Chapter 46
Lena's POV
I closed my reply to Diana and opened the recruitment portal.
Less than twenty-four hours since I'd posted the assistant position, and there were already several applications waiting.
The first was from a fresh law school graduate—stellar grades, zero practical experience.
The second came from someone who'd worked three years at a small firm with glowing recommendations, but a quick search revealed his previous employer specialized in legally gray corporate maneuvers.
The third applicant's photo looked like it had been cropped from a social media post—not even a proper headshot.
I scrolled down, frowning.
Then I saw a name I recognized.
Rachel Kim.
I paused, cursor hovering over her file.
Her résumé listed her most recent position as "Legal Assistant, Madison & Partners LLP"—started two years ago, ended last week.
Her cover letter was brief:
"Ms. Grant,
I know you might not want any ties to Madison anymore. But if you're willing to give me a chance, I promise I won't let you down.
I understand how you work, what your standards are, and what kind of support you need.
If you'd rather not hire me, I completely understand. But I wanted to try anyway.
— Rachel"
I stared at the screen, throat tightening.
Rachel.
The assistant who was always first in, last out at Madison. Who kept helping me organize files and verify data even when Richard was gunning for me. Who said on my last day there, "I wish I could leave with you."
I'd thought it was just politeness.
But now her résumé sat in my inbox.
I pulled up the backup copy of Madison's internal directory I'd downloaded before leaving and checked Rachel's status.
Departed.
My fingers froze on the keyboard.
She'd left Madison.
Maybe because of me.
Maybe because after I resigned, she couldn't stomach that environment of political maneuvering and backstabbing either.
I took a breath and picked up my phone.
She answered on the third ring.
"Hello?"
"Rachel, it's me."
"Ms. Grant!" Her voice jumped with surprise. "You—you saw my application?"
"I did," I said, keeping my tone measured. "You left Madison?"
"Yes. Last week."
"Why?"
Silence for a few seconds. Then, quietly: "Because I didn't want to be there anymore. After you left, Richard gave Nora your old position. Brett got fired, but the people who helped him are still around. The whole office kept talking about your 'betrayal,' saying you were 'unprofessional.'"
There was a thread of anger in her voice.
"I was done," she said. "I didn't want to work for people like that anymore."
I closed my eyes, something complicated moving through my chest.
"Rachel," I said, "you know I'm just starting out. I don't have Madison's resources, the big-name clients, or even a fully furnished office yet. If you come work for me, the salary won't match Madison's. Neither will the benefits."
"I know," she said, voice firm. "But I don't care."
"You're sure?"
"Positive," she said. "Ms. Grant, you're the coolest lawyer I've ever met. You won't sell out clients for profit, won't sabotage colleagues for advancement, and you won't look away from injustice. I want to work for someone like that."
"Alright," I said, voice a little rough. "Come by tomorrow morning. We'll talk through the specifics."
"Really?!" The joy in her voice was unmistakable. "You'll—you'll hire me?"
"Yes," I said, the corner of my mouth lifting despite myself. "Welcome to Grant & Clarke."
"Thank you!" She was almost shouting. "Thank you, Ms. Grant! What—what time should I come?"
"Ten. I'll text you the address."
"Perfect! I'll be there!"
---
The next morning at 9:50, I sat in the still-unfinished conference room with two cups of coffee on the table.
The doorbell rang.
I stood and walked to the entrance.
Rachel was outside in a crisp black suit, briefcase in hand, nervous but hopeful smile on her face.
"Good morning, Ms. Grant," she said.
"Good morning," I said, stepping aside to let her in. "And call me Lena. We're colleagues now."
She blinked, then smiled, eyes lighting up.
"Okay. Lena."
I led her to the conference room and handed her a coffee.
"Sit," I said. "Let's talk."
She sat, hands wrapped around the cup.
"Relax," I said. "This isn't an interview."
Her shoulders visibly loosened.
"I thought…" she hesitated. "I thought you might see me as a Madison person."
"You were never a Madison person," I said. "You're your own person. You worked there, but you didn't let that place change you. That's rare."
She looked up, eyes reddening.
I slid a document across the table.
"This is the employment contract," I said. "Salary's lower than Madison's, but once the firm stabilizes, I'll give you a raise."
She took the contract, skimmed it quickly, then looked up.
"This is more than fair," she said, picking up a pen and signing her name.
---
By 2 p.m., Rachel had already started organizing the office.
She sorted the files I'd left scattered in corners, unpacked office supplies still in boxes, and even made me a cup of tea.
"Lena," she said, walking into my office. "Diana's assistant Sophia just emailed. She'll come by tomorrow to coordinate workflow with me."
"Good," I said. "You two get acquainted. Diana and I have a client meeting tomorrow."
"Do you need me to prepare anything?"
"Organize the compliance review materials for that restaurant chain case," I said. "And the background docs for the equity restructuring."
"Got it," she said, turning to leave, then stopping. "Lena, there's something I'm not sure I should mention."
"Go ahead."
"Madison…" she hesitated. "Nora failed to take over the Reynolds Industries project."
My fingers paused.
"Well, unexpected," I said, tone even.
"Serves her right. She's not half as talented as you are."
"And," she continued, "Richard told the partners you left because you 'couldn't handle the pressure.' Said you 'lacked team spirit.'"
I looked up at her.
Her face showed anger.
"I know it's not my business," she said, "but I thought you should know. They're smearing you."
I was quiet for a moment. Then I smiled.
"Let them talk," I said. "I don't care."
She studied me, something like admiration in her eyes.
"You really… don't care?"
"I don't," I said, voice firm. "Because I know the truth. And the people who matter know it too."
She nodded, the anger slowly leaving her face.
"I understand," she said. "I'll go work on those materials."
"Thanks."
After she left, I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes.
Nora didn't take over the Reynolds Industries project.
Which meant Rowan was against it.
But wasn't he the one who brought Nora in all these?
No, I told myself. That's not my concern anymore.