The Royal Contract

Ever since he came back, work had bombarded his tiny office. Thanks to Dani, who had helped him with new clients. He did not have enough workforce and financial capacity to pursue his cases, but Dani had provided some relief.

“Thanks, Alex, for meeting me tonight.” Adam waved his hand to the bartender to get his attention. “Can you also thank Dani for me? I wish I could thank her in person, but I don’t want to disturb her when she should be resting.”

He heard about her condition. He would agree with the doctors that she should take it slow. He had not seen a more hardworking and dedicated woman in their field than Dani was. But her baby should be her priority for now.

“This is on me,” Adam told his friend since he was the one who invited him over.

It had been a while since he had time to drink with his college friends, not because of a lack of trying but because his previous job took him from one place to another.

Unlike his friends, he did not come from money, and he did not own a big law firm or a business empire. Then, most of his work did not earn him much money. But he did not mind. It was more of his choice than anything else.

.....

But recently, he established his first permanent office space. It was a start, hoping to create a more established legal firm that could cater both to the wealthy innocent clients and his pro bono cases.

He had to admit that he could not survive on principles alone. He would still need money if he would like to help those who could not afford free representation.

“I heard from David that you are taking his sister’s case.” Alex drank his scotch while scanning the buzzing place. Usually, it was not this loud and chaotic, but the private party of some executives had caused the loud commotion.

“Yes, I have considered taking it. But I am still waiting for Serena to take the next step.” Adam informed his friend.

He had updated her this morning of what possible cases they could charge his ex-boyfriend, but she was still reluctant to file a lawsuit against that scumbag.

However, he could not blame her. If he had a choice, he would like to keep this on the negotiation table, away from the prying eyes of the press. But he could not answer for the opposing team.

He could already see a messy trial once the media learned of the lawsuit. Serena was right to be afraid. It could become one giant circus where her life would be the butt of all jokes again.

His initial investigation showed how the actress had to endure the press’ cruelty and the fans’ judgment in her first scandal. The masses crucified her without even giving her a chance to defend herself.

Eventually, she had to give up and rescind her case against her ex-husband. In the end, she lost almost everything from their divorce. At least, that was what he had uncovered from his initial inquiry.

“I am glad that he came to you. Serena had refused any help, coming from David and me, thinking we are the bad guys.” Alex could still remember offering any form of help to her without David knowing.

But she still declined to take it. Then, Alex heard that she had lost her case. But he had already guessed she would lose, learning who represented her interest.

Many corporate lawyers helped their employees or talents, but when it came to priorities, they would save their skin. They abandoned her when the trial became too much.

“But I am glad he had you, now,” Alex added. “Anything you need in this case, don’t hesitate to ask. Serena might not think it, but she is like a sister to me.”

He did not know her that much, but since she was the sister of one of his best friends, she would always be family to him. He knew that once Dani met her, they would become good friends.

“How much do you know about Serena and her past?” He did not exactly have a steady investigator to conduct his inquiries. Most of the time, he had to go to the field to check on the backstories of his clients.

Alex was the closest to David and had more information about his family, especially his sister, Serena. He needed a background check before he could formulate a plan on how to handle this case.

The last thing he wanted was for the defense to blindside him with something he was unaware of about Serena. His client was not exactly forthcoming about her life.

Her public life might be all over the news, the tabloids, and the internet. But he believed she still had a few or more skeletons she was hiding somewhere. He had to know as much so that he could prepare for it.

“Not much, but I can lend you one of my investigators,” Alex told him, wishing he could do more. Then, he looked at his watch, seeing the time. “As much as I want to stay and chat, my beautiful pregnant wife would not be so kind if I was late.”

He did not finish his last drink and said goodbye. Although Dani would never mind if he stayed a bit later, he did not want to, thinking she might need him, especially in her condition.

“Sure, don’t let me keep you.” Adam understood his friend. In truth, he was a bit envious. He had been so busy with his work that he hardly had time to date.

He had past relationships, but they did not work out for some reason or another. Anyway, he just hoped that someday he would also find the right one for him.