Chapter 54
Chapter 54
29%
Valerie’s legs almost gave way. If Clayton hadn’t grabbed her, the would have collapsed onto the denied hood of the car.
Paul’s teasing whistle, filled with provocation and mockery, left her mind completely blank.
Seeing Valene’s panicked expression, Clayton sensed that something significant was about to happen. “Vally, are you hiring something from me?”
“—” Valerie looked helplessly at Clayton, then pleadingly at Paul. She never imagined that the person who had followed her into the garage, witnessed her crash into the pillar, and whistled mockingly, would be Paul
To make it easier to reverse, Valerie had rolled down both side windows. Paul must have seen that she was alone in the.
“What should I do? Valerie thought to herself. She was so nervous that she unconsciously clutched Clayton’s arm
“Fortunately, I terminated my cooperation with Blackthorn Legal early, Paul said to Malcolm with a smile. “Mr. Patel helped a suspect to fabricate evidence? I wonder what the legal community would say about that,”
Malcolm looked at Clayton calmly, “A lawyer coaching a client to make false statements, which affects the trial, can be held liable for civil compensation.”
Clayton’s face turned pale instantly. Valerie’s grip on his wrist felt like he had already been handcuffed.
Clayton knew that what Malcolm mentioned was the mildest punishment. Hit were a criminal case, a lawyer guiding or assisting a client in perjury would not only face criminal charges but also have their law license revoked. That would be the biggest stain on his career.
As Samson’s prized student, Clayton was well aware of this. He didn’t know why he had just blindly covered for Valerie. He heard a snicker and glanced over to see Jadd
If the situation had been appropriate, Jade would have clapped and cheered.
Although Jade didn’t know what game Paul and Valerie were playing, she understood that Valerie was now in a tight spot
Jade took great pleasure in seeing Valerie and Clayton in such a predicament.
“Mr. Gibson, is there some misunderstanding here?” Clayton asked hoarsely.
Paul raised an eyebrow but didn’t explain, Instead, he said, “Malcolm, what do you think the compensation should be?”
“What is Ms. Henderson’s salary?” Malcolm asked.
“Base pay of 2,000 dollars, plus a one percent commission on projects,” Paul replied.
As Malcolm did the math, Clayton realized something. “Why are you asking about Audrey’s salary?”
“Mr. Gibson is still considering your past cooperation.” Valerie tugged at Clayton’s sleeve and whispered, “Audrey’s salary is lower than Mr. Gibson’s, so we could save a lot of money on the compensation.”
Clayton was good at calculating costs. But he felt that Paul knew about Clayton’s relationships with both Audrey and Valerie
It was Paul who had pulled up the elevator surveillance last time, causing Valerie and Clayton to make a fool of themselves.
This time, it seemed like Clayton might even be buspected of getting back at Audrey.
Audrey has just started working there. Could it be that they knew each other well before, and had a close relationship?‘ Clayton thought
The idea that Audrey was familiar with his clients made a jealous fire burn in Clayton’s heart.
Clayton suddenly turned to Audrey. “Audrey, did you arrange a meeting with Mr. Gibson in my name?” Otherwise, they wouldn’t have any connection at
Chapter 54
hodny was examining the scratch on the Land Rover when her shoulder was suddenly grabbed. She looked at Clayton irritably. “Are you crazy?”
“Why? Can’t you Brower me directly?“Clayton’s gaze was like that of a husband who had caught his wife cheating
He struggled to contred his rising anger, and a hint of pain appeared in his eyes. “I know you still have feelings for ma f you behave your pall, i can speak
smy parents. But if you don’t, there will be no why back”
Rodney glanced at Valerie, who looked anxious and reluctant to let go. Volecie didn’t know they were already divorced and was afraid that Clayton might change his mind and refuse to diverer Audrey
- Henderson, you
n, you mustn’t do anything to hurt Clayton just because you misunderstood our relationship” Valerie’s tears fell easily. She was using reverse psychology.
She added, “now you want me to leave Clayton, I don’t want to upset you, but the money to compensate Mr. Gibson for the car damage has to be deducted from my salary. Once I’ve paid it off, leave. Okay?”
Before Audrey could respond, Jade laughed first “the money you owe Valentina is deducted from your salary, and the compensation for Mr. Gibson’s repairs is also taken from your salary. If Blackthorn Legal goes bankrupt, how will you repay it? Offer yourself as collateral?”
de, shut up Clayton shouted, clenching his fists and turning back to Audrey. “Audrey, I’m giving you one last chance”
Audrey had intended to deny any improper relationship with Paul. But seeing Valerie’s tearful display, she felt annoyed.
Audrey pointed her chin at Valerie. “You can indulge the Patel family’s so–called benefactor all you want, but I can’t be friends with Paul? Mr. Patel, you really are a hypocrite.”
“How many times do I have to tell you before you’ll listen? It’s not what you think between Vally and me.” Clayton’s suppressed anger flared up again.
Tve already lowered my stance, giving Audrey a way out. Why is she still holding her ground and refusing to back down?” he thought.
Clayton hadn’t done anything inappropriate with Valerie. John and Wyatt were both in politics, unlike Clayton, whose job was more flexible and allowed him to take care of Valerie. In Clayton’s view, Audrey should understand that
“I don’t care what your relationship is. Who I befriend is none of your business.” Audrey tried to walk back to Paul but was stopped by Clayton
“Audrey, it won’t do you any good,” he said, taking a deep breath as if compromising. “Carson told me you called the police for him. You did it because you care about me, right? You need to understand that those who are too rigid easily break, while those who are flexible never fail.”
Audrey dug in her ear and couldn’t help but laugh. “Mr. Patel, are you a peacock?”
Clayton was confused. “What do you mean?”
“Why do you like to show off so much and be so narcissistic Audrey ignored Clayton’s pale face and continued, “No matter who was deceived that night
—Carson or anyone else—I would call the police if I could. It has nothing to do with you.”
Clayton didn’t believe her, and he wanted to press further. Meanwhile, Malcolm had finished his calculations and announced a figure. “Mr. Patel, you still need to pay To thousand dollars”
“Why?” Valene shook her head. “It was supposed to be 50 thousand
d dollars. Jade paid 10 thousand dollars, so it should only be 40 thousand dollars left.”
Malcolm handed the paper with his calculations to Clayton
It clearly stated that the compensation included not only the car repair costs but also Audrey’s transportation expenses during the repair period, calculated at the price of a luxury car service for her daily commute, as well as her travel costs for client meetings.
Additionally, it included the potential lost commissions if her tardiness caused dissatisfaction with clients and led to lost projects.
2/3
Chapter54
Clayton almost crumpled the paper in his hand. “Malcolm, you don’t have to be so harsh. Technically, this is a private matter between Mr. Gibson and
“Come on,” Paul Interjected. “There’s nothing private between you and me. The car belongs to Audrey.”
Ripping the paper in frustration, Clayton said. “This is absolutely impossible. Audrey couldn’t possibly afford such an expensive car. Unless
