Chapter 26: Pawn in a game

Evan discussed her schedule for the following month, which consisted of more reviewing of cases, but the most that interested her was the pro bono cases that they would be funding. This would finally test her abilities as a litigator, knowing that she had no more excuses to use for losing a case.

"Well, I can't wait to get my hands dirty." She declared eagerly. That was how they say it back at her old job when they were excited about a new case. Suddenly, she missed the people who had helped her to get where she was today.

"It's refreshing to see a beautiful woman excited to get her hands dirty." Evan jested as he refilled their glasses with wine. The easy banter they exchange was fun. Contrary to what Jacky said, this was not a date. Nothing about any of this was romantic.

Evan was a very attractive guy, but his easy-going attitude and a really good sense of humor made her at ease and comfortable around him. He never tried to flirt with her, which she appreciated. Instead, he was sending a more of a friendly vibe, which she could capitalize on.

She would need all the help she could find to improve in her field and win her cases. So far, this firm and her new boss were her stepping stone to her success. Her way to help her clients who could not fight for their rights because of their lack of capacity to do so.

They were almost halfway through dinner when Evan's phone rang. He answered it with some curt responses, but from what she deciphered from the one-way conversation, it was probably a client. In the conversation, she heard her name being mentioned and another familiar name.

"Sorry about that. It's Alexander. He's on his way here." Evan announced after ending the call. "I assumed you already met him because he specifically requested that you be assigned to his account. You must have made quite an impression with him."

Did she hear him right? Did he just say, Alexander? She was suddenly confused. "Who's Alexander?" Not realizing that she had voiced out her question.

Her instinct was sending alarming bells in her mind, but she still hoped that she was wrong with her assumption. That the name was just a mere coincidence. Because working with him was out of the question. She tried to search her brain for her other clients who have the same first name.

"Oh sorry, you have to excuse me. I assumed that you know him. He is one of our clients. You will also be handling some of his accounts." He enlightened her with this new information.

"Yes, I know him." She acknowledged. She was about to question him more about the matter, but she was not given a chance as Evan glanced at her back and waved at someone behind her.

"Oh, here he is now." He casually stated, beckoning the newcomer to join them.

She turned in the direction of Evan's gaze and her jaw suddenly dropped. Shocked would be mild from what she was feeling at this moment. Alexander was walking towards them. His eyes landed for a brief second with hers before it focused on her boss. She was left gawking at him.

"Alex." Evan stood up and clapped him on the back while he did the same. It appeared that they were very close, from the way they greeted each other.

"Evan," Alexander responded to her boss before finally shifting his gaze back to hers.

"By the way, this is Ms. Daniella Hamilton, our new junior partner." Evan introduced. "Dani, this is Mr. Alexander Princeton. But I believed that you already knew each other."

"Yes, Dani and I had a very short history, but I'm looking forward to working with her for a longer period this time," Alexander said as he stretched his hand, but lowered it when he figured that she would not extend the same courtesy.

He felt pleased by the dumbfounded reaction on her face, despite her blatantly ignoring his friendly gesture.

My CLIENT. My CLIENT. My CLIENT. The words kept repeating in her head as she tried to make sense of it. Dani stood up, still confused. She suddenly felt like she just entered an alternate universe. Her throat felt dry and words evaded her as she stared at the man she did not expect to see.

"Alexander. I meant Mr. Princeton, what's the meaning of this?" Slightly raising her voice. "You're my client." She said croaking. Her voice failing her, showing how much the news affected her, not in a good way.

"Shall we all sit down?" Alexander pulled up her chair as she settled down, afraid that her knees would fail her.

"What's going on?" Evan asked puzzled at the way Dani reacted.

"We met way back and been on the opposing side." He stated as if that should answer her initial reaction to his presence.

"Oh, that explains it. I assumed she did well for you to specifically ask for her. But I think you are not wrong about her because we believe she is a gem and a great addition to our team." Evan praised her in front of him.

She heard their exchange but was not particularly interested to join the conversation. Her mind was more busy contemplating on her current predicament.

She wanted to demand an explanation. Alexander Princeton could not be her client. That would mean she would be working closely with him, which also meant being in the same place more often than she would like.

No, no, no. That could not happen, not after what happened recently. She could not work for him.

"I think there is a mistake here. I could not work for him." She finally found her voice again.

She forced her eyes to look at him directly as she remained rooted in her seat. Refusing to cower to him. She was not sure if it was all a setup, but she would get to the bottom of this. She was not going to be a pawn in a game he was playing.