In a quiet space….
Evan sat on the sofa with his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. Beside him, there was Celina, who fidgeted her hands and tried to lessen the solemnity.
"Don't worry, everything will be alright."
They awaited Abhijeet, the lawyer Evan had hired to resolve all this farce, and if possible, make the guy work for them later.
A few moments later…
Abhijeet entered confidently, briefcase in hand, and greeted Evan and Celina warmly before taking a seat. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Abhijeet," Evan said wearily.
After introducing Celina and having a warm greeting, he went to the topic.
"I hope you've reviewed the latest developments."
Abhijeet nodded seriously. "Yes, Evan. I've gone through the documents with all the evidence you have sent, before coming here I had already drafted the papers. The situation is complex, but I've already drafted the necessary papers to file on Monday."
Clearing her throat, Celina interjected, "We need a solution. Evan's parents are causing a media sensation, and it's taking a toll on him."
Abhijeet nodded sympathetically. "I understand, Celina. We'll work to resolve this swiftly and discreetly."
Evan leaned forward. "What are our options, Abhijeet? My parents seem determined to damage my reputation."
Abhijeet opened his briefcase, laying out legal documents. "We have several avenues. We can start with a cease and desist letter to stop their defamatory statements. Simultaneously, we can prepare a defamation lawsuit based on the evidence."
Evan considered their options. "And the family assets and my shop that they're trying to control?"
Abhijeet adjusted his glasses. "We can file for a restraining order to freeze any unauthorised transactions. This will protect your interests until the court decides."
Celina leaned in. "How quickly can we act? This situation is getting worse."
Abhijeet reassured them. "We'll file first thing Monday morning and request an expedited hearing due to the urgency."
Evan felt relieved. "Thank you, Abhijeet. Your swift action means a lot."
Abhijeet smiled. "You're welcome, Evan. We're here to support you through this."
Things proceeded smoothly with the lawyer. Abhijeet assured Evan that not only would he not need to pay anything upfront, but there was also potential to recover a sum from the opposing party.
He explained the laws and advised Evan on what actions to avoid, emphasizing not provoking the other party and keeping a distance.
Given Evan's parents' negligence and falsification of DNA documents, additional charges would be considered.
In short, Evan was prepared to corner them whenever possible. The evidence was bulk and irrefutable and the court personnel would soon give them the green flag once the examination was complete.
Evan nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Let's do whatever it takes to end this madness."
Afterward, the discussion turned to Celina's situation, prompting Abhijeet to make a suggestion.
They also need to deal with Celina's husband.
"Mrs. Celina, I think a private settlement might be best."
"Huh?" Both Evan and Celina looked puzzled.
"Considering your husband's gambling debts and lack of inheritance claims, settling privately could save time and money. I would charge a 20% consultation fee based on the settlement amount."
"Why bother pushing off the case as it is a particular waste of time and money unless you want him to be destroyed and punished thoroughly, which seems unlikely from the tone."
Abhijeet's stature rose in Evan and Celina's eyes. However, his words made Celina frown. Despite being so much abused she just couldn't bring herself to destroy or kill that guy whom she vowed to remain until death.
Though Evan didn't show it, he was pleased he hadn't rushed into decisions.
With the meeting adjourned, Abhijeet said goodbye and left.
Celina looked at Evan with concern.
Celina regarded Evan with concern. "Evan, about your parents... I don't think they're as simple as they seem."
Evan nodded seriously. "Yeah, I've always had a feeling they might have some backing, despite their outward appearances."
Celina sensed there was more Evan wasn't saying.
"Don't worry too much," she reassured him. "Focus on finalizing the deal for the third branch of Teabox Cafe. We can't stay closed for long. Open the store online."
Evan nodded thoughtfully. 'If it's come to this, we'll go all out.'
He plans to hire guards and people to safeguard as keeping it shut for many days isn't an option.
Every day they were losing 100k rupees by not earning anything.
"Hmm, I'll get on it right away," Celina agreed.
Despite not showing it, Evan just wanted all these cumbersome things to get done so he could focus on his work again.
...…....
Meanwhile, back in their hometown, a somber atmosphere enveloped Henna and Migol's modest home.
In their living room, they sat close together, faces filled with bitterness.
Things were spiraling in unexpected directions.
"Our plan to exploit that actress failed, and now Evan, who we always had under control, has turned against us," Henna lamented with fury in her eyes.
"He always brings trouble," Migol agreed, his voice full of resentment.
"We thought eliminating him would solve everything, but he slipped away, and now this..."Henna's eyes narrowed with malice.
"And what about his newfound success? He thinks he's above us now, but he'll come crawling back," Migol commented, clicking his tongue.
"He's always been ungrateful," Henna sneered. "We took him in when no one else would, and this is how he repays us? He's already opened a shop and is making good money, yet he hasn't given us a penny... I knew adopting him was a mistake."
"Enough!" Migol snapped, unable to bear it any longer.
"Remember how much we gained by keeping him with us?" Migol continued bitterly. "If you hadn't mistreated him, none of this would have happened."
"You!" Henna jumped up, glaring at him.
"How dare you blame me?" Henna fumed. "Did you want me to coddle and take care of someone who isn't even our blood? Look at what he's done now."
Migol felt his temper rising and he screamed"I'm telling you, if we had treated him better and he found out about the money, he might have kicked us out."
"And if he ever learns the truth about his birth and his parents, do you think he wouldn't go searching for his real life and can you imagine what would happen to us once those two big figures find out about us?"
As Henna's voice rose, Migol massaged his temples, trying to ease the headache. He couldn't help but shiver at the possibility.
For now, he just hopes to avert the worst possibility.