She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Chapter 72

(At Walsh & Associates)

45

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At three in the afternoon, the office at Walsh & Associates buzzed with the sound of keyboards, ringing phones, and hushed conversations.

Haley was frowning at her computer screen, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she made final edits to a complicated cross-border merger agreement.

She wore a sharp navy blue skirt suit, her long hair pulled back into a neat low ponytail, revealing her fair neck. The only hint of femininity was the small pearl studs on her earlobes.

“Haley!” Her assistant hurried over, lowering her voice with a spark of excitement. “Parker wants you in Conference Room Three right now. There’s an important client.”

Haley didn’t even look up. “Which case? I need to send this to the client in half an hour.”

“It’s not an existing case. It’s a new client! I heard they’re a big deal and specifically asked for Walsh & Associates to handle all their legal matters in the southwest region.

“Parker is personally handling the negotiations and wants you to join. I heard the person in charge is pretty young.” The assistant winked.

Haley finally paused, rubbing her dry eyes. She thought, ‘A new client? Parker himself is handling it and wants me in the room?

‘Even as a senior attorney, I rarely got called in for the first meeting with such high-profile clients.

‘Unless the client specifically asked for me, or this case happens to be right in my wheelhouse.

She quickly saved her document, smoothed her jacket, grabbed her notebook and pen, and made her way toward Conference Room Three.

Her mind was still running through which major corporations might be looking to expand in the southwest and need legal support.

She knocked lightly on the door, and Parker’s steady voice called out, “Come in.”

Haley pushed the door open, her face set in a professional smile.

But the moment her eyes landed on the young man talking with Parker across the table, her smile vanished, replaced by shock. It’s Frederick.

Two days ago, Haley had bumped into Frederick at Cloudscape. He was the legendary upperclassman from her law school days.

She and Celia had finished dinner and exchanged a few words with him. Frederick still carried himself with that effortless charm.

19:46 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 72

45

65 vouchers.

He was already one of the founding partners at a top law firm Prudence Law Associates and was widely recognized as a leading young talent in high-end commercial disputes and cross-border investments.

Haley never imagined she’d run into him again so soon, let alone at work.

“Frederick?” Haley’s voice brimmed with excitement, her eyes shining. “What a coincidence! Parker, is this the important client you mentioned?” She hurried over.

Frederick turned at the sound of her voice, and when he saw Haley, a gentle, refined smile spread across his face.

He stood up and reached out his hand. “Haley, fancy seeing you here again. Guess fate really likes to play tricks on us.

“Mr. Kinard was saying how impressive his top attorney, Haley, is, and I was wondering if it might be you. Turns out I was right.”

Haley quickly took his hand. Frederick’s hand was dry and warm, his grip steady.

“You’re too kind, Frederick. It’s really an honor to work with you.” She turned to Parker, her face beaming. “Parker, Frederick was basically a legend at our law school. I never imagined I’d actually get to work with him.”

Parker, a sharp and refined man in his forties, smiled with satisfaction. “That’s right. Frederick is a real star in our legal community.

“For his firm to hand over their entire portfolio of non-litigation legal matters in the southwest to us, it’s both a huge vote of trust and a fantastic opportunity.

“Frederick specifically requested you as the main liaison. Since you both come from the same alma mater, I bet you’ll have great chemistry.”

“Me? I’m going to be the main liaison for Frederick’s firm?” Haley’s heart skipped a beat.

‘This is a big deal. It’s working directly with Frederick!’ She thought and fought to keep her excitement under wraps, making sure she looked as professional as possible.

“I’ll give it everything I’ve got. I won’t let you or Frederick down!”

Frederick caught the spark in her eyes and the way she straightened up, and his smile grew even warmer. Behind his glasses, his gaze was gentle and full of appreciation.

“I’ve heard a lot about your skills, Haley. I’m sure everything will be in good hands with you. Looks like I’ll be relying on you quite a bit from now on.”

“No problem at all.” Haley blurted out, then realized she sounded a bit too eager. Her cheeks warmed as she quickly added. “It’s what I’m here for.”

The rest of the meeting flowed smoothly, thanks to their previous connection. Frederick demonstrated the polished professionalism you’d expect from a top law firm partner.

His thoughts were clear. His expectations were precise, and he considered every detail of the collaboration.

19:46 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 72

45

65 vouchers

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