Chapter 39
Lena's POV
I woke to pale morning light filtering through the curtains.
Last night's nightmare still lingered like a thin fog, but I forced myself to sit up and take a deep breath.
Don't think about it.
After washing up, I changed into a simple cashmere sweater and jeans. Downstairs, I heard the soft clinking of dishes from the dining room.
Isabelle was already seated at the table, coffee in hand, several morning papers spread before her. She looked up when she saw me and smiled.
"Good morning, dear. Sleep well?"
"Well enough." I took the seat across from her, my eyes scanning the breakfast spread—toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and a pitcher of orange juice.
"Where's Rowan?" I asked, though I wasn't particularly invested in the answer.
"Left for the office early." Isabelle poured me a cup of coffee, her tone carrying a hint of disapproval. "That boy always puts work first."
I accepted the cup without comment.
Isabelle sat back down, delicately cutting her toast, then looked up at me. "So, what are your plans today?"
"Meeting Emily." I took a sip of coffee. "I want to talk to her about the firm."
"Good." Isabelle nodded. "You need people in your corner. Emily's a smart girl—she'll help."
I lowered my gaze to my coffee cup, feeling the warmth ease some of last night's residual tension.
"Actually, Lena," Isabelle said suddenly, "I called a few old friends last night. Mentioned you were starting a practice. They're interested—said they'd be happy to refer clients your way."
I looked up, caught off guard. "You didn't have to—"
"Don't be silly." She cut me off, her tone firm. "You're my daughter-in-law. And even if my idiot son doesn't appreciate you, I'm not about to let you fight this battle alone."
She paused, then added, "Besides, you have the talent. I'm just opening doors. Whether you keep those clients is up to you."
Warmth spread through my chest, though I didn't quite know what to say.
Finally, I managed, "Thank you."
"Don't mention it." Isabelle smiled. "Now eat up. Don't keep Emily waiting."
---
I met Emily at a café in the city center.
It was her favorite spot—minimalist décor, abstract art on the walls, an old record player tucked in the corner.
When I arrived, Emily was already seated by the window, latte in hand, scrolling through her phone.
"Hey." I slid into the chair across from her.
She looked up and set her phone down. "Finally. Thought you might be late."
"I'm never late. You know that."
"Right. Miss Punctuality." Emily grinned and waved over a server. "Iced Americano for her."
The server nodded and left.
Emily turned back to me, concern flickering in her eyes. "How was last night at the Reynolds estate? Isabelle treat you okay?"
"She was great," I said. "Better than my mother, anyway."
Emily raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's a low bar. Your mother only cares about leverage."
I didn't argue.
The server brought my coffee. I took a sip, the cold liquid sharpening my focus.
"I have news," I said, setting down the cup. "I've decided to start my own firm."
Emily's eyes lit up. "Really? You're actually doing it?"
"Yeah." I nodded. "Talked it over with Isabelle yesterday. She's willing to help. But I still need a partner."
Emily thought for a moment. "A partner… Most of my contacts are in the therapy world. Lawyers, though…" She paused, then smiled. "Actually, I do have a few clients who practice law. I can ask around—see if anyone's interested."
"Thanks."
Emily lifted her cup, a mischievous glint in her eye. "But before we get into all that, I think we should celebrate."
"Celebrate what?"
"You ditching that garbage firm." She grinned. "And soon, ditching a garbage marriage."
I blinked, then gave a dry laugh. "You don't hold back, do you?"
"Never have." Emily said. "And I think we should get Alexander in on this. He got back from overseas last month—probably going stir-crazy by now."
I considered it, then nodded. "Sure."
Emily immediately pulled out her phone and dialed. She put it on speaker.
After a few rings, a groggy male voice answered. "Emily, if this is about chasing down another client's ex-husband, I swear—"
"Relax, Alex," Emily cut him off. "Lena's here. Try to sound like a functioning adult."
There was a pause, then Alexander's voice shifted to mock offense. "Lena? You finally remembered I exist?"
I couldn't help but smile. "I texted you last week."
"Yeah. One word. 'Okay.'" Alexander's tone dripped with sarcasm. "I thought you'd been kidnapped."
Emily laughed. "She wasn't kidnapped. Just trapped in a contract marriage."
"Fair point," Alexander said, his voice softening with sympathy. "So what's this about? Don't tell me you're calling to make me buy drinks again."
"Bingo," Emily said cheerfully. "Saturday night. Usual place. You're paying."
"Why is it always me?" Alexander's voice jumped an octave. "I paid last time!"
"Because you're a Pierce," Emily said matter-of-factly. "And because your dad exiled you to that branch office in the middle of nowhere. You need a social outlet."
Alexander sighed audibly. "You're not wrong. Do you know what I dealt with yesterday? A client wanted me to draft a pet inheritance clause. For his cat."
Emily and I exchanged a glance and both burst out laughing.
"Did you do it?" I asked.
"Of course I did," Alexander said wearily. "I'm in my 'learning phase.' I have to take every ridiculous case that comes my way. Dad wants me to quit so my brother can take over without competition."
"So what's your plan?" Emily asked.
"Survive. Then go solo." Alexander's tone turned resolute. "And when I do, Lena, you're my first client."
"Me?"
"Yeah. Emily told me you're starting a firm. We should work together—you handle corporate law, I do estate planning and family trusts. It's a solid match."
I hesitated, surprised. "You're serious?"
"Dead serious," Alexander said. "And honestly, working with you beats drafting pet trust funds for bored rich people."
Emily cut in. "So, Saturday—yes or no?"
"Yes. But on one condition."
"What condition?"
"Lena pays."
Emily and I both froze.
"Why me?" I asked.
"Because you're about to dump Rowan Reynolds," Alexander said, barely suppressing his glee. "That calls for a celebration. And you're footing the bill."
Emily was laughing too hard to speak.
I shook my head, but warmth bloomed in my chest. "Fine. I'll pay."
"Deal," Alexander said. "And don't pick some stuffy place. I'm so sick of suits and ties I could scream."
"We're going to that BBQ joint you love," Emily assured him.
"Perfect," Alexander said. "Alright, I've got to get back to my feline estate planning. See you Saturday."
Just before hanging up, he added, "Lena—congrats on getting your freedom back."
The line went dead.
I set my phone down and looked at Emily.
"Do you think he's serious?" I asked. "About working together?"
"Completely," Emily said. "Alex talks a big game, but he's reliable. And he really does need an exit strategy."
I nodded, a small flicker of hope stirring in my chest.
Maybe the future wouldn't be as bleak as I'd imagined.