Chapter 120 The Joke
While studying in the United States, Ashley Astor engaged in Wall Street financial litigation alongside her mentor. During that period, Hendrix Stone served as the opposing defense lawyer, As Ashley had not yet obtained her lawyer's qualification certificate, she could only observe the proceedings from the sidelines.
Her mentor was a renowned Native American lawyer from the esteemed Cornell Law Firm. Despite eventually emerging victorious in the lawsuit, the process was quite challenging.
Hendrix Stone was a shrewd and adept individual, boasting a vast network of contacts. In the courtroom, he was a captivating performer, stirring up emotions to gain sympathy from the jury. If it weren't for the solid evidence, her mentor might have lost.
Following the case's conclusion, Hendrix approached Professor Johnson, extending his hand and saying, "Hello, Professor Johnson. I have heard a lot about you, and it's a pleasure to finally have the opportunity to compete against you. Your arguments were impressive, and I admire your skills!"
He spoke fluently, using standard American English, exuding a charming demeanor. Dressed in his lawyer's robe, he looked both stylish and professional.
Professor Johnson, recognizing his equally formidable opponent, responded with a respectful tone. "Ryan, you are talented and well-suited to be a prosecutor."
Ashley recalled his name and the following words he spoke. "Miss Astor, would you do me the honor by having a meal with me?" he asked.
Ashley stood to the side, holding a document bag, almost blending into the background like an invisible person. Unexpectedly, she was pulled into the conversation, feeling uneasy when he recognized her last name, prompting her to question if he knew her.
"I still need to go back to school with my mentor, so it's not convenient," she politely declined.
Hendrix, displaying his gentlemanly demeanor didn't press further. "Will you be heading back to your hometown in the future? I hope to see you there."
Ashley couldn't recall her exact response but distinctly remembered feeling uncomfortable.
Unbeknownst to her at the time, Hendrix harbored a darker side.
It wasn't until today that she realized that he was actually Ryan, her senior's partner, leaving her feeling embarrassed and at a loss.
"Are you tired?" Lynn Lloyd emerged from the crowd, affectionately holding his hand, showcasing their bond, exuding authority in a seemingly casual yet calculated manner. Their display sparked envy among onlookers.
Hendrix wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her closer, and teased, "Have you lost weight? Have you not been eating well when I'm not around?"
Lynn playfully sighed. "When you're not here, I couldn't enjoy my meals, but tonight I'll make up for it!"
The crowd responded with cheers.
"So sweet, don't be too excessive!" someone teased.
"I envy you guys, so sweet," another flattered.
"So sweet, it makes me believe in love again!" another added.
Amidst the shower of compliments, Hendrix escorted Lynn inside, and exuded a charismatic presence, stealing the spotlight as the night's leading protagonist.
Lynn went to great lengths to set up the engagement party.
This display of affection attracted a lot of attention. Lynn, who is usually reserved, and subtle smiles when meeting people, shone brightly tonight and made her presence felt.
It made Hannah furious. She grabbed Ashley's hand and complained, "Master! I'm not happy! Look at her smug face, relying on a man to elevate herself and act all high and mighty. Shameless!"
Ashley Astor replied, "Relying on a man can also be considered a skill, especially if she can do it for a lifetime."
Hannah gritted her teeth and said, "Hendrix is someone I admire. How did he get captivated by her? Is he blind or just easily influenced?"
Ashley smiled faintly and suggested, "Why don't you ask him?"
It gave Hannah goosebumps. "I now declare that Hendrix is expelled! You have successfully risen to a position just below..." She looked around and smiled, folding her hands together. "Sorry, Master, I think Sean is pretty impressive."
"Come on! Let's go and take a look over there. Since we're here, I don't want to be a background for that bitch to show off!" Hannah insited.
Being pulled by Hannah, Ashley joined the crowd.
Hendrix held a glass of red wine, while Lynn stood intimately by his side. They were engaged in conversation with several wealthy businessmen from Rochester City.
"What has Joe Evans been doing to make money recently?" someone asked.
Joe Evans laughed and said, "Is there a greater fortune than the happiness that comes with a beautiful woman by your side? Lynn is beautiful and capable. Hendrix has found a good wife."
Lynn raised her glass promptly and said, "Joe Evans, is this your way of forcing me to have a drink?"
"Hahaha! Look, what did I say?" Joe denied, jokingly.
Lynn raised her glass and drank gracefully.
Hannah, on the other hand, clenched her teeth and remarked, "Why do I feel so annoyed?"
Ashley laughed at her and said, "It's just socializing. Sometimes, you need to be more outgoing and put on a show."
Hannah couldn't stand it and deliberately spoke loudly with sarcasm in her tone, "Joe Evans, have I become so thin lately? Can't you even see me?"
Joe saw Hannah and responded gently, "Hannah is here too? It's been a few months since we last saw each other, and you've grown into a fine young lady."
Hannah deliberately stood in front of Lynn, holding Joe's arm. "Not only have I grown up, but I am also an intern lawyer. And this is my mentor, the esteemed lawyer Ashley Astor!"
Ashley admired Hannah's confidence, despite her reluctance, she nodded and smiled lightly, extending her hand in greeting, "Hello, Joe Evans. I heard about you from Hannah. You have a more commanding presence than I anticipated."
Just because she didn't need to flatter, it didn't mean she didn't know how.
Joe suddenly realized, "Oh! You're Ashley, the lawyer who represented KM Road in the lawsuit. You're even more impressive than I imagined for someone so young."
Ashley Astor modestly replied, "It was the result of my colleagues' teamwork. I can't take all the credit."
Joe praised, "It's commendable to have the ability and not seek undue credit. Well done."
Stepping back, Ashley expressed, "I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you, Joe. Hopefully, we can be on the prosecution side rather than defense."
"Hahaha! Excellent!" Joe commended.
With a proud expression, Hannah said, "Joe, isn't my mentor beautiful? She doesn't need to dress up. Her natural beauty shines through!"
"Miss Astor, we meet again," Hendrix's voice interrupted the moment. Upon entering the room, he noticed Ashley, her natural beauty illuminated by the lamp's glow, devoid of excessive adornment.
Ding!
With the word "again," the joyful atmosphere suddenly turned eerie.
Lynn, who was already discontent with the prior conversation, became more guarded and leaned closer into Hendrix's arms. "Do you two know each other?" she asked.
Ashley worried that Hendrix might say something inappropriate, and wanted to answer first, but he took the lead, saying, "I had a brief encounter with Miss Astor in the United States. Though brief, she left a lasting impression on me. Miss Astor was mentored by Professor Johnson, one of America's top financial dispute expert in America."
Ashley purposely moved her feet towards Hannah and remarked, "Hendrix has a great memory. I might have forgotten if he didn't mention it."
Hendrix made a harmless joke, saying, "Ashley is so beautiful, it's hard for anyone to forget her."
Ashley suspected he was trying to provoke her and jokingly replied, "Lynn, are you going to scold him tonight? Should I support you?"
Lynn's expression soured. While she only resented Ashley's professional success in the past, today, seeing the look in Hendrix's eyes, fueled her anger further. Despite her inner turmoil, she managed a graceful smile," Seems like being too beautiful has its challenges. Look, even someone as accomplished as Ashley isn't spared from jests!"
