Versailles Series Book 9: The Lawyer [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 15

H E R A

I was so engrossed in reading my notes when a knock made me jump from my seat. Sinilip ko ang may sala. "Dammit."

Enteng chuckled as he smiled at me. He was leaning on my office's doorframe as he watched me. "Thought you were here when I saw a light from the hallway."

"What do you need?" I fixed my things when my eyes caught the time on my desktop. Didn't notice it was that late. I just received this new case and as usual, it pulled me into a black hole.

"I am here to take you away."

Napatigil ako at napatingin dito. "Excuse me? That's kidnapping if you're taking me against my will."

"Tomorrow's a weekend and we're just two weeks away from the Valentine's Ball."

"And I should care because...?"

"So...do you have anything to wear?" His eyes looked at me from head to foot. For the first time, my suit felt...lacking.

I crossed my arms across my chest. His eyes held that reminder that I never back down from any challenge. Of the silent agreement we had when he won that stupid game.

"I can just buy off the rack-"

"I scheduled you a fitting with Marceline at the club tomorrow. She has a few designs for you. Apparently, she has been very interested in you for quite some time." He cleared his throat. "Not that Philip will be concerned about that interest. Not that way."

"Why are you scheduling meetings without my consent?"

"Are you busy tomorrow?"

"I have cases to review."

"It's just an hour or two of your time, Hera. I can drive us both in and back here."

"Mr. Llamanzares, I don't know this game you are playing but I am not at all interested."

"And yet you're coming to the ball with me."

"You know what, I won't come with you. I never really consented to being in that damned game anyways." I looked at him sharply. The kind of look I give to the men in the courtroom trying to intimidate me just because I am young and a woman.

He smirked at me. "What will make you come with me to the ball, Hera?"

"I am not saying anything."

He touched his chin. "How about I help you find three VIP clients in exchange for this Valentine's Ball date? Give me three months after the ball date."

I opened my mouth to turn it down but I thought of the money that would come with it. The more VIPs I have, the more pro bono cases I can get. I recognized the glint in his eyes. He knew he got me. "And how are you even getting three VIPs?"

He shrugged. "Valentine's Ball date first."

I straightened my shoulders. "And if you can't give me three VIPs after the ball?"

"I will give your apprentice's other sibling a scholarship and job at my company."

All this for a Valentine's Ball date?

I cocked my head. "How bad of a date are you to go these lengths for me?"

"I've never dated someone like you." He straightened himself and looked at me. "Do we have a deal?"

I sighed. Ako pa rin ang panalo kahit na anong mangyari. I just have to go out with him for one night. Just one night. How bad can that be?

"I'll draw up a contract."