Chapter 57
The assistant was on point. By the very next day, Zach had Allison’s hometown address in hand. It seemed like a pretty average neighborhood. Zach squinted. Oak Lake, huh? As luck would have it, he was planning a trip. there soon to hash out a partnership and investment deal with Hartley Group.
Allison, if you’re not going to come to me, then I’m coming to you this time.
Allison shot her resume over to Summit & Vale Solicitors and got a quick reply asking if she could come in for an interview the next day. She set up a time with them and started prepping. Summit & Vale Solicitors is the crème de la crème in Oak Lake and has a solid reputation in the legal world. Getting a few years under her belt there would be a big boost for her career.
Meanwhile, at Summit & Vale Solicitors,
“Ms. Lillian, Allison has set her interview time,” Nicole, the firm’s supervisor, reported with a respectful nod over the phone.
“Great. Offer her the salary she’s looking for, and make sure she sticks around. Once she’s on board, throw some tough assignments her way. Nail this, and I’ll send your team some big cases from Fisher Corporation worth millions,” Lillian said, a sly grin spreading across her face.
Nicole was thrilled and quickly reassured her, “Of course, I’ll make sure to ‘look after‘ our new recruit.”
In the hospital room, Lillian hung up the phone, a wicked smile lingering on her lips. She had been right there with Joshua when Allison called to say she was job hunting. She heard Joshua suggest Summit & Vale Solicitors to Allison. Allison had insisted on going through the proper channels without special favors, even telling Joshua not to tip off the firm or reveal her identity as the Owens family heiress and the future daughter–in–law of the Fisher family.
Lillian couldn’t help but smirk at the thought. Allison, your high and mighty attitude will be your undoing.
That night, Lillian got in touch with Nicole at Summit & Vale Solicitors. In Oak Lake, everyone had to play nice with Fisher Corporation. Her status as a Fisher family member was quite the trump card. Even though she was adopted, Rose treated her like her own daughter, and Joshua saw her as a little sister. Over the years, she often attended business parties under the “Fisher family daughter” title, which people recognized.
She’d done her homework. Allison, despite being the Owens family heiress, wasn’t into hobnobbing and barely showed up at high–society events. She kept a low profile, avoiding flashy displays of wealth on social media.
So, while Owens International was a big deal, not many had actually seen Allison. Plus, Allison’s engagement to Joshua was still under wraps, known only to their inner circle. This made it all the easier for Lillian to scheme behind the scenes.
Lillian thought darkly: Allison, you’re leaving me no choice. Joshua is meant for me.
The next morning, Allison was up with the birds, applied some light makeup, and slipped into a white blouse and black suit–the classic lawyer look. Summit & Vale Solicitors was near Lakeside College, a bit of a trek from the Owens family home–about ten miles, which could easily turn into an hour–long drive in rush hour traffic. She remembered how, back in her freshman year, her cousin Zack had gifted her a fully furnished apartment right across from Lakeside College. It was a perfect spot, super close to Summit & Vale Solicitors.
