Chapter 4

The next morning, I went to the law firm to pack my belongings and resign.

Cade bumped into it when I handed my resignation letter to the founder.

He snatched it and huffed, "You ran off yesterday, and now you're quitting? Are you done making a scene?"

He tore the letter to pieces and commanded, "Get back to work and organize my files."

Ignoring him, I pulled out another copy from my bag.

Just then, Caitlyn rushed in, screaming, "Bad news! The client data for that case you took got leaked. Now everyone knows the client broke the law, and you helped with a sham lawsuit. What do we do?"

Cade froze for a moment. Then, as if something occurred to him, he grabbed my wrist and yelled, "No wonder you're quitting. You leaked the client data, didn't you? Do you know how important this client is to me?"

I remained composed, aware of what he was referring to. I had only cut off my support. To my surprise, they dug up the truth so fast.

"I didn't do anything," I said.

Cade gripped me even more tightly. "Stop lying! Only the three of us knew about that case."

I struggled. "The plaintiff isn't a nobody. Digging this up is child's play for them. Besides, I don't even have the opposing lawyer's contact info."

Cade sneered, "I never thought my girlfriend would stab me in the back."

I laughed, incredulous. His words made me sick.

Before I could respond, he slapped me. "You did this to me just because I brought Caitlyn home, eh? You have no heart. Go delete that data from their system now!"

I clutched my stinging cheek, the last shred of my affection snuffed out.

Met with my silence, he grew angrier, hitting me more times.

"You think I wouldn't lay a hand on you?" he snapped.

I tasted something metallic in my mouth. I wiped it and saw a touch of blood.

He didn't hold back at all.

Caitlyn gasped, rushing to stop him as he raised his foot. She said, "Calm down. It's not time for this. Maybe we should call the investor. She might know what to do."

Cade nodded, frowning. "You're right. Call her now, or we're screwed when this goes to court."

Turning back, he glared at me. "Look at Caitlyn. She’s always thinking of you while you're just jealous. Wait till I talk to the investor about how to deal with you."

I shook off his hand and stepped back, watching.

They made several calls before someone picked up. I heard my assistant's voice, and Cade spoke urgently. "Mr. Thompson, you said you'd protect that client's data. Now the opposing lawyer has it."

His tone was meek, almost groveling.

Connor Thompson cut him off, saying indifferently, "Oh, you didn't get the memo? The investor cut off all support for you. That shady case? It's not our problem anymore."

Cade's face went pale. He took a deep breath and asked cautiously, "Can I get her contact info?"

Connor gave him a number, and Cade dialed it with shaking hands.

Then my phone rang in my bag. I pulled it out and slowly pressed the Answer button.

"Hello, what's up?" I said.

My voice reached everyone's ears, shocking them.

I sneered, "Didn't you just say you'd have your investor punish me? Let's hear it. How should I punish myself?"