Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 334

Leah offered an apologetic look across the table. “Mr. Duncan, I’m really sorry. I just can’t stand those stuffy private rooms. Thank you for meeting with me out here in the main dining area.”

Leah was one of the most sought-after lawyers around. Almost all her clients were rich or powerful, so she knew rich people like Mr. Duncan usually preferred private spaces. But Stephen had heard her say she liked a place with sunlight and didn’t hesitate to call the waiter and move their table to the open hall. On top of that, she’d heard from her colleagues that his assistant had gone out of their way to find out her preferences.

Her heart skipped a beat, and her hand faltered for a second as she stirred her drink. Leah glanced at Stephen. He had such striking features, a strong jaw, and an effortless elegance. Even his voice was warm and deep, with a timbre like a cello that made her pulse race. And he wasn’t just any man. He was the Duncan family’s eldest son, the one running Duncan Corporation. With that kind of presence, it was hard not to be drawn in.

Leah prided herself on being a strong woman. She handled divorce cases, and had long since stopped believing in fairy tales about love. Still, if it were Stephen... maybe that would be worth reconsidering.

Stephen smiled at her. “Yeah, don’t worry about it. I’m the one coming to you for help. Plus, the weather’s great today. Dining in the sunshine isn’t a bad way to spend lunch.”

Leah tucked a strand of her long, curly hair behind her ear. She’d actually spent extra time getting ready for this lunch. “So, Mr. Duncan, what can I help you with?” she asked, a bit confused. “Honestly, your company’s legal team is pretty much the best money can buy. You know my specialty isn’t corporate law.”

Stephen poured her some tea himself and leveled with her. “I’m not here for business. It’s personal this time.”

He explained the situation between Rebecca and Alan.

Leah listened, then considered her words. “Is Ms. Harper a friend of yours?” She almost said “girlfriend,” but held back.

Stephen’s lips pressed together. “She’s someone very important to me.”

Leah froze for a moment, surprised by how honest he was. Then a dull ache spread through her chest. Her racing heart slowed, settling back to normal. So, she’d gotten the wrong idea. Everything Stephen was doing wasn’t about her; it was for Ms. Harper. The way he looked after her said everything about how much he cared for someone else.

But Leah was a pro. She didn’t let personal feelings get in the way for long. She pulled herself together. “I’ve taken on similar cases before. Honestly, the judge and public opinion almost always side with the mother and daughter. But even if you win, there’s a real chance you won’t see a dime. These cases can drag on forever, and sometimes it all amounts to nothing.”

She figured it was better to lay out the truth from the start. Nobody could guarantee a win.

Stephen nodded. “The money isn’t the point. I just want to put him in his place. If this lawsuit can get him to back off, that’s what matters.”

Leah smiled. “That I can do. People eat this stuff up. I’ll reach out to some media friends and make sure the story gets coverage. Alan’s a VP, right? He cares about his image. He won’t be able to ignore this.”

Once they’d worked out the basics, they talked about her fee. Stephen knew Leah didn’t come cheap, but if he covered everything, Rebecca would definitely get suspicious. After thinking it over, he said, “Leah, I need your help with something else.”

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