Chapter 62

A brief pause. "Based on our surveillance, there's nothing substantial. They had lunch today, but our intelligence suggests this was their first extended interaction."

I drummed my fingers against the steering wheel. "What was the purpose of this lunch?"

"Unclear, sir. From their conversation patterns, it appeared business-related, but we couldn't obtain specific details."

I considered this information. Jane rarely took impromptu meetings, especially with potential clients who operated in gray areas like Sean. Something else was happening.

"This might be related to Mary," I thought aloud. "We've observed Mary meeting with Parker several times over the past month."

"That's correct, sir," Lyle confirmed. "Would you like us to increase surveillance on both targets?"

"Yes," I decided. "And contact Frank. Tell him to stay closer to Jane. If she's getting involved with Parker, she could be walking into danger."

"Understood, sir."

I ended the call, then immediately placed another directly to Frank.

"Frank," I said when he answered, "I want you to maintain closer surveillance on Jane. I need comprehensive reports on her interactions, particularly with Sean or Mary."

"Yes, sir," Frank responded professionally. "May I ask if there's a specific concern about Attorney James's safety?"

I paused, irritated by the implied question. "Just follow instructions. Also, arrange surveillance on Mary and Sean, including when they meet, what they discuss—everything."

"Of course, sir," Frank replied.

Later that afternoon, I was reviewing case files in my office when my assistant's voice came through the intercom.

"Mr. Huxley, Sean Parker is here to see you. He doesn't have an appointment but says it's regarding an urgent legal matter."

I stared at the intercom for a moment, surprised by this development. "Send him in."

When we met, I asked directly, "What brings you to Huxley & Partners, Mr. Parker?"

He settled into the chair across from my desk. "I find myself in need of legal representation. A construction dispute that could damage my company's reputation if not handled properly."

"I see," I replied, my expression neutral. "Why not retain Attorney James for this matter? I believe you were with her earlier today."

If Sean was surprised by my knowledge, he didn't show it. "We discussed it briefly, but she recommended private settlement. Besides," he added with a small smile, "I've come to consider her a friend, and I prefer keeping business and personal relationships separate."

I mentally reassessed the situation. "Friend" was an interesting choice of word for Jane, who famously had few friends beyond Chelsea.

"Tell me about this construction dispute," I said, redirecting the conversation.

Parker explained how workers fighting at one of his development sites had caused structural damage, resulting in injuries and now excessive compensation demands.

As he spoke, I analyzed his true purpose. Why approach me immediately after Jane refused? Was he trying to create friction between us? Gathering intelligence on me? Or was this genuinely about legal representation?

"While I'm confident in my ability to win this case," I said when he finished, "I need to review my current obligations before accepting. My fee structure for cases of this nature starts at five million, with additional expenses billed separately."

The amount was deliberately inflated to test his reaction. He didn't flinch.

"That's acceptable," he replied smoothly. "I value quality representation."

"I'll have my assistant prepare the preliminary paperwork," I said, rising to signal the meeting's end. "She'll contact your office tomorrow."

After Parker departed, I remained standing by the window, considering his visit. This was merely a pretext rather than a genuine legal matter.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. Frank's name appeared on the screen.

Jane's POV

I had just finished reviewing client case files at the firm when my phone rang. Frank's name appeared on the screen. I had already dismissed him as my bodyguard, but I hesitated before answering.

His voice on the phone was professional yet tinged with urgency as he told me someone wanted to see me, insisting that I come down immediately.

I considered refusing, but curiosity won out. After gathering my things, I took the elevator down to the first floor.

Frank stood beside a sleek black car, moving to open the rear passenger door when he spotted me approaching.

That's when I saw Hunter sitting in the back seat. I stopped dead in my tracks. "Frank, you called me down just to see him?" My voice carried unmistakable betrayal.

Frank maintained a neutral expression. "Please get in, Ms. James."

"Get in," Hunter commanded, an order rather than a request.

"Why would I get into your car?" I shot back, already turning to leave. "If you have nothing else, Attorney Huxley, I'll be going now."

"Don't you want to know who sent that truck driver to hit you?" Hunter's voice was calculated and calm, and infuriatingly effective at stopping me in my tracks.

Knowing who wanted to kill me could help me protect myself. But accepting Hunter's help after he refused to assist with my father's case felt like swallowing broken glass.

The eternal struggle between pride and pragmatism.

Pragmatism barely won.

I slid into the car wordlessly, positioning myself as far from Hunter as possible, pressed against the door.

"Drive," Hunter instructed Frank, who closed my door and moved to the driver's seat.

As the car pulled away, I stared out the window, refusing to acknowledge Hunter's presence. Silence stretched between us, filled with unspoken accusations.

"Didn't you tell me last night to stay out of your business?" I finally broke the silence, deliberately using a casual tone to mask my inner anger. "Is Attorney Huxley so bored today?"

"I'm interfering in your business, yet you got into my car?" Hunter countered.

The comment felt like a slap. I kicked the front seat hard enough to make Frank glance in the rearview mirror.

"Stop the car," I demanded. "I want to get out."

"Ms. James," Frank said soothingly, "Mr. Huxley is just joking."

"I'm not joking," I snapped, kicking the seat again. "Stop the car now!"

I noticed Hunter's mouth curving slightly upward at my outburst, which only fueled my anger. I reached for the door handle but found it locked.

"Unlock this door immediately," I said, my voice dangerously calm.

"Frank works for me now," Hunter reminded me, leaning back against the leather seat as if we were merely discussing the weather.

I turned my full attention to Hunter. "Tell your bodyguard to stop the car. I don't need your help."