Chapter 145 How Was the Bullying Done
Hendrix made her laugh, "Do you save money? Do you want to buy a house? What kind of house do you want to buy?"
Ashley casually replied, "Save money first, then decide."
Hendrix asked, "What places do you like?"
"I love the whole of Rochester City; I love my hometown," Ashley said.
Hendrix sensed her evasion and didn't press further. "Were you really with Damian last night? How did you end up with him?"
As the dishes arrived, Ashley gestured for him to start eating, but Hendrix ignored it. "Answer me first."
Ashley explained, "I am his attorney; he is my client. We met due to a case, and then we had a series of collaborations. As for yesterday, it was work-related. I want the cases I represent to win. As for the methods used, as long as they are reasonable, legal, and ethical. There is no issue."
Hendrix was skeptical. He didn't believe that Damian, for a minor case, would choose a small law firm not listed in the lawyer directory and specifically pick Ashley, who had just returned to the country.
There are no coincidences in the world; behind so-called coincidences, there are always people intentionally orchestrating things.
Hendrix thought, 'Who is it being done for, intentionally? Is it to acquire resources for Ashley? Or is Damian attracted to Ashley's appearance and slowly pursuing her?'
The woman across the table was too cunning; direct questioning wouldn't lead to answers. Pushing too hard might even ruin the meal. Hendrix changed the subject, "I heard that Brown Path is the judge for this trial. Let me give you a brief introduction."
Ashley was not familiar with the people in the court, so she humbly asked, "Is he special?"
Hendrix smirked mischievously, elegantly taking a bite of the food, and said, "Especially bad."
There are no simple figures in the court. They are public officials responsible for upholding justice. Once they identify the culprit, they must be punished. Although wrongful convictions are unavoidable and covert methods are used, they are indeed powerful.
Moreover, they have close ties with the police department, making evidence verification relatively easy.
Ashley inquired, "Have you encountered him in court before?"
"Let me give you a simple example. Last year, there was a case, also a murder case, inexplicably brought to court. The court determined that the victim's son was the killer. I defended the defendant for a reduced sentence, but this scoundrel Brown, in the middle of the trial, suddenly submitted evidence and claimed he forgot to report it. According to the rules, last-minute evidence should not be admissible, but the presiding judge still allowed it. He caught me off guard. He has done this kind of thing many times, so this time, make sure you clarify with the presiding judge in advance. Any evidence not registered beforehand should not be considered." Ashley said.
Ashley took a small bite of fried chicken, pondering, "Perhaps we should use the same tactics to deal with him."
The lunch bill showed a total of two thousand dollars.
Ashley worried for herself; she couldn't earn money as fast as she spent it. Yesterday, she lost shoes and clothes, and today, she was short on meal expenses.
Hendrix took her wrist and started to leave. Ashley hesitated, "I haven't paid yet, wait a moment."
"What payment? Can dining with me make you spend money? I'm a member; it will be deducted directly from my card." Hendrix replied.
Relieved that she didn't have to pay, Ashley felt both relaxed and pressured. Seeking help from Hendrix at work could be seen as a legitimate internal need, but social activities outside of work needed clear boundaries.
"I owe you this meal; I'll treat you next time," Ashley said.
"Don't want to owe me a favor?" Hendrix asked.
"Do you want to hear the truth?" Ashley asked.
"Stop, I know, but I also have a tendency to enjoy others owing me favors, especially you. One day, you'll realize you owe too many favors and can only marry me. I look forward to that day!" Hendrix replied.
Despite being a renowned lawyer, his straightforwardness bordered on childishness.
Ashley pulled her hand away and said, "Hendrix, I won't like you. Why use your authority to pressure me? Maybe I'll leave; I can only choose to resign."
Hendrix replied, "You won't."
"Hi, Hendrix," Trinity greeted. She carried a new Chanel patent leather messenger bag, dressed in a neat yellow-themed office lady outfit, with all Chanel clothes and accessories. She wore about four-inch high heels, tall and slender.
She was accompanied by a secretary and two young strangers, a man and a woman, all dressed in elite attire.
It seemed like a business dinner.
Hendrix glanced at her and teased, "Are you Trinity?"
Trinity had already noticed Ashley beside him, witnessing their conversations and Hendrix's physical contact several times. Those gestures were only made between lovers.
But considering Hendrix's flirtatious nature, his intimate actions towards women were likely just for fun.
"It's been a while; what happened to your face?" Trinity asked.
Hendrix had no qualms and proudly displayed his bruised face. He said, "It's obvious; I got into a fight with someone."
Trinity smiled, "You're still an energetic young man; getting into fights suits you."
Hendrix asked, "Who is that message on your Twitter about? The person doesn't respond at all; why are you happy?"
Trinity noticed Ashley wanted to speak but didn't expect Hendrix to ask about Ashley's Twitter, "Who is it? You'll find out later."
Ashley cursed internally, about to speak, but Hendrix suddenly put his arm around her shoulder and asked, "Are we a good match?"
Trinity inwardly mocked and said with a gentle smile, "The man is handsome, the woman is beautiful, a perfect match!"
Unable to bear it, Ashley interjected, "Trinity, we all know each other, no need to pretend not to know. Hendrix is my boss; you're overthinking it."
Hendrix's mouth drooped, a look of rejected sadness on his face, "I'm pursuing her, not yet, but when we get married, I'll invite you to the wedding."
Frowning, Ashley's face showed deep displeasure. She didn't appreciate Hendrix's style. Was it necessary to speak so openly? Did she agree to this?
Trinity glanced at Ashley, smiling ambiguously, "Go for it, Hendrix. Ashley is such an outstanding and beautiful girl; you better keep a close eye on her, or she might slip away."
Ashley, who was fastidious, didn't even want misunderstandings. "Trinity, mind your own business. Do you enjoy teaching others like this?" Ashley said.
Avoiding Trinity's shoulder, Ashley left with a cold expression.
Hendrix caught up with her in big strides, grabbed her wrist, and asked, "Ashley, you said you and Damian are just business partners. Your attitude towards Trinity just now, how is it different from a rival?"
Ashley's face turned pale and said, "Hendrix, please don't go around telling people you're pursuing me. I don't want to rely on your influence, nor do I want to use your resources to establish myself."
Seeing her upset, Hendrix changed his tone from joking, "How did Trinity bully you?"
