Years ago, Ashton’s parents had been framed as the scapegoats for Ezra and a few prominent families in K City. It eventually led to their deaths. That tragedy meant that Louis was naturally cautious about his actions when dealing with Ezra.
Like Ashton had said, though, excessive caution would only allow them to behave even more lawlessly. Facing them head-on is inevitable. The only thing we can do is to reduce the number of people caught in the crossfire. If we don’t act now, our future generations will suffer under them as well.
“Uncle Louis, can I say something?” I finally blurted after some hesitation.
“Of course. What’s on your mind?”
“Well, here’s what I think. If I remember correctly, the promotion process and the candidate details are supposed to be announced to the public. In that case, can’t we do the same for those corrupt members in the department? We can show the entire trial procedure online through the official channels. The public can be the judge.” Strength in numbers may even bend the law, and it might be a good strategy to catch them unawares.
Ezra may be powerful, but even he is no match for public outcry.
Louis’s expression changed as he mulled over my suggestion.
Meanwhile, John looked at me as the joy he had displayed in the car returned to his demeanor. “I guess it’s really different once you become a lawyer. Even the way you look at things is craftier.”
I rolled my eyes. “Are you trying to say that I was dumb before? That doesn’t really come across as praise, you know.”
“You’re just imagining things.” John walked over and leaned on the desk. He teased, “You’re my sister. I’m always proud of you, and I mean every word that I said.”
“Letty, have you started your legal apprenticeship?” Louis changed the topic abruptly. “Which law firm did you go to?”
“Tinsel Group,” I answered. After a moment’s thought, I added, “But my first day at work was rather unpleasant. I was wondering if I should transfer to another law firm. I haven’t signed any contracts, so it’s not too late for me to change my mind.”
“Why are you still thinking about that? Just buy yourself a brand new law firm and be the boss. Then you won’t need to do overtime,” John voiced.
John never blinked an eye at his spending, no matter how extravagant the sum. His nonchalance with his wealth was exceptionally obvious in this situation.
“Stop joking around. Legal apprentices can’t go around opening their own law firms. You think I can just hire some bigshot lawyers and their apprentices or something?” I knew he had good intentions, but I needed to nip this impossibility in the bud.
Louis hadn’t uttered a single word until now. When I finally looked at him, I realized he had knitted his brows in contemplation.
John followed my gaze. He didn’t hesitate before he opened his mouth. “Uncle Louis, what are you thinking about?”
Louis came to with a jerk. Sighing, he said tiredly, “That law firm has helped the Zieglers and the Trivetts with countless cases in the past. If we really go to court, I don’t think any lawyer we have could win someone from Tinsel Group.”
“No wonder Tinsel Group has been giving me so many special privileges to keep my apprenticeship. Turns out they had ulterior motives all this time.” I was stunned at the revelation.
I should’ve thought of this sooner. Tinsel Group’s the best law firm in the country, and they must’ve helped Ezra and his lobbyists to clean up a bunch of his dirty acts. They probably gave me such good benefits to entice me to stay, so that I would become entangled in their dirty acts. Then, they could use that to manipulate the Stovall family.
An image of Zander flashed through my mind. He had always looked like a young man on track to fulfilling his dreams of exacting justice. He may have seemed wooden, but that wouldn’t have stopped him from becoming an impressive lawyer. What a pity he’s dirty like the rest of them. Alas, he can only be a lackey to their wrongdoings.
“Then, you shouldn’t report to work tomorrow, Letty. It may seem peaceful out there, but it’s a bloody battlefield. It’s much safer to stay at home,” John cut in.
