Chapter153 Public Announcement of Undercutting
"What does 'no way to take it' mean?" Hendrix smirked meaningfully, "Are you scared? Scared to defend someone who might be a criminal?"
Before meeting Hendrix, Ashley had thought of several excuses to refuse this case, but in the end, she rejected them all. It was better to be straightforward. However, even after saying it, she didn't feel at ease. Listening to his explanation made her even more embarrassed. "I want to say it's not because of that. Do you believe me?"
"I believe everything you say," Hendrix replied. He gazed at her from behind the desk, in the quiet space where time seemed to flow silently between them as if a bridge of ambiguity and awkwardness had been built.
Ashley cleared her throat as if to compose herself and responded with a serious smile, "Thank you for your trust, but I'm giving up the defense not because I'm afraid he's a criminal but due to a scheduling conflict. I received a message from KM Road today, and I'm flying to Country H the day after tomorrow. As you know, as an agent, I must comply with the client's requests, which is basic professional ethics, not to mention the contract with KM Road is already in place. I will explain Mark's case personally. Fortunately, we are still in the evidence collection stage, not yet in court, so changing clients will not have a significant impact. A million-dollar agency fee is something anyone would gladly accept."
Hendrix stared at her intently, seemingly captivated by the words coming out of her constantly moving mouth. The content seemed unimportant, but her articulate and responsible attitude, free of evasion and cowardice, fascinated him.
At this moment, Hendrix realized that his taste in women was indeed good. He had fallen for her back when she was just a freshman in her first year of college.
As Ashley's voice trailed off, Hendrix cleared his throat and summarized her words, omitting many details. The gist was that the sudden change at KM Road had disrupted their plans.
"Are you leaving the day after tomorrow?" Hendrix asked.
What was he focusing on?
Ashley nodded, "Yes, the day after tomorrow. The tickets are booked, and with KM Road's involvement, the visa will be processed by tomorrow afternoon, showing the urgency of the situation."
Ashley's passport had been burned in a fire, and the replacement was being handled at the immigration hall. Conveniently, it was handed over to the person in charge at KM Road.
They took care of all the procedures without her presence, showcasing the extent of KM Road's power.
But then again, when they handled the marriage and divorce certificates before, Damian wasn't involved at all.
Hendrix managed a cold smile, his teeth gritted. If it were anyone else, he might have already splashed his coffee on them. Clutching his coffee cup, he composed himself for a moment and said, "Though you and the legal department at KM Road are both involved in this case, and I'm sure they'll support you fully, the legal system in Country H is ultimately different from ours. The defense strategy needs careful consideration. More importantly, the weather in Country H is unpredictable, often cloudy and rainy. Can you, a woman, really look after yourself there?"
Despite feeling angry inside, he couldn't voice her thoughts firmly.
Ashley appreciated his concern and replied in a softer tone, "Thank you for your concern. We will give our all to the case and cooperate fully. As for personal matters, I've been in the United States for three years. Both countries speak English, so I'll be fine."
Hendrix toyed with his cup, hesitating to speak further.
Sensing his hesitation, Ashley smiled and asked, "Is there something else you'd like to say, Hendrix?"
Taking a deep breath, Hendrix finally asked, "Do you really have a boyfriend?"
Thinking quickly, Ashley considered cutting off any lingering thoughts completely. It was better to end it now to avoid any future complications at the law firm. "Yes, you saw the roses; they were from him."
Crafting this response was akin to accepting Sean's advice.
Before finding a better solution, she chose the lesser evil. At least Sean wouldn't openly do anything to her, but what Hendrix might do next was unpredictable.
Hendrix fell into silent contemplation.
The scars on his face had not healed, and they were a patchwork of blue and black, greatly marring his facial aesthetics. Yet his piercing eyes retained their charm.
Hendrix said, "Sure, if there's competition, let it be. As long as you're not wedded, you're free to choose. I'm the person who relishes competition. Opponents like Damian don't intimidate me. Can you even find someone more challenging than him? But remember, there's no need to feel scared or under pressure. I respect the law, and I won't coerce you. I'll ensure you choose me of your own accord, willingly and happily."
Ashley wanted to rub her ears. Did she hear him correctly?
He wasn't giving up?
Hendrix said, "Hendrix besides, my relationship with him is stable. I won't develop feelings for anyone else, especially not you."
Hendrix added, "Don't speak too soon. You haven't experienced my charm yet," Hendrix said confidently, pointing at his cup. "Unfortunately, your boyfriend isn't Damian. The competition is too easy. I bet within two months, you'll be mine."
These people were probably all insane.
Exiting the office, Ashley took several deep breaths.
She thought the most lung capacity exercise would be in the courtroom, but it turned out that the men around her were each more torturous than the last!
As soon as Ashley left the office area, the low murmurs and gossip ceased instantly, and everyone busied themselves.
With a faint smile on her lips, Ashley walked away.
The first to become restless was Riley. She slid her chair over to Lynn, grabbing her hand. "Thirty-five minutes alone in a closed office, who knows what unspeakable things happened."
Lynn adjusted her long hair and coldly replied, "Don't you spend that long reporting to your boss? Besides, Ashley is handling a criminal case."
Riley glanced at Ashley's office. "Impressive to be brought in from the outside. She already has her own office. Unlike you, she is still in the public workspace."
Lynn felt uncomfortable with that reminder. She had been working with Hendrix for so long, and although she had taken on cases and gained some recognition, she still needed to have her own office. She was a step below Ashley in terms of status. "Working here is also good, as I get along with everyone and hear some interesting stories. I don't want to be locked up in a small room."
Riley said, "You're just too kind."
Ignoring the comment, Lynn continued to look at the computer screen, inadvertently revealing her hidden thoughts with a slight curve of her lips.
Upon hearing about Ashley's job change, Harold returned to the law firm to see her. "Are you leaving the day after tomorrow?" he asked.
Ashley was buried in piles of documents related to the KM Road case, "You're well-informed."
Harold pulled up a chair, "Ashley, something seems off. They're informing you the day before departure; that's not how it usually works. Is there a change in plans?"
Indeed, there was a change. She had once again upset Damian, and someone wanted her out of the country as soon as possible to avoid causing trouble.
"It's good to go early and familiarize yourself with the environment," she replied.
Harold wanted to say more, but Ashley continued, "I've informed Hendrix about Mark's case. I'm handing it over to someone else for defense. As for who, you guys can decide."
Harold had communicated with Hendrix on Facebook, and despite his deep resentment, Hendrix had sensibly recommended Lucien Dubois after venting his frustrations.
Harold said, "It's a big case worth a million. I want to take it, but I still have ongoing cases. Let Lucien handle it."
Ashley asked, "Is Lucien willing to take it?"
Lucien was the firm's third partner. Ashley missed him at the last celebration and left early.
However, Ashley had heard plenty of praise and commendation about Lucien, with the only downside being his apparent lack of interest in women.
Leaning back in his chair, Harold scratched his brow, "He's not willing."
