Pearl couldn't help but worry when Esther headed to see James.
Upon Pearl's strong insistence, Esther brought her along to James's law firm, which happened to be close to Esther's place.
Esther noticed the spacious office with only a few people working, which puzzled her. "Why are there so few people here?"
"Probably because there isn't work every day."
Right after Pearl dropped her sarcastic comment, James showed up with a friendly smile. "Hey, what brings both of you here?"
"I'm here to keep Esther company, making sure she doesn't get caught by the big bad wolf," Pearl said protectively.
The comparison was clever, making James chuckle. "Okay, con in."
He led Pearl and Esther to the couch and went straight to the point, "Alright, tellin detail what's going on."
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Esther couldn't hide a grimace as she recalled recent issues in her family's business. "It was just a few days ago when my brother
finally toldthe truth. Our business hit a rough patch, and | had to practically force him to confess."
She sighed and continued, "He said Lawson Enterprises played dirty, framing our company and pushing us into a contract breach.
Now we have to pay a hefty penalty and deal with a lawsuit."
James remained silent, maintaining his smile.
"Don't just stand there smiling and saying nothing. Tellwhat | should do," Esther urged, her patience running thin.
"Getting all worked up won't solve anything," James replied.
Hearing this, Esther stood up abruptly. She placed her hands on her waist and pointed at James. "I don't have all day. If you say
something like that again, | might lose my temper!"
James stood up slowly, placing his hands on her shoulders to calm her as she sat back down. He spoke gently, "Okay, no need to
get all worked up. | never said | wouldn't help you. | just meant | have things under control, so don't worry."
"So, you're going to help me?" Esther's anger, which flared up a moment ago, vanished instantly.
"Yeah, as | mentioned on the phone, I'll help you." James grabbed a teacup and handed it to her with a warm smile. "Have some
tea to relax. No need to be so hot-headed. It can cause wrinkles, you know."
Esther suddenly felt embarrassed, clutching the teacup and feeling a little awkward.
"I'll handle this issue for you."
His words were comforting. With widened eyes, she asked excitedly, "Really?"
"But there's a condition. You promised to chelp out at my law firm. When can you start?" James asked in return.
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Without hesitation, Esther set the tea aside. She picked up a cloth from the nearby desk and took on a very humble demeanor. "I'll
show up whenever you need me, Mister James. Just say the word."
James looked at her innocent, puppy-like eyes with a touch of mischief and found himself intrigued. He smiled, his voice carrying a
mystical tone, "Well, your first task now is to joinfor tea."
Suddenly, Pearl felt like she was out of place here. Something seemed off between these two.
James noticed Pearl's discomfort, and his gaze subtly shifted. "Miss Pearl, the matter is resolved now. Do you have other matters to
attend to?"
In other words, he was telling Pearl that she could leave.
Pearl scrutinized James's attractive yet mysterious face. So far, this man was harmless.