Chapter 373 Using the Situation to One's Advantage
"Hannah said that?"
Harold couldn't bear to tell her that news of her breakup had spread throughout the law firm. Everyone was saying that Ashley's luck had run out—dumped by a man and then humiliated by KM's lawyer. They predicted her life would go downhill from here.
Words like "show-off," "relying on men," and "using connections" were now associated with her name.
Harold knew how hard Ashley worked, so he didn't want her to get hurt more than anyone else. "That girl likes to gossip. Don't tell her everything."
"Didn't she only tell you? She didn't spread it around. I don't care about those people talking nonsense."
How exhausting and frustrating would it be to live by others' words? You wouldn't get anything done; you would just be angry all the time.
Harold saw that she seemed genuinely okay and felt a bit relieved. "Is Infinity Enterprises Group appealing?"
Ashley replied, "Mr. Long is in talks. Whether they appeal or not, I'll be ready with the materials."
Harold leaned in and whispered, "Do you think the evidence Dante presented is credible? Is it misleading or revealing the truth?"
Ashley put down the documents and looked at him calmly. "You suspect that Infinity Enterprises Group's employees didn't get sick because of the office materials?"
Harold said, "If you didn't know about this in advance, just look at Dante's evidence; it does make their illnesses seem reasonable. Look, the youngest patient had both his grandfather and great-grandfather die of leukemia. This hereditary disease is easily passed down. Plus, he's a programmer who works long hours under a lot of stress, leading to severe sub-health conditions."
Ashley pursed her lips. "Without a pollutant source, he wouldn't have gotten sick so early. His grandfather died at fifty, his great-grandfather at fifty-three. And him? Not even thirty."
Harold said, "Back then, cancer was rare. Many people learned about it from TV shows. But look at today's society; terminal illnesses are affecting younger people. You saw Dante's overtime proof.. That patient worked 27 days a month, never leaving the office before midnight. Long-term stress definitely weakens the immune system."
Ashley rubbed her temples hard. She was willing to consider another perspective because if Harold's logic were correct, Infinity Enterprises Group would bear significant responsibility. This patient could even be considered a work injury. If this got out, Infinity Enterprises Group would be labeled as exploiting employees.
Harold continued, "Moreover, the two in their forties worked in the marketing department, drinking and smoking heavily to entertain clients. How could their health be good? One of them bought new furniture, which is a major source of formaldehyde pollution. The other had a gym habit, going three times a week. Can you guarantee the gym's equipment and renovation materials are safe and healthy?"
Ashley said, "I checked the places they frequented. The gym is fine; the equipment is up to standard."
"Don't blindly trust inspection certificates. Temperature and humidity during testing can affect results."
Ashley leaned back in her chair, looking serious. "Have you been brainwashed by Dante's testimony?"
"I'm just looking at it from an outsider's perspective. As the plaintiff's lawyer, our job isn't to analyze the truth but to achieve our client's goals and ensure Infinity Enterprises Group wins."
Yes, a lawyer's duty was to gather all evidence to support their stance, whether that stance is absolutely correct or not.
Ashley clenched her slender fingers and chuckled. "Exactly, I will do everything to make Infinity Enterprises Group win and make KM apologize!"
Damian could use tricks to win; she could use special means to fight back.
Who would have the last laugh was still uncertain!
Harold was about to speak when his phone rang. He smiled, "It's Hendrix."
Ashley tilted her head. "Answer it."
Harold put it on speaker. "Hendrix."
Hendrix's first words were, "Is Ashley with you?"
Harold looked across the table. "What can't she know?"
"I'm afraid she'll explode when she hears this, so you might have to tell her."
Ashley guessed it might be about Infinity Enterprises Group and spoke directly, "Mr. Long, I'm here. Don't underestimate our resilience. Go ahead."
Hendrix cursed, "Fuck!"
Harold scratched his brow. "What's your aunt's decision?"
"Infinity Enterprises Group won't appeal."
Ashley was visibly stunned. "Why?"
Hendrix said, "From what my aunt says, someone high up doesn't want to appeal, so it's being suppressed for now—Ashley, I know you're upset about losing the case, but I've communicated with multiple parties. The higher-ups at Infinity Enterprises Group want to suppress this matter. Doing anything further is pointless."
Ashley laughed bitterly. "Impressive."
Damian must have used some method to completely silence Infinity Enterprises Group, cutting off the trouble at its root.
With Infinity Enterprises Group not appealing, Quantum Innovations Tech held the winning judgment and could rest easy.
How far did Damian's influence reach? He could even meddle with such a large company.
Hendrix was as angry as she was, but with a strict order from the top, even Lind was helpless.
The reasons were likely threefold: Infinity Enterprises Group was indeed at fault, someone was pressuring them, or someone had bribed the higher-ups.
Which one was it? Infinity Enterprises Group wouldn't tell them.
"Keep a level head. There are many more cases to fight. Don't get discouraged by one loss," Hendrix comforted her.
Ashley said, "Can you convince yourself of that?"
"No."
Ashley added, "No, but there's no other way, right?"
Hendrix said, "KM is playing dirty, but without evidence, we can't sue them. If we're not careful, they could turn it against us. You know what I mean."
"What about the patients? Who will take responsibility for them? They are Infinity Enterprises Group's employees. How much help will they get?"
Hendrix said, "Infinity Enterprises Group will terminate their contracts citing force majeure and pay them one year's salary in a lump sum."
"And then?"
How long would a year's salary support a cancer patient's treatment? Would it cover their final expenses?
Hendrix said, "Ashley, the compensation Infinity Enterprises Group is offering is already higher than most companies. This isn't a work injury; the company won't take on too much."
Ashley understood; a company isn't a charity. "Got it."
After a moment's hesitation, Hendrix said, "I can personally offer some help."
Ashley said, "You're just a lawyer, not a philanthropist. If you help every client, can you manage?"
Besides, this kind of responsibility is a lifelong burden for a family. Hendrix had no reason to support them.
"Don't forget, I'm a rich man. The one thing I don't lack is money."
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