The Royal Contract

Jacky barged inside her office with determination in her stride. "Aren't you going home yet? You have a dinner date remember."

She looked at Jacky as if she had just grown a pair of horns. Her words did not register quickly in her brain since she was busy with her current cases.

"OMG! Dani, don't tell me you have already forgotten. I just reminded you this morning that Evan already confirmed your dinner reservation." Jacky reiterated. Picking up her bag and coat, ready to send her away.

"It just slips off my mind." She replied as she finally comprehended what she was talking about. "I'll just clear this up and I would head home immediately to prepare."

She started stocking up the files on her table when she noticed the flowers on the corner of her table. She grabbed them and without a second thought, threw them in the bin behind her desk.

Staring at the card in her hand, it reminded her of that night when she woke up on his bed the next morning after she went home with him. She did not need any more reminders as she crumbled the card and let it dropped on the trash together with the flowers.

"Why did you do that?" Jacky said, astonished as she eyed the flowers with the trash. "These are perfectly beautiful flowers." As she started picking it up again.

"Leave it." She instructed, not wanting to see those flowers ever again.

"I think you knew who sent it. What are you not telling me?" Eyeing her with suspicion on her face. Jacky let go of the flowers and strode towards her with her hands settling on both sides of her hips. Demanding answers.

"Because that is where it belongs." She said, not wanting any more argument. "I have to go. I don't want to be late." She had to leave before Jacky started questioning her more.

She knew that this was far from over, but that should keep Jacky off her back for a while.

"Better hurry up then." Jacky changed her expression to excitement upon remembering her dinner date. "But I need an explanation later. I want full details." Her friend shouted as she moved towards the elevator.

To her, this was not a date, but another meeting she had to endure for the company, her career, and her goals. Keep it professional was the key to her success.

Evan was already waiting at the table when she arrived at the restaurant. She glanced at her watch, relieved that she arrived just in time. If this was a real date, she might consider him, but she had sworn off dating and anything resembling a relationship. Meaning, getting involved with anyone was not her priority at the moment.

"Good evening Dani." Gesturing for the chair as he assisted her.

"Thanks, Evan." She said, taking the seat he offered. "This is a fancy place just for a welcome dinner." She observed. Looking at the stylish and expensive decoration surrounding the room. It would take weeks or even a month to get a reservation in a place like this.

"Nothing but the best to welcome our new junior partner to the company." He said as he settled on his chair across from her.

In an instant, a man in a crisp white shirt and a bow stood beside him and poured his glass with a bottle of red wine. Taking a sip, he nodded in approval and the man poured more to his glass and hers too.

After ordering a selection of delicious dishes from the menu, they talked about her impression of the company after her two weeks at the job. How she was adjusting from her new position, her expectations from the company, and clarifications on her responsibilities.

"I heard that you had quite an argument with Derik, on the other hand, all praised from Gerald." He raised his brow with an easy grin, showing her that he was more amused than annoyed with the situation.

"Derik was hard to impress, but in time I'll get his approval while Gerald is a good listener with a lot of great ideas to help me with the case." She voiced out confidently, remembering the several meetings she had with the different partners of the firm.

Being a junior partner meant working under the different partners of the firm if need be. She was required to help them with their cases and learned from their experience. She was more than willing to do that if it meant making her a better lawyer.

"That's the spirit. I'm sure that old goat will soften up eventually. He is after all one of the best, so he gets to be a stubborn mule once in a while." He jokingly said. "Gerald however was very impressed. I think you are already fitting in just fine."

"I promise I'll do my best to be a valuable asset to this firm." She pledged to her boss.

She admitted that she already had great respect for the people working in this company, even Derik. Maybe she could see a great future working for this firm in the years to come.

"I'm glad that you are settling nicely. If ever you need anything or you have any questions, feel free to come to me." He offered with a genuine smile.

Although she believed that she had what it took to be a great lawyer, she still could not shake off the feeling that she was given special treatment because of her name. She wondered if other junior partners were treated in the same way. She planned to find out because she did not like to work in that kind of condition.

"I have a question. I'd been working for the company for a couple of weeks, but I have yet to meet Mr. David Anderson." She enquired as she wondered about the other senior partner. It was a legitimate question. He should be here, in this welcome dinner.

"He would be joining us tonight. He was just running late because of a late appointment." He informed her.

"Oh! Is that so? That's wonderful. I look forward to meeting him." She said excitedly. She had heard so much about the man. He was a legend in the courtroom and she was looking forward to learning from him.