Chapter 373
Not just Asher was shell-shocked; Lemira was taken aback, too. She had heard of Mr. Alfred before—a big shot, quite the legend. Even the Langston family’s defense attorney got so excited that he stood up: “Mr. Alfred, I had no idea we’d be up against someone of your caliber. My apologies.”
“No worries, we’re all just doing our jobs here. Please, have a seat.”
Mr. Alfred was all smiles, making his way over to Lemira: “Ms. Langston, I’ve looked over the files on my way here. What’s your desired outcome for this case?”
The outcome of the lawsuit, huh? Lemira hadn’t expected the lawyer she got to be such a big deal. Well, this lawsuit was in the bag, then.
Asher couldn’t help but speak up: “Lemira, think it through before you decide. Remember what I told you. Lucian’s willing to hand over the company to you. Isn’t that worth more than any salary the Maple Group could offer?”
Lemira shot back: “That’s not what you said earlier.”
Talk about a quick change of heart. Asher glanced at Mr. Alfred, wishing things were different. But with this guy on the case, they stood no chance of winning. Mr. Alfred usually only worked for the Everhart family, not bothering with minor cases. And to think he showed up for a case not even related to the Everharts? Did Lemira pull some strings? Impossible!
Lemira saw a flash of panic cross Asher’s face and told Mr. Alfred, “I want to win, to make those who erred pay the price.” That was the outcome she wanted.
When Alaric heard this, he stared at Lemira in disbelief. He couldn’t fathom Lemira being this ruthless. Asher banged the table: “Lemira, do you think our parents would rest in peace knowing you’re sending your own brother to jail? You’ve forgotten all those times Alaric played with you, looked after you as a kid?”
“I haven’t forgotten, not any of it.” Besides those memories, there was everything the Langstons had done to her over the years, including her tragic end after being abandoned in her past life. She owed the Langstons nothing.
As Lemira was about to speak, Mr. Alfred interjected: “Mr. Asher, you can’t threaten or intimidate my client.”
“She’s my sister, I’m teaching her.”
“Ms. Langston is an adult, not a pet raised by the Langstons. She doesn’t need anyone dictating her decisions,” Mr. Alfred’s retort was sharp.
As the lawyers continued, Mr. Alfred dismissed any notion of a pretrial settlement. Asher was left speechless, turning to Alaric: “It’s not that I don’t want to help, but I’ve done all I can.” With Mr. Alfred on Lemira’s side, their lawsuit was doomed. Alaric just smirked, staying silent.
Lemira scoffed: “Mr. Asher, you could’ve taken responsibility for him.”
Asher’s face turned red with anger: “Lemira, cut the sarcasm. What goes around comes around. Can you honestly say you’re doing right by our parents?”
Hearing him mention their parents made her heart ache. She stood up, calm and collected: “Then you might as well drop dead and ask them.” After all, she had already died once.
After making her point, Lemira gathered her files and left, unwilling to share the same space as any Langston.
“Asher, you dare curse me?” he yelled after her, but catching Mr. Alfred’s eye, he immediately cooled off. He turned to Mr. Alfred with a forced politeness: “Mr. Alfred, it’s surprising someone of your stature has the time for such a minor… You know Lemira?”
How come he didn’t know Lemira rubbed shoulders with such high-flyers?
“I’m representing the Maple Group in this case, as a favor.” Mr. Alfred’s response only confused Asher more. Who could have pulled Mr. Alfred into this? Asher wanted to dig deeper, but Mr. Alfred didn’t give him the chance, leaving as well.
Asher pounded the table in frustration. Damn it! Was he really going to watch Alaric get sent to jail, by his own sister no less? If word got out, wouldn’t he become the laughingstock of Orvin’s social circles?