The St Patrick Series Book #1: The St Patrick Bride

Chapter Fifty Eight: Hell To Pay

Allegra's POV
I can't afford the litigation fees. That's why I jumped at the opportunity of settling this case out of court. I think I still stand a chance to win but if it goes to court and it drags out, I'll be in trouble. The only money I have is from the savings of the allowance Tommy used to give me. I don't have anything else.

"It's a sure win, right?" I can't help my racing heart.

"It is. If he's in doubt he will submit to a paternity test. In fact, I want this thing to go to court. It's good for my image. Taking down rich men like him is my mission. They think they can take advantage of women with lesser means and get away unscathed."

"Will the agreement hold? What if he goes back on his word?"

"After we have reached an agreement, we will present it to the court for entry in order to ensure its enforceability. Don't worry about it."

I begged her to take my case. I hope it doesn't go to court.

"Have you handled something like this before?"

"Yes I have. I have never lost a case Miss Bloom. It's a sure win. That's why they call me the shark." She smiled proudly. "What happened to your nose?"

"I was palmed pretty hard." It's still an ugly color and patched up.

"Christopher?"

"No. His wife."

She narrowed her eyes. Veronica is an older woman, probably just a little younger than my mother. She came highly recommended by one of my father's friends after she blurted out that I'm raising Aubrey alone.

"We can get something out of this if you want. We can go after the wife for assault. From the way you have described him, he won't allow it. We can use it as leverage to get more out of him."

"That sounds like a good idea. It should teach her to stay away from me."

She opened her notebook. "In my experience, people who attack others physically have rage issues and there's a high chance that if I look her up, some cases of physical assault will come up. What's her name?"

"Courtney."

She wrote it down. "A second name will help."

"St Patrick."

"No. Her surname, not her husband's."

I scratched my head trying to remember. "Courtney... Courtney Hale! Yes! Courtney Hale." I snapped my fingers.

Veronica frowned for a moment. "Is she related to Ambassador Leopold Hale?"

"Yes. Is there a problem?" She closed her notebook. "Is there a problem? Are you afraid of her father?"

"Honey, I'm not afraid of anyone. It's pointless to sue Courtney. Diplomatic immunity applies. We won't even touch her."

And just like that she gets away with breaking my nose. I'm beginning to hate her.

When an old man walked in, I sat up quickly and waited expectantly for Chris. I'm eager to see him but at the same time terrified about his reaction to me suing him.

"Mr Finlay."

"Veronica." The old man sighed with frustration in his eyes. "You look happy."

"I love shoo-ins." The old man grumbled. He looked at me for a moment before his attention shifted to the open door. "Is Mr St Patrick joining us or are we going to court? Please tell me we are going to court."

"Mr St Patrick is willing to reach an amicable solution with your client."

"Pity." Veronicas smirked.