pro bono | H.S.

Harry tilted his head, eyes scanning her as if weighing her carefully, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. "You talk like you've got something to prove."

Isla leaned back slightly, setting her pen down with a soft click. She folded her arms, her posture unbothered. "I don't actually. I already proved it."

He raised both eyebrows in mock surprise, a soft chuckle escaping him as he straightened up in his chair. "Let me guess. Daddy was a lawyer. You're trying to outdo him?"

Her gaze sharpened, her lips pressing into a tight line as she met his challenge. "No. Daddy was a mechanic. He taught me to spot bullshit before it stains the carpet."

The grin that spread across his face was genuine this time-amused and impressed. "Okay, Grant. That one almost impressed me."

"You think this is a game, Styles. But I'm the only one sitting on your side of the table."

A beat of silence. Harry watched her, expression unreadable, as she turned to leave. His gaze followed her, his eyes narrowing as if deciding something in his mind.

"You coming back tomorrow?"

"Depends. You planning to waste my time again?"

He then smiled, a slow, almost imperceptible smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I might let you save me, counselor. Just a little."

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