Chapter 34 Legal Aid
"If you really want a divorce, I can get you some legal help. Since you work for me, consider it a freebie. You can use Nolan for three years, no charge. That should be plenty of time to sort out a divorce, right?" David's rare generosity caught me off guard, and I was genuinely grateful.
Hearing his name, Nolan quickly came over.
"Nolan, looks like I'll be needing your help a lot in the future," I said.
"Diana, don't sweat it. No matter what you're going through, I'm here for you." Nolan gave my shoulder a reassuring pat.
"And me! No matter what, we stick together!" Lila shouted as she burst into the conference room, seeing everyone so pumped up.
Seeing everyone so concerned about me warmed my heart. Honestly, as a lawyer, I knew I could handle it. The issue between Edward and me had to be resolved.
"Guys, there's something even crazier than my divorce," I started to spill the beans.
"A few days ago, Edward and Anne were planning a trip. But before they even got to the airport, we ran into a homeless guy with a dagger. He stabbed both Anne and me. Then, a bunch of thugs took advantage of the chaos and kidnapped Anne. Luckily, the cops showed up in time, and Anne wasn't hurt any further. The police figured out that the guy with the dagger and the kidnappers weren't the same people."
"They think the homeless guy just had a vendetta against rich people. But the kidnappers? They think I hired them to take out Anne. Edward's been using this to pressure me to apologize to Anne. If I don't, he wants to throw me in jail. Apologizing is one thing, but I can't let my reputation get trashed by these accusations. If I get dragged into a lawsuit, our whole law firm could be in trouble."
"Seriously?" David was shocked.
"Dead serious. I’m expecting the cops to show up any day now. Even if I'm innocent, those crooked cops might try to pin it on me. That's when I'll really need your help."
I told everyone in advance because I didn't know when Edward might make his move. Once I was in the police station, I wouldn't be able to reach out for help, let alone defend myself. I'd need someone to bail me out and later help me sue those who defamed me.
"Oh my God, is this the same Edward who loved you?" Lila couldn't believe it, and Nolan and David were just as stunned.
"His methods are getting more and more despicable!" David gritted his teeth. Last time, I had a tough time closing a deal, and Edward almost swooped in to steal it.
"Diana, remember what I told you before? You wouldn't be happy with Edward," David said.
"You never let it go, do you?" I laughed and grabbed a water cup from the table, pretending to throw it at David's head. My usually serious boss was now dodging around like a kid, holding his head.
"Alright, Diana's already realized her mistake," Nolan tried to mediate as he saw David and me goofing around.
"Exactly, admitting your mistake can still save some losses," Lila added.
"Nolan, why are you so protective of me?" I couldn't help but ask.
I grew up with David and Lila, so their support made sense because of our long-standing friendship. But Nolan and I had only met a few times and didn't know each other well before this. Why was he so protective of me? Even with David's connection, he had no reason to risk his career for me.
"Diana, do you really not remember?" Nolan asked.
A look of confusion flashed in my eyes. Remember what? I was even more puzzled.
"Years ago, when I was in grad school, my mentor told me he had an exceptionally talented undergrad student named Diana. When I saw the photo, I immediately recognized you!" Nolan got a bit excited.
"Me?" I was shocked.
"Yeah, you always hung out with the boys in class and ignored the girls," Nolan reminisced.
"Actually, we were schoolmates from way back. I'm two years older than you. My sister, Yara Scott, was your classmate and was often brought to tears by your pranks, while you were always happy as if nothing had happened. Once, to get back at you for Yara, I hid behind a big tree to scare you. You were indeed frightened, and this guy," Nolan pointed at David, "chased me for three days."
I remembered that David always targeted me and bullied me, but I never thought he had done so much for me.
"Later, when I started working, I visited my mentor and heard your name again. I found out that you had given up the chance to become an excellent lawyer right after graduation and rushed into marriage with Edward. At that time, I thought, since you had admired Edward since childhood, marrying him must be a good choice. But who could have thought Edward would betray you so quickly? But you still have us. There's a class reunion coming up, and classmates from all over will be there. You must come."
The memories of those simpler school days felt pure and innocent. At that moment, Nolan didn't seem like the meticulous, articulate lawyer, but a bright, cheerful guy I vaguely remembered from long ago.
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