Chapter 5 The Attorney

Jemma's mind was in a mess. It now made sense why Kaelyn had been so adamant about keeping her away from the President. Kaelyn and her father, Declan Mason, had been scheming to snatch her father's position all along.

The threat to Declan's role loomed large if Kevin's conviction was overturned and he was cleared.

Jemma felt utterly betrayed. She had always valued her friendship with Kaelyn, while Kevin had held Declan in high regard. It appeared both Kevin and she had misjudged their characters. Leaning despondently against the wall, she wondered about her next steps. With even the President against her father, how could she possibly clear his name?

Swamped by despair, Jemma hardly took in what her colleague said about the pearl earring.

She couldn't focus on work and decided to take time off to head home immediately.

Despite their recent conflict, Kaelyn tried to act like a concerned friend.

However, Jemma's patience had reached its limit, and she slapped Kaelyn twice across the face.

"Last night, you drugged me. Today, you spilled coffee on my outfit, locked me in the restroom, and stopped me from meeting the President. Consider our friendship done, Kaelyn Mason."

With that, she snatched up her purse and stormed out.

Kaelyn held her cheek, tears welling up in her eyes as she explained to their colleagues, "I didn't do those things. Jemma's got it all wrong..."

Jemma hastened away, unwilling to listen to any more of Kaelyn's lies.

Back home, she flopped down on her sofa, utterly drained.

Last night, worries about her father had kept her awake. Now, her head was throbbing with pain. Just as she was about to close her eyes and rest for a bit, noises from upstairs startled her.

Could it be a burglar?

She raced upstairs, only to discover her stepmother stuffing jewelry into a box.

Stunned to see Julia instead of a burglar, Jemma reclaimed the jewelry.

"What's going on? Shouldn't you be at the hospital with Dad? Who's looking after him?"

Julia, typically meek and accommodating, dropped to her knees. "I'm desperate, Jemma. I need to sell these and use the money to bribe someone who might help your father."

Julia's explanation touched Jemma, as she realized Julia only wanted to help her father. She had wrongly assumed Julia was trying to sell their assets and flee.

Bending down, Jemma helped Julia to her feet and said softly, "Julia, I'm sorry. My mood is off today, and I was wrong to doubt you. But we can't solve this with bribery. Considering Dad's case is about money, any hint of bribery could ruin any chance of clearing his name."

Julia avoided Jemma's gaze, uncertainty in her eyes.

"I'm not quite sure what you mean."

"Let me handle this, Julia. Just focus on caring for Dad at the hospital."

Julia hesitated, then said, "I've actually made an appointment with Brent Spencer, a lawyer from Eminence Law Firm, tonight. I paid them in advance, hoping to lighten your load. Since I'm out of my depth, perhaps you should go in my place?"

"Did you really secure a meeting with Brent from Eminence Law Firm?"

Julia confirmed with a nod.

Jemma felt doubtful. Eminence Law Firm was renowned in Onaginia for its formidable legal team, particularly the lead attorney, Waylon Sutton, who had a flawless track record.

Jemma had tried to hire one of their lawyers, but their fees were exorbitant, and hiring Waylon was even more expensive. The Martin family's assets were mostly frozen, and she couldn't afford the high legal fees. Even if she had the money, it wasn't guaranteed Waylon would take the case.

Her strategy had been to seek help from the President and simultaneously raise money for legal fees, never imagining Julia could afford to engage Eminence Law Firm.

Seeing Jemma's puzzled look, Julia quickly added, "I sold some jewelry to raise the funds. It would be a shame to miss the appointment."

Grasping Julia's hands, Jemma reassured her, "I'll go see Brent tonight."

That evening, Jemma arrived at Nightfall Bar early by thirty minutes and ordered a glass of water as she waited for Brent.

"Are you Jemma Martin?"

Looking up, she saw a chubby man settle beside her, his arm wrapping around her waist. His other hand crept towards her thigh. "With the weather so warm, why so covered up? You should wear something a bit more revealing," he suggested with a sleazy smile.

Disgusted, Jemma reacted swiftly, striking him in the temple with her fist, then delivering a swift kick to his groin.

"How dare you? We're in a public place, and you think it's okay to harass me like this?"

Nearby, Caiden, who was waiting for his friend, Jared Clarke, turned his attention to the disturbance.