3| Money-2

"As the plaintiff, Ms. Milano, you will get the opportunity to present your case first, without interruption, and then I will hear you out, Mr. Harper. Then, we can have a joint discussion, negotiate, and hopefully, come to a conclusion. Ms. Milano, you may begin." I kept my gaze focused on Mr. Lopez as I began explaining the events of that night from my client's perspective. Going first in a mediation meeting was always the biggest advantage; I get to paint the picture first and if I did that well enough, he won't be able to get it out of his head and believe Tristan's version of it. "Based on those events and the damages my client had to endure, including property damage, vehicle damage, and physical injuries, these are our demands for a settlement. If I may…" I handed my file over for him to read. "These are non-negotiable, Mr. Lopez. My client has endured far too much damage to now bargain with the defendant and he refuses to do so under any circumstances. It's rather simple for us." My eyes finally shifted to Tristan's. "Either they agree and sign the document or we go to trial." Tristan's argument naturally contradicted mine, blaming my client for the situation, arguing that our demands were unreasonable, that the money we demanded was simply too much compared to our losses and he was completely right. Banks was demanding almost double what he lost and I knew that too. I just didn't care and I'd make sure Mr. Lopez agreed with me. While listening to him, even I couldn't deny that Tristan's argument would have been bulletproof if he was going against someone that wasn't me. Unfortunately, he's not that lucky. "My client is not opposed to settling with the plaintiff, Mr. Lopez," Tristan said, his gaze meeting mine, "it's the plaintiff who isn't willing to negotiate. In fact, we wouldn't be here today if it weren't for them. This situation is necessary and the plaintiff is trying to blow it out of proportion, simply to benefit from this case. To put it bluntly, they're trying to rob my client through this settlement." I bit my tongue and followed protocol, not interrupting him. After a few minutes of Mr. Lopez deliberating and reviewing papers, he turned to me. "Are you certain you won't negotiate, Ms. Milano?" I turned to Banks and he shook his head firmly. "My client refuses, Mr. Lopez. It would be unfair if I convinced him to do otherwise. Both parties have a lot to lose here, I'm sure Mr. Patterson and his attorney understand that. I'm sure they also know the situation could be worse if we go to trial." I lifted my brows lightly at Mr. Patterson. "But my client is trying to preserve his own and Mr. Patterson's dignity by resolving this matter. We don't want to go to trial but we won't hold back if they leave us with no other choice. Let's be honest, Mr. Patterson," I said directly, "we all know what happened that night and we all know who would have it worse in court. Let's settle this for good, hmm?" Tristan scoffed lightly, watching me in amusement as he leaned back in his seat. "You're threatening him," he stated. I am. "Of course not," I retorted, appalled by his accusation, "I'm warning him." "That sounds like a threat to me, Ms. Milano. After all, I'm well aware of what your threats sound like." I leaned forward, resting my arms on the table. "Let's not make this personal, Mr. Harper. I'd appreciate it if you could be more professional. Worry about your client, not about my threats, especially since I'm not posing any. The situation is a threat to both parties involved, Mr. Lopez," I added, turning to him, "they're refusing to settle and we refuse to negotiate. At this rate, we'll never reach a solution." I looked at Patterson again. "We'll go to court where everything that happened that night will be revealed." I could see him shifting and sweating, growing more anxious at the possibility of going to jail for his crimes. "Then we'll settle," he finally caved in. I kept my eyes down and smiled to myself before clearing my throat and looking right at Tristan. "You were saying?" His tongue ran along the inside of his cheek in annoyance as he let out a breath. With a smile, I handed the contract to Banks first and then Patterson. Soon after, Mr. Lopez officially wrapped up the meeting, taking the original contract with him, and announcing that copies would be given to both parties. "Thank you for your time today, Mr. Lopez," I grinned, rising from my seat. He nodded, "Good work, Amara." I dipped my head in appreciation as he walked out and an aggravated huff escaped Patterson. Dropping my smile, I turned to Banks. "My paycheck, Mr. Banks?" "Forty percent of the settlement we receive, I remember, Amara. Good job. It's always a pleasure to work with you." I shook his hand before he walked back to his office. "You're robbing your own client forty percent of his money?" Patterson scoffed at me. "No," I replied, gathering my things, "I'm robbing you of yours, Mark." Tristan's eyes followed my movements until I looked him in the eye. "Consider it the money you owe my club." "After already taking it from Rhys?" he questioned, clearly amused, "you're a dirty little thief, Ms. Milano." "I simply play dirty," I replied, glancing at his attire as he stood up, taking in the navy blue pants and suit with the matching tie that glimmered with a signature Prada clip. It's a pity a man like him has such fine taste. "You're rather amused at your loss, Harper," I said, bracing my hands on the table. "No, only at your victory, Milano." "Suit yourself," I shrugged before grabbing my purse and walking out. . . . . . Chapter 3 <3