Chapter 210

Lucia's case involved a complex equity dispute. The situation was complicated, the evidence incomplete, and the litigation risk substantial. For a lawyer like Thalia, with just over three years of practice, it was genuinely challenging. Lucia's visit appeared, on the surface, to be about hiring Thalia, but her real intention was to create trouble. If Thalia declined the case, Lucia could reasonably question her professional capabilities. If Thalia accepted and lost, it would prove Thalia wasn't as competent as Lucia. At least for now, in terms of career, Lucia was far more successful than Thalia.

After discussing the case basics, Thalia had a general understanding of the situation. She reviewed the materials Lucia had sent and came to a conclusion.

“You want me personally to handle this case, correct?” Thalia asked, her expression neutral.

Lucia smiled. “That’s right. I trust you, Ms. Winters.”

“All the lawyers at our firm are excellent, with unquestionable expertise,” Thalia replied evenly. “But since you’ve specifically requested me, I’ll take the case.”

Lucia was surprised. Thalia had agreed so readily? Did she not understand how difficult and complex this case was, or how high the litigation risk?

“You’re accepting so quickly? Don’t you want to think it over?” Lucia asked.

Thalia smiled. “The evidence is incomplete and the case is complex. Ms. Schulz, are you aware this case has a high risk of failure?”

“I am.”

“There’s never a guarantee of victory in litigation,” Thalia said calmly. “Every case carries some risk. While this one is particularly challenging, it’s been a while since I’ve encountered such a complex case. I’d like to test myself.”

A spark lit in Thalia’s eyes, her gaze determined. “I enjoy challenging cases. If I handle this well, it will boost my reputation. It’s both a challenge and an opportunity, and I want to give it a shot.”

Chapter 210

Lucia was taken aback. In Thalia’s eyes, she saw courage, confidence, tenacity, and vibrant energy. Before coming, she had assumed Thalia was merely a decorative figurehead relying entirely on family resources. She hadn’t expected such courage and self-assurance.

“Very well,” Lucia said, her opinion of Thalia shifting somewhat. “Let’s sign the retainer agreement then.”

“Let’s do that.”

After leaving the law firm, Lucia went to Asher’s private residence. When she rang the doorbell, a man in his fifties answered.

“Ms. Schulz,” the man said, with a kind face and slim build. “How may I help you?”

Lucia smiled. “I’m here to see Asher. We had arranged to discuss a business partnership.”

The butler was polite. “One moment, please. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

Lucia nodded courteously. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

A few minutes later, the butler returned.

“Ms. Schulz, Madam invites you in,” he said, opening the door wider and gesturing for her to enter.

Madam? Lucia frowned slightly. In the ground floor living room, Lucia realized the butler had been referring to Catherine when he said “Madam.” She’d been momentarily alarmed, thinking it might be Asher’s wife.

She approached with a smile. “Catherine, hello.”

“Lucia, please sit down,” Catherine said with a polite but not particularly warm smile.

Lucia sat beside Catherine. A maid served tea. Lucia glanced around but didn’t see Asher.

Catherine took a sip of tea and said casually, “Asher is in his study upstairs, in a meeting. He’ll be down shortly.”

Lucia nodded. “That’s fine, I’ll wait.”

Catherine made a noncommittal sound and engaged in light conversation with Lucia. She could see Lucia’s interest in her son. But Catherine didn’t want Asher to be with Lucia. In her heart, Thalia was her only choice for a daughter-in-law. Thinking about Thalia and Asher’s relationship issues made Catherine melancholy. Now that Victor Shaw and Natalie were arrested, and with Mabel gone, there was no one in the family who would oppose their relationship. The only remaining obstacles were Randolph Winters and Thalia’s own reservations. If only Thalia and Asher could reconcile. Come to think of it, she hadn’t seen Thalia in quite some time. Catherine couldn’t help but sigh.

Hearing the sigh, Lucia gave her a concerned look. “Is something wrong, Catherine? Something on your mind?”

Catherine smiled and sighed again. “I’m just worried about Asher’s future. He and Thalia broke up and haven’t reconciled. Every day I hope they’ll get back together. I’m looking forward to Thalia marrying into our family and giving me a grandchild. Asher is already thirty and still unmarried. It’s concerning…”

Lucia’s smile froze on her face. Catherine pretended not to notice and took another sip of tea. “So Lucia, are you seeing anyone?”

Lucia shook her head. “No, not at the moment.”

“How old are you now?”

“Almost twenty-seven.”

“My goodness, you’re not getting any younger. Why aren’t you dating?” Catherine affected the manner of a busybody aunt. “Would you like me to introduce you to some eligible young men? My friend has a son who’s older than you, also recently returned from abroad. I could set you two up sometime.”

Lucia felt her heart sink.

About five minutes later, Asher came downstairs. Two men accompanied him; one was his assistant, Matt Ford. The other man was unfamiliar to Lucia.

After the stranger left, Lucia asked, “Asher, who was that?”

Asher sat down on the sofa, ignoring her question. “Why are you here?”

Lucia paused. “Didn’t you say yesterday that we’d discuss our partnership another day? I’m here to talk business.”

Asher gave a cold “Hmm” in response. “Did you bring the proposal?”

“Yes,” Lucia said, handing him a USB drive. “It’s all on here.”

Asher didn’t move or raise his hand. It was his assistant, Matt, who took the USB drive from Lucia. Matt opened his laptop, inserted the drive, and showed the contents to Asher. Asher scanned through it rapidly. After finishing, Asher shook his head. “Not good enough.”

Lucia was stunned.

“If you want a partnership, come up with something worthwhile,” Asher said coldly, his tone harsh and impersonal. “Don’t waste my time with this sort of thing again.”

With that, he stood up and walked away, not caring about Lucia’s reaction.