? To win, you’re willing to turn black into white, ignore the truth—do you not feel even the slightest bit of guilt?”Calvin maintained his usual composed demeanor. He had expected her to be disappointed, even furious, but from where he stood, the lawsuit was already settled.If Blue Star admitted to any wrongdoing, their reputation would be in ruins, and over three hundred partner companies they worked with would suffer de
The court reconvened, but things didn’t get any better. Marshal’s words weren’t as sharp this time—they came out more like a mouthful mutter.However, that didn’t change the fact that she lost the case.As a result of the first trial, all of Crown Group’s claims were dismissed. Unsurprisingly, Blue Star Technology would soon file a retaliatory petition against Crown Group, demanding compensation for reputational damage, litigation costs, lost wages, and various other expenses.When that happened, Crown Group would lose a significant amount of money.Everyone else in the courtroom had already left, but Adriana still sat in her chair in a daze, staring at the bright red flag and golden badge directly in front of her.For a moment, she felt a surge of doubt— Where was this so‑called justice?Do the disadvantaged really have a chance to win it?“Master?”Mona, noticing Adriana wasn’t moving, called out to her worriedly.Adriana asked quietly, “I didn’t perform well today. Do you regret ta
Although the case of Blue Star Technology involves two large groups, there are people applying pressure behind the scenes, so the news has not been exposed. The outside world has no idea about the stalemate currently unfolding in court.Standing at the plaintiff’s table, Adriana unfolded the dossier and looked at the bland-faced Marshal. She had to admit, at this moment, she admired him a little. Only years of actual combat could polish that unique confidence and intimidating presence—he didn’t even need to say a word; his very demeanor projected a powerful threat.The gavel fell, and the parties began their presentations.At first, the proceedings felt routine, no different from countless cases before. But less than twenty minutes in, Adriana began to sense something was wrong. Marshal seemed to know all her defense strategies in advance, as if he could anticipate every argument she was about to make. Each time, he countered her with precise suppression and then proposed a revised cl
Mona, channeling her inner Sherlock Holmes, clutched the gift box and glanced around. Pink wrapping paper, a red ribbon, a perfect bow—there was no mistaking the strong flavor of romance.“Master, don’t tell me… your ex-boyfriend is already begging to get back together?”Adriana frowned. Ex-boyfriend? Where did that even come from?“Open it.”“Holy shit—”As Mona unwrapped layer after layer of luxurious platinum wrapping paper, she let out an exaggerated gasp.Even if her imagination had sprouted wings, she would never have guessed what was inside such an opulent gift box:A cactus.A perfectly round cactus ball, vibrant and healthy, its surface bristling with sharp spikes.The receptionist blinked in surprise. “Isn’t this… a bit much?”If you don’t want to send roses to patch things up, fine. But sending a cactus after a breakup? That’s… petty.And what’s so bad about Lawyer Clarke that she deserves this kind of sarcasm from her ex?Mona slammed her hand on the table, eyes blazing wi
Her message was clear: if Adriana didn’t admit that the owner of the car was her boyfriend, she would be tacitly admitting the law firm’s rumors were true—that she was involved in an unproductive relationship with some rich man.If she said the man in question was her boyfriend, fine. But then why were they still hiding it and refusing to let others know?Is your boyfriend that unattractive?Adriana spoke calmly. “You’re completely wrong.”The atmosphere instantly turned ice-cold. Seven or eight pairs of eyes fixed on Adriana in that moment.What?Is Miss Clarke really that kind of person?You’re not afraid of losing face, admitting it so easily?Are you crazy? Even if it’s true, you can’t admit it! How will you face people in the future?Selena let out a cold laugh, breaking the silence. “Lawyer Clarke, everyone else is trying to save your face, whispering behind your back. But you? You admit it outright?”Adriana crossed her arms, the other hand still holding a document. “That man i