Chapter 154 Professor Lucien
Ashley didn't know where to start for those unfamiliar with Lucien. "What's the reason?"
Harold, his finger never leaving his forehead, smiled bitterly. "Lucien has been back for a few days. He only showed up at the celebration party and didn't even come to the law firm. Do you think that's unusual?"
It was indeed unusual, but with the leader's work arrangements, she wouldn't inquire further, so she didn't ask.
Selfishly speaking, she was now looking out for herself and didn't want to get involved too much.
"Is there something unusual with Lucien?" Ashley inquired.
Harold explained, "Firstly, he teaches law at the university, so he has classes and doesn't come to the law firm often, rarely takes on cases. He doesn't handle ordinary cases, and besides, he had a falling out with Hendrix while working together on a lawsuit abroad."
Ashley understood immediately. So Lucien was a university professor who explained the celibacy rumors.
"Have you contacted him proactively?"Ashley asked.
Harold put down his hand, his gaze sharp as he looked at the woman behind the stack of files, "Have you reached some unspoken agreement with Hendrix? That guy, as stubborn as a rock, I've known him for over a decade, and I've never seen him bow his head voluntarily."
Ashley felt uneasy under his scrutiny, so she opened the file and said, "Hendrix is not a child. Work matters shouldn't involve personal emotions, right?"
"Forget it! With his temper. Let's not talk about his past. Even though he reached out to Lucien, Lucien is still unwilling." Harold said.
Ashley was afraid of causing trouble for the law firm. If no one else took over, how would it end if she turned back? "Should I go talk to Lucien?"
Harold replied, "I think that's fine, but he's not coming to the law firm today, so you'll have to go to the school to find him."
After adding Lucien on Facebook and exchanging greetings, Ashley got into her car and headed for the University of Politics and Law.
During her university days, students from the Rochester City University Law Department envied those at the School of Politics and Law. The faculty was top-notch, the mentors were industry leaders, there were plenty of internship opportunities, and following an internship, one could become half an expert.
Ashley attended every lecture, speech, or open class at the School of Politics and Law with her classmates.
Therefore, she was particularly familiar with the campus environment.
She walked familiarly to the teaching building where the Law School was located. In the garden stood the statue of Lady Justice, holding the scales, exuding an aura of inviolability.
When Ashley graduated, she had taken a photo here in her Rochester University bachelor's gown. At that time, there were too many people, so she hastily made a V-sign and gave way to the next person.
Lucien said there was a meeting of the research group today, ending at half past six.
Ashley looked around and saw groups of students chatting and laughing, full of enthusiasm and dreaming with abandon.
They must be fantasizing about one-day wearing lawyer's robes and standing boldly in the courtroom. But before that, they would have to undergo inner turmoil and shattered dreams, facing the coldness and cruelty of the world.
"Ashley?" A clear and pleasant male voice came from beside her.
Ashley turned and saw a tall figure, about 6 feet tall, not wearing a jacket, with a white shirt, black suit pants, and brown leather shoes.
Perhaps to write on the board more conveniently, he had rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, revealing well-proportioned muscles on his forearms and a wristwatch.
Contrary to her memory of a bespectacled, older professor, this Professor Lucien was a different picture altogether. He was young and attractive, sporting a stylishly retro hairstyle that showcased his high forehead and sharp eyebrows. His deep-set eyes and serious demeanor added to his charm.
His attire seemed mismatched with his age as if he was attempting to present himself as a more mature man.
Ashley stepped forward, extending her right hand with a smile. "Hello, Lucien. It's Ashley. Nice to meet you. I didn't expect you to be so young."
She really wanted to ask Harold why they hadn't taken a few large portraits of the three partners to hang in the law firm.
Based on their appearances, they could easily stand out among the crowd.
Lucien didn't accept her gesture, still holding onto something with both hands. "So, in your opinion, how old do you think I am?"
Off to a bad start, Ashley withdrew her hand and folded it in front of her, quietly weighing Lucien's possible grievances. Did he perhaps mind her taking a shortcut?
"To be honest, given Lucien's achievements, you're around forty. You should be the youngest professor at the School of Politics and Law."
Lucien didn't seem to appreciate the flattery. He maintained a stern expression, a slight frown on his forehead, and a hint of dissatisfaction on his face. "Well, you'd be disappointed then," he said.
Ashley continued to smile, keeping pace with Lucien as they walked forward. "Not disappointed, but pleasantly surprised. Lucien is a role model for my studies. Although I couldn't continue my studies at the School of Politics and Law, I'm fortunate to be at the same law firm as you. I hope you can offer me guidance in the future."
In her mind, Ashley cursed herself for being hypocritical. What was most unacceptable was that everything she said was true.
Lucien's long legs and brisk pace made Ashley pant as she struggled to keep up. "You're too modest, Lucien. If I didn't admire your talent, I wouldn't have dared to disturb you."
Lucien halted, casting his gaze down to scrutinize her, "Admiration? Or are you just dumping a tricky task on me?"
Talented individuals have tempers, and their temperaments are part of their charm. Ashley fully understood and respected this. Moreover, she did have a favor to ask, so she humbly and respectfully said, "Have you reviewed the case file?"
Lucien remained calm and silent, not responding.
Afraid he might walk away abruptly, Ashley cherished the time she had and explained, "Mark is requesting a defense of innocence, complete dismissal. However, forensic evidence found fibers from his clothes under the victim's fingernails and on their clothes. Because his innocence testimony might be overturned, I even suspect he hasn't been truthful."
Glancing at his watch, Lucien showed impatience, "So? You know the defense of innocence is likely to fail, so you're passing it on to me at the last minute."
.
Didn't Hendrix explain why the case suddenly changed hands to him?
Keeping her composure, Ashley said, "No, as long as a power of attorney is signed, regardless of winning or losing, I will persist to the end, never retreat. I temporarily withdrew because the KM Road case came up early, and I'm flying to Country H the day after tomorrow. Unable to handle both sides, I wanted to find the best professional in the industry to take over, and you are undoubtedly the best choice!"
Still buttering him up, Lucien became even more disdainful, "How much do you really know about me? You keep talking about being the best. Do you even know what 'the best' means?"
Ashley responded, "The role of a lawyer is to fight for the best interests of their clients, to do everything possible to defend and protect them. Sure, some of these people may indeed be guilty and may be scorned and shamed by society, but as their lawyers, we are like a barrier in the face of death. The level of effort and the attitude we bring can determine whether they walk towards hell or freedom next. It's great when we can uphold justice and vindicate the innocent, but lawyers are not saviors. I don't claim my profession to be anything holy. Even Plato said, in any society, laws are always made by those in power."
Ashley added, "Although I don't know Lucien, I studied law at the university for ten years and met many excellent mentors. They may not be the typical warriors of justice in ordinary values, but their courage and sense of responsibility are admirable. I'm sure you are, too."
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