Chapter 38 Need Some New Outfits
"You jerk Harold, how dare you mess with my dearest Ashley!"
Amelia, ready to play along, gave Harold a mock beating as they bantered.
After the playful tussle, they settled down.
Harold was on stage, humming Wiz Khalifa's "See You Again," providing an unintentional soundtrack for the pair's conversation.
Amelia glanced over to Harold, gauging that he was too engrossed in his song to overhear them. She then asked, "So, you’ve wrapped up the court case with your ex, right? I saw in the news that KM won, does that mean you two are done for good?"
KM wielded too much power. Thanks to their influence, Sky Balance law firm carved out a name for itself, although nobody mentioned the lawyer Ashley specifically.
Ashley took a sip of beer, "Just some loose ends to tie up, then it's all in the past. The lawsuit wasn't as tough as I thought, and KM didn't stir up any trouble. It was a false alarm."
Amelia replied, "Well, that's a relief. As long as he's not making things hard for you, that part of your life is truly over. What's your plan now that you're back?"
Before returning to the States, Ashley had made a plan. If things went smoothly, she figured she could pay off a portion of Astor Group's foreign debt in about ten years. By then, at least her parents could move back, but the rest of the obligations would take a lifetime to settle.
"I didn't have a job for the three years we were married. All my experience is from overseas. I'm familiar with the domestic legal system but I lack hands-on experience here, so I can't take on major cases yet. Right now, I am getting some practice with civil litigation work at Harold's firm, but the fees are generally low."
Amelia wasn't familiar with the legal profession. In terms of the entertainment world, it was like working on indie productions with shoestring budgets, she supposed.
"What kind of cases bring in the most money?"
Ashley explained, "The bigger the sum involved in the lawsuit, the larger the attorney's fees. Divorce battles in wealthy circles, fights over corporate inheritance rights, liquidation of large companies, antitrust suits against multinational corporations, and some criminal cases. The fees can run into millions and sometimes even tens of millions, though they might involve morally grey areas."
Lawyers represent their clients' interests, whether their clients are scoundrels or the lowest of the low, engaged in all sorts of deception and trickery.
Once they take on a case, they do everything in their power to acquit or reduce sentences for their clients, often commanding the steepest fees for such services.
Amelia scoffed at the notion of morality, "Ashley, isn't the mission of a lawyer to win cases? Who cares if it's grey or white? As long as the pay is good, just take the case. If you're chasing virtue and fairness, you shouldn't be a lawyer."
Ashley chuckled. "Who would've thought that my sweet Amelia, with not too high education, could be so insightful? Has the real world schooled you?"
Amelia flicked her wrist and took a leisurely swig from the bottle. "It's not that dramatic. I have my lines that I won't cross, you know? No need to chase money I don't want. I'd rather live a simple life."
Her gaze lowered as she drank, sorrow flashing briefly in her eyes.
Ashley grabbed her wrist and set the bottle on the table. "Is someone giving you a hard time? I've heard all about the cutthroat showbiz world, the backstabbing, the dirty games. If you're trying to keep to the straight and narrow, others might not make things easy for you. Someone making you an offer you can't refuse or a director getting too cozy?"
Ashley didn't hide her protective streak; if anyone dared to mess with her folks, she'd be the first to stand up, no questions asked.
Amelia pouted and then burst into laughter. "Look at you, always ready to go to bat for me. It's all a game of choice; nobody's being forced to play. It all depends on what you're after and if you think the trade-off's worth it."
Despite Ashley's reassurances, unease lingered, "Back in film school, you talked about becoming a true artist, honing your craft to create stellar work. Do you feel like it's paid off?"
Amelia had the looks and talent; anyone who had seen her roles knew she was a standout, often stealing the spotlight from lead actors. But decent scripts and significant roles eluded her; she was cast as maids, mistresses, or the reviled femme fatale.
It was as if her public image was set in stone.
Amelia shot back, "What about you? Your house was burned down, and you face critics daily; lawyers are just 'Slaves to Money.' Do you think it's worth it?"
Ashley cradled her chin, toying with her glass. Was it worth it?
"Some things, once you start, you stop questioning their worth. Even with a bad hand, playing it well could still win the game. Everyone says lawyers have no hearts. Why not be one with a conscience?"
Amelia clasped her hand earnestly. "Right? Everyone says actresses sleep their way to the top. I refuse that. I rely on my talent."
The background music wrapped up with Harold's heartfelt singing. He addressed the room, "Ladies, can't we just enjoy a relaxing meal? Why delve into life's grand ambitions?"
Amelia, ever unabashed, propped up her leg, "Harold, play fair, will you? When picking up gigs for Ashley, can't you be more selective? Aren't you scared of causing her troubles?"
Harold had taken his share of the heat over the KM case, and Amelia seemed to have a bone to pick, "Even if I caused her troubles, isn't ten grand a decent figure?"
"Ten grand?"
"Yeah! Ashley said she needed money, so I went after a big case for her. And now, you’re giving me grief for it."
Amelia chuckled awkwardly, lifting her glass in a sort of preemptive toast. "Sorry about that, I didn't get the memo. You can take over the big cases later on."
Harold sneered, "Well, one thing's for sure; you're not half bad at acting."
Taking it as a compliment, Amelia beamed, "Thanks a bunch, I'll keep at it. Maybe I'll even snag an award someday."
Ashley turned to Amelia, "Got any gigs lined up soon? Can you stay for a few days?"
Amelia counted on her fingers, "The day after tomorrow, there's a variety show with the cast, followed by a promo tour. Gotta stay visible, regardless of the part size."
Harold cut in, "So basically, you're free tomorrow."
Amelia laughed. "Can't I be a bit more subtle?"
Ashley suggested, "How about we hang out tomorrow? I haven't really explored around Rochester since I got back."
Harold grimaced, "You're still getting over a cold, dripping and sniffling all evening, and now you wanna go out? Chill out and get better first. We can hit the trails later; it'll be good for you."
Amelia glanced at Ashley, whose light makeup did little to hide the exhaustion in her eyes, suggesting she'd been through the wringer. "Honey, you are a lawyer, part of the elite. Could you look more spirited?"
Ashley was dressed modestly, a long-sleeved maxi dress covering her arms, her heels measured and conservative, just a couple of inches high.
She was a stark contrast to Amelia, as if representing different seasons.
Ashley didn't mean to invoke pity, but she'd certainly become more frugal with herself.
Gone were the days when she didn't glance at price tags, buying only the latest runway fashions. Now, she steered clear of major brands, opting for unique designer pieces or high-street fashion.
"Do my clothes look that bad?"
Amelia spun her around playfully, "Well, they're just not matching your pretty face."
Ashley chuckled, "You don't have to be brutally honest."
Amelia rolled her eyes, "Come shopping with me tomorrow; I need some new outfits."
"Just don't drag me along," Harold stated.
He remembered shopping with Amelia once, toting bags around like a pack mule, huffing and puffing despite his gym-honed physique. To think he couldn't keep up with a lady in high heels was a blow to his pride.
Ashley flashed an OK sign, "I'll pop some cold medicine, and come hell or high water, I'll be there to accompany our dearest Amelia."
Amelia pulled out a cigarette pack, lifting it slightly, "Gonna step out for a smoke, save someone the trouble of lecturing me on a healthy lifestyle."
