CHAPTER 1
Olivia paced nervously in the corridor, her heart racing uncontrollably as she checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time. This was the day she had waited for so long – the day she would finally meet Christopher Brooks, the renowned lawyer known for his impeccable track record. She had dressed impeccably for the occasion, her dark brown hair tied into a sleek bun and her tailored business suit accentuating her slender figure.
As she paced, the sound of her high heels clicking on the polished tiled floor echoed through the corridor. Suddenly, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps and turned to see a man dressed in a crisp white shirt and well-ironed pants walking towards her, accompanied by another man who looked like he had just rolled out of bed. Olivia's eyes widened as she caught sight of Christopher Brooks, his piercing blue eyes and chiseled features leaving her breathless.
Brooks walked to the end of the corridor, oblivious to her presence, and shuffled through his keys before unlocking a door. Olivia gulped, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The man who had been following Brooks stopped in front of her, his eyes scanning her from head to toe before raising an eyebrow. "Is there an issue, miss?" he asked, his tone polite but curious.
Olivia stammered, "G-good morning," before taking a deep breath and adjusting her posture to exude more confidence. "I have a meeting with Mr. Christopher Brooks," she explained, her voice steady now. "I applied for weeks, and I was finally able to secure a meeting with him today."
The man raised an eyebrow, seemingly impressed, and offered her a small smile. "Well, then. Give me a minute." With that, he turned and walked into the office, leaving Olivia standing alone in the corridor, her heart still racing with anticipation.
In less than five minutes, the door swung open, and the guy ushered Olivia in. She offered him a smile, attempting to exude confidence despite her racing heart. Taking slow, deliberate steps, she entered the opulent office, surrounded by rich, dark wood paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
The room was adorned with lavish artwork and plush furnishings, exuding the wealth and sophistication of its occupant. A majestic mahogany desk dominated the space, behind which Christopher Brooks sat, his piercing blue eyes fixed on the file in front of him. The door closed softly behind her, and the other man spoke, breaking the silence. "She's here."
Christopher finally lifted his gaze, his eyes locking onto Olivia's. "Sit," he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative. Olivia maintained her composure, despite her nerves, and took a seat in one of the plush leather chairs opposite his desk.
"I'll go straight to the point," she said, meeting his gaze. "I need your help fighting a case."
Christopher's eyebrows furrowed, and he sighed. "My hands are full, Miss..."
"Olivia. Olivia Harris," she replied promptly.
"Miss Olivia, I have my hands full. I can recommend another lawyer who will help you," he offered, his tone detached. Olivia's eyes narrowed slightly.
"If I wanted another lawyer, I wouldn't have applied to see you," she said softly, her voice laced with determination. "I need your help."
A minute of silence hung in the air before Christopher spoke. "Can I see the case?" Olivia quickly retrieved a file from her bag and handed it to him. He took it, his eyes scanning the contents. "Murder," he murmured, flipping a page. "His prints were found on the gun and at the crime scene... I'm sorry, Miss Harris, but my hands are full right now."
"Please, sir," she pleaded, not losing her composure despite the desperation creeping into her voice. "I heard you're the best defense lawyer and take cases you feel deserve justice. My brother didn't do it, he's innocent. Please, you have to help us."
Christopher Brooks leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he regarded Olivia with a detached expression. "This is a high-profile criminal case, Olivia. I also have my hands full. I'm afraid I won't be able to take on your brother's case."
Olivia's heart shattered into a million pieces. She had promised her brother that she'd get the best lawyer and eventually get him out of jail. And this man in front of her was one of the best criminal defense lawyers in the country. Now he was rejecting her.
"You can ask anything from me," she spoke, her voice shaking a bit from sadness. "I could work as a maid in your house all my life or even..."
A loud, mocking laugh interrupted her, and she gulped, taken aback. What had she said that was so funny?
Christopher Brooks' laughter slowly subsided, and he leaned forward, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Do you know how much I charge, Miss Olivia?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
She shook her head, feeling a sense of trepidation.
"Not only are you asking me to defend your case, you want it on charity?" he asked, his tone incredulous. "I'm afraid I don't work for free, Miss Olivia. My services come with a hefty price tag. Are you prepared to pay top dollar for my expertise?"
She blinked continuously, her eyes welling up with tears as the harsh reality sank in. She couldn't afford a high-class lawyer like Christopher Brooks. But she refused to give up. There was always a price to pay, and she was willing to pay it.
"I may not have the finance," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "but I can work to pay for it. I'll do anything, just please-"
Christopher Brooks cut her off with a curt gesture, his expression dismissive. "Leave," he shunned her, his voice cold and detached. Olivia gulped, feeling a sting from his rejection.
"You must be delusional to think I'll take up this case for free," he sneered, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Olivia's face burned with determination. "It's not for free, Mr. Christopher Brooks," she challenged, her voice steady. He raised an eyebrow, seemingly taken aback by her boldness.
"You can give me time, and I'll definitely come up with the money for you," she pressed on, her eyes locked on his.
Christopher Brooks snorted, his expression mocking. "Rubbish," he spat, his tone dripping with disdain. "Nathan, see her out."
The other man in the room, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward. "Please leave, Miss Olivia. I'm done here," he said firmly, his voice devoid of emotion.
Tears welled up in Olivia's eyes, and she bit her lip softly to stifle a sob. She stood up from the chair, her movements slow and deliberate. As she gathered her belongings, her eyes locked onto Christopher Brooks', a fierce determination burning within them.
"I'll be back, Mr. Christopher Brooks," she vowed, her voice steady. "This time, with the money. And you're going to help me."
With that, she turned on her heel and walked away from the room, leaving Christopher Brooks and his assistant staring after her.