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Joshua sat in the gallery, watching the confident Allison in the courtroom, his chest swelling with pride. His eyes were filled with admiration and affection.
Allie was truly exceptional.
After the hearing wrapped up, Joshua handed her a bottle of sparkling water. “Here, take a sip.”
“Thanks.” Allison took a couple of sips and said, “The verdict’s going to be announced soon, but it looks like we’re in a good spot to win.”
“Allie, during the debate, your eyes were so bright, and you looked determined, I couldn’t help but be captivated by you.”
Hearing this, Allison blushed slightly and smiled. “Really? I felt like I was a different person during the trial.”
“You were fantastic,” Joshua said sincerely. “You’re going to be one of the top lawyers in the industry, mark my words.”
Allison beamed. “I’ll hold you to that.”
Then, her thoughts drifted to Shawn.
They’d been together for three years, and he never showed any interest in her work, let alone came to a trial. All he cared about was how her paycheck couldn’t even cover a night out with his buddies.
He not only ignored her career but also disrespected her ambition and hard work.
Once, after she won a case worth over half a million dollars and earned a nice attorney fee, she excitedly told Shawn. But he just dismissed her joy.
She remembered Shawn smirking in disdain, saying, “Our company deals with million–dollar contracts. Why did you bother with a half–million–dollar case? Allison, you’re working yourself to death for what? Just quit. I’ll take care of you.”
From that point on, she stopped sharing anything about her work with Shawn.
Maybe he liked her, but it was only for her looks and figure. He didn’t understand her, and their relationship was all about dining and partying. They never reached a deeper connection.
At this moment, Allison truly felt for the first time that Joshua could be a great partner.
As they left the courthouse, Joshua got a call from his assistant.
After hanging up, Joshua turned to Allison with a serious look. “That glass of milk was spiked with a strong laxative.”
Allison’s eyes turned icy. “I knew it.”
“Do you want me to take care of it?”
Allison shook her head. “No need. I’ll keep track of this and deal with it when the time’s right.”
Kate must have known she had a hearing today and tried to mess with her.
Even with the milk test report, there was no proof that Kate was the one who tampered with it, so going to the
authorities wouldn’t do much.
Since it was personal, she’d handle it her own way.
After the trial, Allison and Joshua spent a few days exploring the town.
They went to try the spicy chili noodles Allison had been craving. Although Joshua couldn’t handle spicy food
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well, he powered through the dish, sweating but finishing every bite.
They visited tourist spots, capturing the stunning natural beauty in photos, and explored cultural landmarks, soaking up the rich history.
She realized that spending these few days with Joshua was more fulfilling and joyful than the entire three years she had spent with Shawn.
Kate was in the hospital for five days, and Shawn stayed with her the whole time.
During those days, Shawn couldn’t stop checking his phone, hoping for a message or call from Allison.
But aside from texts from his party–loving friends and work–related messages, there was nothing from Allison.
Unable to resist, Shawn finally opened a new message and sent it.
Shawn: [Haven’t you had enough of this?]
Joshua was holding Allison’s phone, helping her take pictures, when he unexpectedly saw the message. His expression darkened.