Chapter 266
Once everything was ready, Charlotte’s new firm, Ascend Law, officially opened for business.
That day, she received a long overdue phone call.
“Charlotte, do you still remember me? It’s Sophie Shaw.”
Charlotte was pleasantly surprised. It had been a while since they last spoke.
“Of course I do,” she said with a smile. “I still have your number saved.
Sophie had been a legal intern and Charlotte’s assistant when they worked at a firm in Harbor City. Before leaving, Charlotte had told her to reach out if she ever needed help.
Sophie said excitedly, “I’ve just finished my internship, and I passed the bar interview with the legal association. I wanted to ask if your offer still stands. Can I come work with you?”
“Congratulations!” Charlotte said warmly. “And yes, of course it stands. My firm just opened. You’re welcome anytime.”
Really? Sophie was thrilled. “As long as you don’t mind having me!”
“Why would I mind? I practically trained you myself. I’m in Jersey City now. I’ll send you the address.”
*Awesome! I’ll book my ticket right away!”
When Charlotte’s cousin, Steven, heard about the launch of Ascend Law firm, he immediately helped her recruit two talented and well–known lawyers.
They met over dinner in a private room at a restaurant, where Steven introduced them.
“This is Cynthia Coleman. We went to high school together.”
Cynthia was dressed like the perfect corporate attorney. Her sharp bob haircut and light brown pantsuit gave off a polished, no–nonsense impression.
Charlotte’s eyes paused on her for a beat. “Nice to meet you, Miss Coleman, ”
Cynthia smiled: “.
Nice
to meet you too, Miss Riley. Looks like we’ll be colleagues now.
Steven turned to the next person. “And this is David Wood. I specifically poached him from another finn. He’s an expert in corporate law.”
David looked to be in his forties. He was slim
was slim, wore glasses, and had a calm, reserved demeanor.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Wood. I’ve heard great things. I’m looking forward to working with you.”
“Likewise, Miss Riley. I look forward to growing together.”
The dinner went smoothly. Since everyone at the table worked in the same field, conversation flowed easily and the atmosphere was relaxed and lively
After dinner, Charlotte said goodbye to Steven and the others and got into her white Rolls–Royce. With a light pross on the gas, the car eased out of the parking lot and onto the main road.
According to the time, Sophie’s flight would be landing soon. Charlotte was on her way to pick her up
hat afternoon, Sophie had sent her the flight details, seying Charlotte didn’t need to go o through the trouble: She could just take a cab to her hotel.
Bur Charlone isted Sophie didn’t know anyone in the city, had no family or friends nearby, and Charlotte didn’t want her to arrive all alone
The airport was located on the outskirts of the city, about a 40–minute drive from downtown.
The cat felt a little studly, so Charlotte rolled the window hallway down, letting the breeze flow in to freshen the air.
By late March, Jersey City was starting to warm up. The wind had lost its winter bite and now carried a hint of cool freshness.
trip breeze cleared
air, Charlotte thought back over everything that had happened recently and felt a wave of
of contentment.
The firm had launched smoothly. Her partners and new team members all seemned easy to work with Within just days of opening, they had already brought in severd respected and capable attorneys. And now, Sophie was on hier way.
Everything was falling into place
Har career was rising like the morning sun–bright and full of promise
ce step closer to the life she had always dreamed of
