Chapter 338
Less than half an hour after the contracts were signed, the firm’s corporate account suddenly received a massive wire transfer.
Lara, the finance assistant, burst into Charlotte’s office, eyes wide.
“Miss Riley! Our firm just got a deposit of eighty million!” she exclaimed, practically shaking. “What’s going on?”
“Jasper Corporation,” Charlotte replied calmly, flipping through some papers. “We just signed a major contract. That’s the retainer. There’ll be a final payment after the cases are closed”
“What?* Lara gasped. “That’s just the first payment? There’s more coming?”
Mahmurn.” Charlotte smiled, her eyes sparkling, “We’re having a firm dinner on Friday. It’s on me.
“Woohoo!” Lara beamed and ran off clearly thrilled
Not long after, Scott arrived.
“Heard we landed a big case,” he said “Jasper Corporation, right?”
Charlotte nodded. “I’ll assign a few of the cases to your team later.”
Scott looked slightly awkward. “Mr. Jasper really goes all out. Eighty million just for the upfront fee? What’s the total?”
Charlotte held up two fingers in a “V”
Two hundred million
Scott let out a low whistle. “After this, can
scan we just retire?”
“And your ambition, Mr. Lucas?” Charlotte teased. “My goal is to make Ascend Law the number–one firm in Jersey City,”
“Even 5&G doesn’t bill two hundred million a year. Scott laughed. “In terms of revenue, we’re way ahead just need to catch up in headcount and brand
awareness.”
there. Once we wrap up these major cases for Jasper Corporation, our name will be out there. Let’s keep it up.” She parted his shoulder. ” believe in you.”
I need to expand,” Scom sald.
“Definitely. I’ve already told HR to start hiring more associates and assistants. We’ll also need to tighten up our internal processes.”
Charlotte assigned the newly signed Jasper Corporation cases to the legal teams, then tagged averyone in the firm’s group chat.
“Firm dinner after work on Friday–my treat. Let’s all give it our best. Once the Jasper cases wrap and the final payment comes in, there’ll be bonuses for everyone.”
The announcement caused a stir and cheers filled the chat.
Everyone was thrilled, and the entire office buzzed with energy and excitement
A little after 4 pm, delivery drivers started arriving at the firm one after another.
Bubble tea, mini cales, fruit platters, buckets of fried chicken and fries from KFC and McDonald’s–everything piled high.
The receptionist stood frozen, wide–eyed. After a moment, she walked over to
to Charlotte’s office.
“Miss Riley, do we have an afternoon tea scheduled today? Didn’t we just have one last Tursday?” Afternoon tea was usually her responsibility, and she was sure there wasn’t one planned today. Charlotte looked up, puzzled “Afternoon tea? I didn’t order anything.”
“You didn’t the receptionist drowned. “That’s odd. ”
Charlotte followed her out to the main lounge, where the long table was now covered in takeout bags and boxes. She stared at the spread in confusion. “Maybe in was Mr. Ziegler or one of the other partners? the receptionist offered.
Mr. Ziegler -Asher Ziegler was the firm’s other managing partner. Given the huge new retainer that had just come in, it wouldn’t be surprising it one of the Lawyers decided to celebrate with a round of afternoon treats.
Charlotte snapped a photo and sent it to the firm’s group chat.
Charlotte. “Okay, who’s the mystery stack sponsor?
Cynthia “Whoa! Afternoon tea again? I’m in court–save me something!”
‘ve got court too. ”
Scott: “I just bought coffee this moming Wasn’t me
Asher: “Not me either.
Cynthia “So who’s the fairy godmother this time?”
Charlotte stared at the table, still unsure until a familiar face popped into her mind.
“Could it be… him?” the wondered.
Just then, her phone rang
She stared at the number for a moment.
Even though she had deleted his contact, the number was etched into her memory.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she picked up.
od the attemoon tea gen deliveredés
Sean’s voice was unmistakably pleased–deep, smooth, and just a little too charming
-25 Bonus
