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Chapter 11 - Date of the Verdict

That day, Liam took a flight and arrived at the town that stirred all the chaos. It was an hour away from the airport. On the way, the frail and old wooden houses could be seen. 

'But how did he even know of this place in the first place? Tsk, intelligent beings' Liam Snow bit his nail inside the car. 

The town itself was bustling and crowded from afar. He got off a short walk from the town center, but his black sunglasses and crisp and neat suit stood out amongst everyone. 

Gripping his suitcase tightly, he walked according to the map made by Orion. The path led to a narrow way where very few passed, and he arrived in front of a worn-out restaurant. 

'This is not what I signed up for.' His lips twisted bitterly since there were a pile of cases on his desk, but he still walked inside. 'He better give me twice the bonus.'

Inside, he saw a woman who had her hand on her forehead, almost burning a hole in the papers spread in front by staring. The wooden floors were cracked in places; a chair with a broken leg and a mouldy smell caught his senses. 

"Excuse me," His volume rose to get her attention. How could one be so immersed that they didn't even realize that someone had entered their house? 

"Yes?" Lorraine straightened her posture and answered back. 

"May I know who Lorraine Chevalier might be?" 

"I am. Why do you ask?" 

"I am here from the side of Miss Helle as a representative. There are a few things I have to discuss with you." Liam got straight to the point.

Hearing her child's name, Lorraine was startled. "Please have a seat," she requested. 

Liam's heel reverberated on the floor, and thus he took a seat opposite Lorraine. He had an authoritative stance, and while he took a few files from the bag, the room fell quiet. The house was lifeless. 

Spreading a few papers on the table and placing his business card on the table, Liam spoke, "Miss Lorraine. I can help you win the case with her relatives."

"....." She simply stared at him and then the files. They were his proof, but what proof was there that he wasn't going to scam or, at worst, take away everything from her? 

"Are you here to spout nonsense? My daughter might trust your words, but not me. I have seen the world and know people like you. So please just leave, as I do not want to have any bad blood with you." Her voice was crisp and sharp. Not a hint of aggression. But Liam could feel the scratch on his pride. Although he remained calm, he bit his inner cheek. As the most sought-after lawyer in the capital city, there were high demands for him, and yet...

"I would consider you to take your words back and think clearly before giving me your final answer. Of course, the value of a diamond cannot be sought by a fruit seller, but I hope you make a better decision for yourself after all; chances in life only come once, and if you are lucky, then many twice." Liam had packed his bags and was quick to leave. 

Meanwhile, Lorraine could feel her headache with everything coming at her. Life had never been the way she had expected or hoped it would go. Her marriage was short-lived, and soon, the meagre earnings of a public service police officer were not enough to sustain her life, especially with her growing daughter. 

But the tragedy started once he died. His cruel relatives were quick to eye on the only piece of land and property they had. Years had gone by, and they still hadn't stopped, but she had gotten poorer. The government funds were barely enough, and her daughter had run away. The Sylvians started to threaten her, and those who were once her family were the arch nemesis. 

"Whom am I supposed to trust?" She silently wept. Just like an anchor left behind by the sailing ship, it was as though everyone had fled away, and all she was left with was a burden and unrequired love and regrets. 

~

"Hello?" Helle picked up the call even though it was about to be midnight. 

"Helle. How are you?" Lorraine had a strained voice, perhaps due to crying. At such times when she was sad or helpless, she often held on to her daughter, her only reliance to gather strength and power. 

"I am well," she replied shortly after all. How could she elaborate about having dessert with Orion?! 

"I see. That's good." Her voice was fleeting, and unlike other times, Lorraine sounded very weak. 

"Mum. Did something happen to you? You sound very sick."

"Nothing much. I just called to ask you, Who is Liam Snow? He said he was your representative and attorney." 

Helle was silent. She had no idea that Mr. Snow had gone to her house. 

"Helle? Did you fall asleep?"

"N-no. I was just... Well, Mr. Snow is one of the best lawyers here, mom. You can trust him. Also, I am feeling sleepy," she yawned. 

"Okay then. Good night." Lorraine cut off the call and stared at the card left by Liam Snow. He was willing to help, but at what cost? The world of the rich was far more dangerous and dark. She worried about the types of people Helle had met. Having a connection to such people meant that she was in an affluent household, and it also meant her protected daughter would get tainted by the dangers of the world. 

'Oh Lord,' Lorraine prayed and dialed the number on the card. Although it was late in the night, the other person immediately picked it up. 

"Hello?" 

"Hello, Mr. Snow. I am Lorraine Chevalier from earlier. I hope I am not disturbing you," she replied with her hands clenched into a fist. 

"Of course not, Miss Lorraine. I was just about to be done with my work." He had a victorious smile grace his lips. 

"I thought of your offer thoroughly, and if you state what you would like in return, then I would like to cooperate with you."

"That's great. I shall come to meet you early tomorrow morning."

With that, the call was cut. Lorraine could feel her heart almost vomit out of her lips with how loud it pounded. Finally, there was hope that she could win over these cases, but what would be the price she had to pay?