Chapter 315
At the restaurant, Scott cut into his steak with practiced ease.
Charlotte had ordered a bottle of Romanée–Conti Grand Cru red wine. A server in uniform stood by to decent it.
Scott glanced at the wine with a faint smile. “Even if the judge sides with us completely in the HY Corporation case, the legal fees would only be around $ 200,000. This bottle alone cost $180,000. Miss Riley, that’s not exactly a smart deal.”
Charlotte swirled her glass, a soft smile playing in her eyes. “never make losing deals.”
Scott raised an eyebrow, waiting for more.
“Mr. Lucas brings in at least ten times that for Ascend Law Firm every year. This wine is a bargain.”
Scott let out a low laugh. “Here I thought Miss Riley was just generously spending her money. Turns out you’re quite the businesswoman
“Well, of course. You know who my father is.”
When it came to business, no one in Jersey City could outmatch Desmond, the top entrepreneur in town
The dinner was an enjoyable one.
Scott offered a number of practical suggestions and debate strategies for the case.
Charlotte took notes diligently as they spoke.
After the meal, Charlotte called over a server to settle the check
But the server smiled politely and said, “Ma’am, this gentleman has already taken care of the bill.”
Charlotte froze mid–motion, her hand still holding her card. She looked across the table.
“Didn’t we agree this one was on me?”
Scott’s lips curved slightly. “Letting a lady pick up the check just isn’t my style”
“Seriously?” She puffed her cheeks. “That’s $180,000 for wine and $5,000 for food. You haven’t even made a dime at Ascend yet, and you’ve already spent $185,000. That’s the real bad deal.”
Scott’s gaze held a smile. “past like you, I don’t make losing deals. A lawyer like you, with those connections? I’m not worried about running out of cases. I’m just waiting for you to bring me the big ones.
Charlotte chuckled and tucked her card back into her purse. “Alright then. I’ll stop being polite.”
She had just zipped up her bag and was about to get up when a woman started walking toward their table.
The woman’s eyes widened in shock. “Scott?”
She reached their table quickly. “It really is you!”
H
Scort blinked. “Aunt Mandy?
Her name was Mandy Lowe. She had a sharp–looking chestnut bob and wore perfectly done makeup. Even though she was well into her forties, she was so well put together that she looked barely thirty
“And who is this? Mandy smiled brightly at Charlotte.
“This is my partner I mentioned to you before–Charlotte Riley,” Scott said, then turned to Charlotte and added, “Charlotte, this is my aunt
“Nice to meet you,” Charlotte said with a polite smile.
“Lovely to meet you too,” Mandy replied, her grin impossible to hide. “Scott’s mentioned you before.
Charlotte smiled politely
“You little rascal,” Mandy nudged Scott with her elbow. “You told me Miss Riley was an incredibly talented attorney. You forgot to mention she’s also
A flicker of awkwardness passed over
er Scott’s face “Aunt Mandy..”
“Miss Riley, do you have a boyfriend?” Mandy asked, completely unfazed.
Charlotte froze for a second. “Wow, that was forward,” she thought
“Aunt Maraly!” Seon quickly cut her off, lds ears turning noticeably red
Sorry, Miss Biley,” lae said furriedly. “My and can be a bit socially intente. Please don’t take it personally ”
Mandy shot te oft a look and whispered, “She’s perfect for you. It’s rare to see you out with a woman Come on, don’t waste this chares
Awkwardly, she averted her power
anel pretended nei lo
Scott pressed his fingers to bis temple in exasperation. “Aunt Mandy, can you please stop?”
“How can I not worry? Youlouw, for years, your man and I. tionghat you might be into prays. You avoided women like pande king bad didn’t dare ask ”
