In the days that followed, Wendy Lawson kept herself busy. She met with Lawyer Allen Mason, a capable attorney who quickly sorted through the details of her father's case. In his spacious and well-lit office, he carefully reviewed the documents Wendy had brought, then smiled warmly at her."Since you were introduced by John, I'll be upfront with you,"he said, his tone mild yet direct."If we look on the bright side, I might be able to reduce the sentence to two years."
Wendy's emotions were complicated. Allen Mason sat comfortably with his hands crossed, smiling again."John personally asked me to take this case,"he said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity."Why didn't he take it on himself? If he did, there's a good chance your father could be acquitted entirely."
Wendy felt embarrassed and wasn't about to explain the full story, so she came up with a quick excuse."Lawyer Smith is probably too busy."
Allen smiled knowingly but said nothing more.
He courteously walked Wendy to the door. She was grateful for his help but was well aware that the kindness she was receiving was all thanks to John Smith.
After leaving the elevator, Wendy was about to call for a cab when she heard someone call out,"Wendy Lawson."
She turned around and recognized the person—it was Raymond Mason, a familiar face. Raymond was a childhood friend of Owen Brown, and though they hadn't spoken much, she had seen him a few times at parties back when she and Owen were still together. Raymond approached her casually and asked,"Here on business?"
Wendy saw no need to hide the truth."I came to see Lawyer Allen Mason,"she replied.
Raymond smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes."Oh, you were meeting with my father?"
Wendy was caught off guard. Raymond Mason…is Lawyer Mason's son?
Tall and with delicate features, Raymond Mason had the kind of look that appealed to many women. He was the type of guy that trendy young women often fawned over."Wendy, how about I treat you to dinner?"he offered with a broad grin."We're practically acquaintances, and I'll help you out however I can."
Wendy hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed. She didn't want to offend Allen Mason's son, after all.
Raymond pulled up his car—a flashy red Ferrari that turned heads wherever it went. Sitting inside, he said proudly,"You know, no other girl has had the honor of riding in my car before, Wendy. You're the first."
Wendy couldn't shake the feeling that getting involved with Raymond was a bit…reckless. He was too enthusiastic, too forward. After all, they'd only met a few times and had barely exchanged any words.
Still, not wanting to upset him, Wendy got into the car and buckled her seatbelt. Raymond glanced over,"What would you like to eat?"
Wendy didn't overthink it and suggested,"How about Thai food?"
Raymond stepped on the gas.
During the drive, Wendy was mostly silent, her mind filled with thoughts of her father's case. Raymond didn't push for conversation. He simply glanced at her from time to time, especially when they stopped at red lights. He had always liked Wendy, though no one knew, not even Owen Brown. Had it not been for his loyalty to Owen, countless others might have already made their move on her. After all, Owen's ex-girlfriend was highly coveted by many.
About thirty minutes later, Raymond parked in front of a popular Thai restaurant. The place was known for its great food, and it was packed with customers. Raymond requested a table by the window. As they sat down, Wendy, not wanting to appear ungrateful, offered,"Let me treat this time."
Raymond smiled, a playful glint in his eye."I didn't expect you to be the type to take initiative, Wendy."
She knew he was teasing, so while looking through the menu, she responded with a smile,"Raymond, don't joke with me. It's just one meal; it's not a big deal."
Raymond's smile softened. He knew full well that Wendy was only being polite because of his father.
As he looked for another chance to strike up a conversation, a stunning couple walked through the restaurant doors. The man was tall and handsome, and the woman beside him was beautiful. They were none other than Owen Brown and Isabella Smith.
Wendy immediately noticed them. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly used the menu to shield her face."I knew it,"she thought bitterly."Getting involved with Raymond Mason was a bad idea!"
Raymond, however, seemed eager for Owen to notice them. He called out cheerfully,"Owen!"
Owen turned his head and was about to respond when his eyes landed on the woman sitting across from Raymond. Despite her attempt to hide behind the menu, Owen instantly recognized Wendy. His brows furrowed, his expression darkening."Why is Wendy Lawson with Raymond Mason?"he thought, unable to hide his displeasure.
Sensing the tension, Raymond explained with a grin,"Wendy's asked my father to help with her father's case, so we're just discussing some legal matters."
But Owen wasn't fooled. Raymond's few words were enough for him to guess the younger man's intentions. Raymond liked Wendy. This was his way of declaring war.
Owen let out a disdainful laugh."Raymond, are you suddenly so helpful?"His tone dripped with sarcasm.
He then turned to Wendy, his eyes sharp."Wendy, do you actually trust him? You'll be sold out and won't even realize it until you've counted the money for him."
Isabella, picking up on the strange tension between the two men, asked cautiously,"Owen, do you know her?"