Chapter 81
Clayton rushed to the LuxeCharm International Grand Hotel. Without an invitation, he couldn’t get into the hall and could only pace restlessly at the
entrance.
“Not going in, Mr. Patel?” a familiar face greeted him.
“Just waiting a moment,” Clayton forced a smile. Once the person left, he clenched his fists in frustration.
The event was full of legal elites–his best chance to turn things around. If he couldn’t enter, he’d not only be disgraced but also have his fallout with Samson spread overnight through tronhaven’s law firms. He wouldn’t be able to survive in this industry anymore.
Just then, Emilia arrived. Wearing a stylish blazer, sleek makeup, and loose waves over her shoulders, she stepped up the stairs in high heels like a confident law firm stunner. Many around her cast admiring looks.
Emilia politely acknowledged the glances, then walked over. “Waiting for Mr. William, Mr. Patel?”
He pulled her aside. Admitting he had no invitation was embarrassing.
Seeing his tired eyes–like he hadn’t slept for days–Emilia knew he’d had a rough time lately and didn’t ask questions. Since he’d called her over, he’d talk when ready.
She thought he might want to take Jacob’s case.
Most criminal defense lawyers had boundaries. While some defended lawbreakers for money, most stayed ethical. Lawyers existed to help people present their defense. Even “suspects” had the right to prove they were innocent.
cal. La morals,
ted to
Right and wrong depended on evidence, witnesses, and many factors. Anyone could be cleared. As long as Clayton had morals, Emilia thought it was
okay.
But what he said next shocked her. “Can I use your invitation?”
Stunned, Emilia pushed up her glasses. “Who did you give your invitation to?”
Clayton clenched his fists and jaw, unable to speak.
“You aren’t planning to bring Valerie, are you?” Emilia asked, confused.
“No!” Clayton said quickly, denying it.
He was Samson’s mentee, yet he hadn’t received an invitation to the welcome party for Malcolm, Samson’s eldest son, hosted by Samson Legal- especially awkward since he’d left the firm.
Other former lawyers who’d quit on good terms and were now successful had all been invited. But not him.
Watching familiar lawyers enter the hall one by one, Clayton grew so anxious that he felt a sudden urge to pee. Under Emilia’s calm, sincere gaze, he finally confessed, “I don’t have an invitation.”
Emilia’s eyes widened in shock. ‘Unbelievable,‘ she thought.
She’d privately asked if his disagreements with Samson were genuine. After all, everyone had their own approach. Constructive debates between mentor and mentee were healthy when focused on work.
Clayton had claimed their methods differed but their goals aligned, and that Samson had quietly approved his actions. Now it seemed that wasn’t true.
The party included not just legal clites but pig shots from various industries. Emilia had her own connections to build and didn’t want to miss the chance.
Seeing her hesitate, Clayton said, “I’m not asking you to repay me for helping your brother. Just give me your invitation.”
She hadn’t expected him to use that favor to pressure her. But if a single invitation could repay the favor, she’d do it. “Okay,” Emilia agreed firmly.
At the reception desk, the receptionist scanned her digital invitation. The tablet showed Emilia’s details.
“Sir, are you Ms. Hadley?” the receptionist asked.
Clayton’s face turned rigid with embarrassment.
The receptionist looked at Emilia. “Sharing invitations is against our rules. We have your information on file. A repeat offense will result in a ban. If you still want to attend, please use facial recognition.”
“Sorry.” Emilia nodded to Clayton before following the receptionist. She’d tried to share the invitation, but it hadn’t worked. Not her problem.
Clayton turned toward another door and muttered irritably, “Why aren’t they checking IDs for people going in there?”
“That’s our VIP area,” the receptionist explained. “VIPs can bring one guest, and guests don’t need ID checks.”
Clayton recognized one man as the owner of a chain supermarket, accompanied by a young, attractive woman. She walked into the hall confidently as if she belonged there.
‘Sometimes being a woman is an advantage,‘ he thought sourly. ‘Attach yourself to someone powerful, and you get privileges. Men have to rely on their
own merits.‘
Clayton stepped outside the hall and paced on the stairs. By now, he had no choice but to wait for Malcolm and Samson. He refused to believe they’d snub him when he greeted them, or the receptionist would stop him from following them in.
Soon, a sedan halted at the base of the stairs. A valet took the wheel to park the car, while the driver opened the rear door.
A young, gorgeous woman ducked out of the vehicle. She wore a black satin gown–a fabric that unforgivingly highlighted any midsection bulge under the light.
Her hair was styled in a simple bun with loose tendrils at her temples, blending sophistication with casual ease and exuding effortless elegance.
Audrey stood up straight, revealing the diamond–encrusted V–neckline of her dress, which accentuated her waist. Neon lights from the hotel shimmered
off the diamonds, creating a dazzling effect.
Despite her calm exterior, her fingers felt chilly. It had been years since she’d attended such a grand event.
“Audrey?!” Clayton stared for a moment, sure he wasn’t imagining things. The woman who’d just drawn everyone’s admiring glances was his wife.
He’d never seen Audrey like this. Of course, he’d never had the opportunity to bring her to such high–society events.
The Audrey he had always known was plainly dressed, wore no makeup, and lived the monotonous nine–to–five life of a wage worker.
But the woman before him now looked like a newly awarded movie star–confident and radiant, every smile and frown tugging at his nerves, making his heart race wildly.
Clayton finally realized that Audrey was a treasure–a highly valuable one. He wanted to scratch out the eyeballs of th other men, who were staring at
her, and tell everyone that Audrey was his!
He thought this and did it. He quickened his pace to reach Audrey’s side. “Audrey!” Clayton suppressed the heart that nearly jumped out of his throat and put on a gentle smile.
Audrey’s smile faded, and her eyes turned cold.
Clayton was not annoyed; instead, he smiled even more brightly.
“You look stunning dressed like this today,” said Clayton, his eyes fixed so intently that he had to make a great effort to move them from her stunning figure.
“I know you came here for me today. Now that you’re here, just stay with me and wait for Mr. William for a while.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
