Chapter 48

Lucy's composure cracked momentarily. "One hundred million..." she began, then stopped herself. After a brief pause, she nodded. "Fine."

Her quick acceptance also confirmed they were desperate. "Before we proceed, understand this: if you want to win, you must be completely honest with me. No omissions, no lies. Whatever you tell me stays confidential, but I can't work with half-truths."

Mary spoke for the first time, her voice soft but clear. "How do we know we can trust you? That you won't be sharing our information with Jane?"

I turned my attention to her, noting the contrast between her seemingly fragile exterior and the sharp, calculating look in her eyes. "Attorney-client privilege is legally binding. I'd be disbarred for breaching it. I don't risk my reputation or my career for anyone."

I pressed the intercom. "Nola, bring in the standard confidentiality agreement and retainer documents, please."

While we waited, Mary continued her subtle assessment. "Why help us against Jane?"

"For profit," I answered simply, though my actual reasoning was considerably more complex. "One hundred million is a compelling argument."

Mary tilted her head slightly. "I saw you with her at the police station recently. You seemed rather... familiar."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling a flicker of irritation. "We happened to be there simultaneously. If you doubt my ability to maintain professional boundaries, perhaps you should seek counsel elsewhere."

"No, that won't be necessary," Lucy interjected quickly. "Mary, don't be paranoid."

My secretary arrived with the documents, which Lucy signed immediately after a cursory glance. "Now, tell me exactly what happened," I asked, fingers steepled.

Lucy recounted the previous night's events—how Robert had been found stabbed in his study, and how William had been discovered at the scene. I listened carefully, noting what she emphasized.

I reached into my desk drawer and placed a small recording device on the table. "I'll need to ask you some specific questions. Do I have your permission to record this conversation?"

After receiving their nods, I activated the device. "Let's establish a timeline. When was the last time you saw your husband alive?"

"Around nine. He was in his study. He mentioned he was expecting William to discuss some business matters."

"And where were you during this meeting?"

"In my bedroom. I take a sleeping pill around that time each night."

"What about other household members? Where was John during this time?"

Lucy hesitated, glancing briefly at Mary. "I believe he was in his room."

I turned to Mary. "Miss James, can you confirm this?"

Mary's response was measured, with a calmness I found unusual given the circumstances. "Not exactly. John was in my room for a while. He seemed upset about something."

"For how long was he with you?"

"About two hours. He fell asleep in my bathroom around ten, after having too much to drink. I didn't want to wake him."

I made a mental note of this discrepancy. Apparently, John had been with Mary during the crucial timeframe when Robert was killed. Yet her explanation felt rehearsed.

"When did you learn about Robert's death?"

"Around midnight. We heard Lucy screaming."

I continued my systematic questioning, closely observing their reactions. Mary maintained an almost preternatural calm throughout, answering each question with the same measured tone.

"One final question," I said, looking directly at Mary. "You mentioned John was upset. What specifically was troubling him?"

"Financial issues," she replied smoothly. "And his relationship with his father had been strained lately."

I nodded, switching off the recording device. "That should be sufficient for now."

After they left, I replayed parts of the recording, listening not just to their words but to the silences between them. Mary's calculating presence was masked by her quiet demeanor, but not well enough to escape my notice.

Jane's POV

When I heard Hunter was at the bar with his friends in the evening, I immediately rushed over. I headed straight to their private room. He had actually accepted my uncle's family as clients.

I pushed open the door to room 510. Mike, Mark, and two other lawyers from Hunter's firm all looked up in surprise.

Hunter sat in the corner, holding an amber liquid in one hand, looking infuriatingly calm. It made my blood boil.

"Everyone out," I commanded, never taking my eyes off Hunter. "I need to speak with Mr. Huxley alone."

Mike raised an eyebrow, looking between us with that irritating smirk. "Should we time how long until security needs to intervene?"

"Now," I snapped.

To my surprise, Hunter gave an almost imperceptible nod, and the men gathered their drinks and filed out, with Mike throwing a wink over his shoulder as he closed the door.

I waited until their footsteps faded, then without hesitation reached forward to grab Hunter's ear between my thumb and forefinger, giving it a sharp twist.

"You absolute jerk," I hissed. "I actually thought you were on my side. Did the past days mean nothing? Was it all just a game to you?"

He didn't flinch or try to pull away. "Ouch," he said flatly, his expression unchanged.

"Is that all you have to say?" I released his ear, stepping back. "I find out you're representing Lucy against William, and all you can say is 'ouch'?"

He adjusted his position slightly, his eyes finally meeting mine. "What would you prefer I say?"

"An explanation would be nice!" I paced in front of him. "You were with me when we found out my father was arrested. You saw what this is doing to my family. And now you're working for the other side?"

Hunter leaned back, watching me with that maddening calm. "Fun is fun, but business is business. Since when do personal matters interfere with making money?"

I stopped pacing, stunned by his cold response. "You're unbelievable."

"I'm a lawyer. Just like you." He lifted his glass in a mocking toast. "We go where the money is. I thought you'd understand that better than most."

"How much?" I demanded, crossing my arms. "How much are they paying you to betray me?"

"One hundred million."

I couldn't hide my shock. "One hundred million..." I cut myself off, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me impressed. Instead, I forced a dismissive laugh. Inside, my mind was racing. One hundred million was an extraordinary amount, even for a high-profile murder case. Lucy must be desperate. And desperation could be exploited.

I smiled coldly. "It doesn't matter what they're paying you. You won't make it to court."

Hunter's eyebrow arched slightly. "Is that a threat, Attorney James?"