Chapter 258 Alaric's Lawyer Identity
Theodore relaxed and said, "Yes, we're family, so I'll drop the formalities. I'm leaving this case to you."
"Consider it done," Alaric replied with enthusiasm.
For some reason, Cecilia was genuinely moved at that moment.
If it were Dominic, he would surely have found an excuse, claiming he was too busy to get involved.
But Alaric was always actively participating, taking the initiative.
In Alaric's presence, Dominic seemed insignificant.
"By the way, should we call Mr. Hall to discuss the court date for next Friday?" Theodore suddenly remembered and said quickly.
"No," Cecilia said flatly.
Alaric and Theodore looked at her in surprise.
"Theodore, Mr. Hall is supposed to defend me, but if he's not familiar with the case, he won't be able to represent me effectively," Theodore said.
"Henry could be bribed," Cecilia said slowly and deliberately.
Theodore looked skeptical.
"I trust no one right now," Cecilia continued, noting Theodore's doubt, "If they're willing to frame us, they've likely prepared thoroughly. Bribing our lawyer is a common tactic, isn't it?"
The logic was sound.
But Henry had been a long-time friend.
It was hard to believe he would really betray Theodore.
"Dad, can you consider defending yourself?" Cecilia asked.
Under the laws of the Yakurosean Empire, besides hiring a professional lawyer, the only other option for defense in court was to represent oneself.
She didn't want to hire any lawyer.
Any lawyer could potentially be bought off.
Once a lawyer is bribed, they could not only be useless in court but might even work to worsen Theodore's sentence.
"Normally, I can assert some authority over my employees, but asking me to suddenly defend myself in court—I'm not confident," Theodore said, clearly resisting.
Cecilia pressed her lips.
They'd be facing the top prosecutor in the country. Given Theodore's skills, she didn't think it was a perfect solution.
But finding a trustworthy lawyer was incredibly difficult.
She had limited contacts from her previous life, and even fewer were lawyers.
She had no confidence in anyone not turning traitor midway.
"If we really can't find a reliable lawyer, maybe I could give it a try?" Alaric suddenly suggested.
Cecilia frowned, thinking, 'What is he trying to add to the chaos?'
"I'm a licensed attorney," Alaric said.
Cecilia's eyes widened in surprise.
Theodore and Genevieve were equally astonished.
Everyone knew how stringent the Yakurosean Empire's requirements were for becoming a lawyer. To pass the bar exam, one needed not only exceptional memory and logical skills but also the ability to think on their feet. It was a rigorous standard.
"When did you get your license?" Cecilia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Back in college."
"As a minor?"
"No, just on my own time."
That made it even more impressive.
Getting a lawyer's license through college was usually easier.
But doing it independently? That was incredibly rare.
"Do you know that licensed attorneys have to take certification exams every year?" Cecilia pressed.
"I took my last one just before we got married," Alaric replied.
"You really are a master of time management!" Cecilia couldn't help but remark.
She wasn't sure if she was praising him or making fun of him.
After all, a guy who was constantly making headlines for his romantic escapades somehow found the time to study and actually succeeded!
"Is there anything else you're worried about, Cecilia?" Alaric asked with a gentle smile.
His tone was so soft that Theodore and Genevieve could practically hear the affection in it.
Theodore and Genevieve were visibly pleased.
"Have you ever been to court?" Cecilia inquired.
"Does participating in debate competitions count?" Alaric asked with a grin.
She thought, 'Debate competitions? Can I just strangle him?' She forced herself to stay calm. "How many debates did you win?"
"None, actually. We lost the first one."
Cecilia had to remind herself to stay calm.
Alaric always had abilities beyond the norm.
She thought, 'I should have faith in him.
'But can I stay calm?
'Good grades don't necessarily translate to courtroom skills, and courtroom skills don't guarantee success in legal battles.'
"Besides me, do you have any other options?" Alaric asked, noticing her anxiety and cutting straight to the point.
Cecilia suddenly felt composed.
She thought, 'Indeed, I have no other choices. What is there to deliberate?'
"Well, then it's settled. You'll represent my father in court. Dad, do you have any objections?"Theodore, surprisingly more magnanimous than Cecilia, said, "I agree."
He believed that despite Alaric's somewhat reckless appearance, Alaric never took on something without being sure of it.
And he could see it clearly that Alaric was genuinely in love with Cecilia.
Since his feelings were real, Alaric certainly wouldn't let his daughter down.
Theodore suddenly felt a surge of confidence that with Alaric handling the case, the odds were in their favor.
After discussing the case details, Cecilia and Alaric finally left the Lockhart Manor after dinner.
They sat in the back of a luxury car.
Cecilia casually pulled out her phone to check the news.
Her expression darkened almost immediately.
"What's wrong?" Alaric's sharp eyes noticed her sudden change in mood.
It was as if all his attention was focused solely on her.
The moment she had any reaction, he seemed to sense it right away.
"Ophelia is causing trouble again."
"Really?" Alaric leaned in closer.
On Cecilia's phone screen, the headline read: [Mrs. Ophelia Lockhart Announces She Is Severing Ties with Theodore Lockhart, Chairman of the Lockhart Group.]
Cecilia tapped the article to show Alaric.
She was so infuriated she could barely see straight.
The article accused Theodore of extreme ingratitude, claiming he never visited her, always spoke harshly when they met, and even alleged that Theodore had been physically abusive behind closed doors.
It went on to say that if it weren't for Vincent's care and support, Ophelia would have already been in her grave.
It also insinuated that Theodore's lack of filial piety had led Cecilia to become equally disrespectful.
The article further claimed that Theodore had obtained the Lockhart Group through underhanded means and hadn't legitimately inherited it.
"Do you want me to teach your grandmother a lesson?" Alaric asked.
Compared to Cecilia's enraged state, Alaric was remarkably calm.
In his calmness, there was a cold, almost brutal edge to him.
Cecilia replied firmly, "No need, I have my own ways to deal with her."
"For someone who's unreasonable like that, I don't think you need to be polite," Alaric said.
Cecilia snorted, thinking, 'Be polite?
'I only want Ophelia to understand that death isn't the worst outcome.
'Living a fate worse than death is!'
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