Chapter 5 Did You Offend Nicholas Somehow

Alison's heart skipped a beat as she read the message.

Archie's older brother, Vincent Payne, was childhood friends with Nicholas, so the information Archie provided was likely accurate.

"Nicholas again?" she grumbled to herself. It seemed she couldn't catch a break today.

"Alison, reliable sources say that Nicholas will be meeting with renowned lawyers tonight at Splendor. Are you going?" Archie asked.

Alison stared at the words, her thoughts swirling. She knew that any case involving Nicholas would be worth billions; securing it would be a game-changer for her career and her firm.

Additionally, it would be cathartic to take on such a case; it was kind of like compensation for the two years she'd spent trapped in a loveless marriage.

Determination sparked in her eyes as she typed her response. "I'll definitely be there."

Splendor was an exclusive, members-only club reserved for the city's elite, so it made sense Nicholas was meeting the lawyers there.

When Alison arrived, Archie hurried over to greet her, his eyes widening with admiration. "Alison, you look stunning today," he said appreciatively.

Alison had donned a fiery red, off-shoulder dress that clung to her curves and flowed like running water with every step she took. Her long, wavy hair danced in the evening breeze, framing her face like a work of art.

"Did you find the exact location?" Alison asked, glossing over his compliment and cutting straight to the chase. "And what about the materials I asked you to prepare?"

"Right here." Archie quickly produced a stack of documents from his briefcase, handing them over.

Alison nodded in approval, flipping through the papers with a practiced eye. "Remember, Archie, we never go into battle unprepared."

With that, the two of them made their way inside.

As they approached the entrance, a sleek, understated luxury car pulled up to the curb.

The door opened slowly, revealing a pair of long legs, followed by a tall figure whose cool demeanor added a chill to the warm evening air.

Alison looked up, and her breath caught as her gaze locked with a pair of deep-set, mysterious eyes. It was Nicholas.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then, gathering herself, Alison offered a polite smile and a nod.

In stark contrast to her stiff greeting, Archie waved at Nicholas cheerfully. "Hey, bro!"

But Nicholas ignored them and, without a word, turned away, striding purposefully into Splendor.

One of Nicholas' childhood friends, Larry Curtis, noticed the tension and leaned in with a grin. "Hey, that was Vincent's younger brother, Archie. I heard he's reformed recently and is now working for a lawyer with the surname Conley. She's something else, since she managed to tame the Payne family's black sheep."

"Which law firm is she with?" Nicholas asked, his voice low and intent.

Larry's eyebrows shot up in surprise, as he wasn't expecting Nicholas would take an interest in the subject. After a slight pause, he snapped his fingers and said, "I think she's with Apex Law Firm-Hank Brown's firm, to be precise. Word on the street is that Ms. Conley is his top ace. Why, are you interested?" With a soft chuckle, he added, "For Paige's case, you might want to consider her. They say she's never lost a case!"

Nicholas remained silent, a cold, displeased aura radiating from him like a storm cloud threatening to unleash its fury.

Larry, sensing the tension, wisely fell quiet.

Nicholas' mind raced as he wrestled with his thoughts. So, that woman was a lawyer? Was everything from last night merely part of a calculated scheme?

His expression hardened as he contemplated the implications.

Meanwhile, Alison strode towards Nicholas' room, determination etched on her features. But her resolve quickly faltered when she encountered his bodyguards, stationed like immovable sentinels at the door, their expressions stoic and unyielding.

She could do nothing but watch, frustration bubbling within her, as several lawyers breezed past the bodyguards, handing over their documents with ease.

"Damn him!" Alison muttered under her breath, realization dawning that Nicholas was exacting revenge on her. He must have misinterpreted her intentions from the previous night.

"Alison, did you offend Nicholas somehow?" Archie asked, his frown deepening in confusion. "Why won't he let us in? Do you want me to call my brother?"

"No need. I'll figure something out." Alison's eyes darted around, landing on the waiters bustling back and forth, and suddenly, a plan sparked in her mind.

At the top floor of Splendor, down a long, elegant hallway, was a VVIP room reserved for only the most elite.

Inside, Nicholas reclined on the plush sofa, his expression as inscrutable as granite.

He leaned back lazily, his narrow eyes sweeping across the room, gradually silencing the lively chatter that had filled the air.

Larry settled beside him, offering a glass of wine. "Nicholas, remember your wife?"

Nicholas took a sip, his icy demeanor unyielding.

He had already instructed his lawyer to send the divorce agreement, convinced that the Powell family, if they had any sense at all, would know exactly what to do.

Larry smirked knowingly; it was no secret that the woman held no place in Nicholas' heart.

Changing the subject, he asked, "Why won't Paige just use your lawyer for her divorce?"

"It was her request." Nicholas clinked his glass against Larry's, the sound sharp and final.

After downing its contents, Larry set down his glass, curiosity piqued. "Did any of the lawyers tonight impress you?"

"I'll decide after reviewing the files." Nicholas' brow arched as Alison's face crossed his mind. Smirking, he reveled in teaching her that some things were beyond her control.