Chapter 210 The Trump Card
Hendrix asked, "How much do you know about Lucien?"
Ashley replied, "Not much."
Hendrix reached for a cigarette, hesitated, then put it back. "What I'm about to say might change your view of justice. Lucien doesn't always play by the rules."
"I get it. I've heard rumors about Mr. Foster. They say he uses unconventional methods to win, but that's normal to me. No big deal." Ashley replied bluntly.
Hendrix chuckled at Ashley's bluntness. "No wonder Lucien took your case. You two are quite similar."
Hendrix then explained how Mark won his case.
Lucien visited Mark at the detention center. No one knew what they talked about, but Mark went silent for three days. On the fourth day, he met Lucien again, and the case took a turn. Lucien found the real culprit and got the evidence.
Hendrix said, "Lucien played a double agent. He told the real culprit that Mark had confessed and was ready to take them down. Mark had hidden the evidence and was ready to fight. The culprit got scared and asked for advice. Lucien offered to defend them and blame everything on Mark."
Ashley was thrilled. Lucien was really bold and unconventional!
Seeing her reaction, Hendrix knew she was definitely shocked. He continued, "So, Lucien got the evidence and exposed the culprit in court. Mark was acquitted."
Ashley clapped her hands. It was a pity Lucien wasn't there to see her admiration. "That's amazing! Creating evidence and winning the case. Impressive!"
Lucien had a scholarly demeanor and a trustworthy face. Even lies seemed believable coming from him. That was his natural advantage.
Hendrix asked, "What do you think?"
Ashley replied, "Lawyers can be both good and bad. They serve their clients, not always their personal beliefs."
Hendrix clapped. "Not bad, you get it. You're promising."
Facing his roguish smile, Ashley turned serious. "Did you know from the start that Mark was a suspect?"
Hendrix smiled faintly. "What makes you think that?"
Ashley had no evidence, but her gut told her Hendrix passed the case to her because he knew Mark was involved and didn't want to take the blame for losing. But he didn't expect Ashley to go to Eirondia, and the case ended up with Lucien.
Mark's release was thanks to Lucien's cunning, but it didn't mean he was innocent.
If Ashley had taken the case, it might have ended in failure.
Thinking this way, Hendrix didn't seem to like her as much as he appeared.
All the talk about romance was nonsense in the face of interests. Seeing through it but not saying it, Ashley smiled slightly. "Just a casual remark."
Hendrix wasn't a fool. Ashley's question must have gone through several thoughts in her mind.
He replied, "If I said I didn't know from the start, would you believe me?"
Ashley laughed, "Of course, I believe you. You're my boss."
Hendrix rubbed his forehead in frustration. Ashley had indeed misunderstood. He explained, "I really didn't know. Mark didn't tell me the truth."
Whether it was true or not didn't matter anymore. Ashley shrugged. "Hendrix, anything else? Harold's waiting for me."
Hendrix wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. He finally waved her off. "Alright, go ahead."
Colleagues were making coffee and running to the restroom, frequently passing by Hendrix's door.
After the sound of something being thrown, there were no more big movements. Were they chatting smoothly or had someone fainted from anger?
Juliana, after delivering documents to Harold, saw a few people eavesdropping. "What's going on?"
Riley, holding an empty coffee cup, winked and whispered, "Haven't you heard? Ashley likes Hendrix, but he's back with Lynn. She's probably upset and venting in the office."
Juliana said, "Doesn't Ashley have a boyfriend? She gets roses every Monday."
Riley sighed, "Hey! Dating someone nearby is definitely more convenient. Look at Lynn. With someone backing her, her career is smooth!"
Juliana didn't comment. She wasn't very familiar with Ashley, but Harold's judgment was never wrong. She warned them, "Don't let Hendrix see you, or you'll be in trouble."
The group read the situation and reluctantly left.
When Ashley came out, there was no one outside the door, but the gossiping atmosphere in the office was thick.
Lynn waved and smiled. "Ashley, Hendrix didn't give you a hard time, did he?"
The tone clearly implied, if he bullied you, I'll stand up for you. He was my man and listened to me.
Ashley had anticipated this. While feeling a bit frustrated, she was also somewhat relieved. At least Lynn and Hendrix were entangled again and wouldn't bother her anymore. She replied, "No, it was fine."
Lynn swiveled her chair, took a few steps forward, and affectionately tried to link arms with her, but Ashley gently brushed her off.
Lynn laughed, "Ashley, thank you. If it weren't for your encouragement, I might have given up long ago."
Ashley said, "Happiness is something you fight for yourself. No need to thank me."
Watching Ashley enter Harold's office, the smile on Lynn's face froze.
Looking back at Hendrix's closed door, her heart sank.
Ashley closed the door behind her and smiled. "Harold, any instructions?"
Harold saw she was in a good mood and touched his nose. "You seem pretty relaxed. I thought you might have a fight with Hendrix."
Ashley smiled. "No way! I still need to make a living. Fighting with him is asking for trouble."
Harold asked, "So, do you have plans for tonight?"
Harold was very troubled. He couldn't avoid it any longer. If he didn't take Ashley home to deal with his parents, they would definitely come over and drag a daughter-in-law back.
Ashley tilted her head. "Another date?"
"No," Harold scratched his head for an excuse. "My parents have been wanting to invite you over for dinner. Last time you couldn't make it, and now they're urging again."
Ashley was exasperated. "You still haven't explained to them?"
Harold grinned foolishly. He didn't want to explain. If he did, he would face endless dates. "Just play along this once. My parents are tough on me but very kind to girls."
Ashley said, "No way. It's one thing to disrupt, but outright lying to your parents? How can I face them later?"
Harold, desperate, played his trump card. "Is it because of Damian?"
Ashley squinted. "What did you say?"
