AllFreeNovel
Share Us
* * *
While I waited for Chan to let me know when I could head out, I found the number for the lawyer Chan said she had hired. If he were worth his salt, he’d be working today, no matter what. When I called his office, I wasn’t disappointed when he answered himself. His staff had the day off, but he worked it. I respected it. It meant he’d be willing to work hard for my girl.
“David Huntley.”
“David, this is Abel Hartford. Your services were recently retained by my girlfriend, Chantilla Montgomery.”
The man hesitated for a second. “What can I do for you, Mr. Hartford? Is Ms. Montgomery in trouble?”
“No, she’s fine. I wanted to talk to you and make sure you’re as good of a lawyer as you’re reputed to be.”
The man chuckled. “I assure you, Ms. Montgomery chose wisely in hiring me. I won’t fail her. My clients are always put first.”
“There’s the thing, Huntley. You have clients, and in my mind, Chan should be your first and only priority. She’s going through a lot right now, and I need you to tell me exactly what’s going on so I can protect her.” I held nothing back as I bullied my way to getting what I wanted. Chan needed to have the best lawyer money could buy. She had her own money now, but I’d spend my fortune and then some to make sure nothing hurt her in any element of her life. Her importance to me made sure of it.
“Mr. Hartford, I appreciate your concern for your girlfriend, but I don’t work for you. I work for her. She can disclose whatever she likes, but I take client confidentiality seriously. Please don’t waste either of our times by pursuing this topic. Speak to your girlfriend and have her speak with me. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. Goodbye.”
The bastard hung up, and I laughed. At least she had somebody in her corner. If he had started spouting off information, I’d see him gone and find her other representation. I appreciated her father finding her a lawyer worthy enough.
Shortly after the call, I got hungry, and instead of making something, I went to the dining hall and found Evan hanging out at a table alone. “Hey, man, what’re you doing here? Weren’t you heading to Texas?”
“I’d thought about it but decided to stay.” Evan got distracted when Ella came into the room. She talked to the hostess and picked up food to go. Evan’s eyes followed Ella as she smiled at the server and left.
Clapping him on the back, I said, “Ah, I get it.”
Evan was startled and frowned. I shook my head, I wasn’t into the whole mush talk, and thankfully he didn’t want to discuss it either. We discussed several things about the society and his plans with his family’s company instead. I filed everything away, wondering if it’d be of any use to broker some deals in the future. My mind never stopped.
As I finished eating, Chan messaged me.
Chan: Hey. If you can come now, that’d be great. Dad’s tired, so he won’t last much longer. He needs to rest.
Me: On my way, babe.
Making it to the Barclay Manor in record time, the butler escorted me upstairs. Chan had a huge smile as she held onto her father’s hand, and they were laughing.
The last time I’d met Mr. Barclay, I remembered a robust man full of life and drive. Witnessing him shriveled and strapped into a hospital bed had a whole new shift in perspective.
Chan didn’t have much longer with him, and I was relieved he finally reached out when he did. It made sense why he remained in the shadows. Gloria was a species all of her own. The separation from Chan when she was underage was for the best. If only he approached her as soon as she turned eighteen, she’d have had more time with him.
“Dad, this is my boyfriend, Abel Hartford. Abel, this is my dad, Richard Barclay.” Chan had a beautiful smile on her face, and her voice had a giddiness as she introduced us.
Lifting my hand, I shook his, concerned with his weak grip. “Good to see you again, sir.”
“Good to see you again too, son. I hear you’ve been taking care of our girl here. She’s amazing, isn’t she?”
“Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Mr. Barclay may have been much weaker, but his gaze held a cunningness and calculation which didn’t waver. “Sweet girl, will you go to the kitchen? I have a surprise in there for us.”
“A surprise? Okay. Do you need anything else?” Chan got excited. She wasn’t used to surprises, so when she got them, she glowed, and I became putty watching how beautiful she looked and how happiness exuded from her.
“No, sweetheart, it should all be ready for you.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back.”
Mr. Barclay and I watched her exit the room, and we both got serious.
“You better not screw over my daughter.”
