Chapter 1678

“Got it!” Jamie nodded subtly, a flicker of excitement coursing through her.
As more attendees filled the room, a prominent attorney, Ken Freeman, walked by, glancing at the name placard in front of her. His lips curled into a cold smirk. “The Lucas firm must be scraping the bottom of the barrel, bringing in just anyone to represent them.” Jamie frowned slightly but refused to show any sign of insecurity. She understood that her background and status made her an easy target for skepticism in this elite circle. However, she had no intention of letting such dismissive remarks define her. Looking him squarely in the eye, she responded with a calm, unwavering smile. “Everyone has to start somewhere. What matters is how far we go, isn’t it?”
Attorney Freeman hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by her composure and steady gaze. Then he let out a derisive laugh, as if her confidence was amusing.
“Well, it looks like this year’s grand prize is heading elsewhere,” Attorney Freeman remarked with a smirk.
“Don’t be so sure about that,” a group of lawyers interjected as they approached.
Attorney Freeman turned, narrowing his eyes at the newcomers. “You all…”
“It’s been a while, Attorney Freeman,” said Keith Spencer, the lead lawyer, as he extended his hand for a firm handshake.
Attorney Freeman’s gaze flicked between Jamie and the new arrivals before realization dawned. He chuckled dryly, masking his discomfort. “Ah, so that’s how it is. Mr. Lucas has invested heavily this year as the main sponsor, hasn’t he? Fielding two teams to boost the odds of winning. A smart strategy, I suppose. But handing such a high-profile opportunity to an unknown like this? Turning such a prestigious event into a training ground? I must say, Mr. Lucas has quite the flair for bold moves.”
“Thank you for the compliment,” Attorney Spencer replied with a polite smile. “Mr. Lucas has his reasons.”
Attorney Freeman’s smirk deepened. “Oh, I’m sure he does. But I’d think you, Attorney Spencer, would be less than thrilled about this. Seeing as a prime chance like this went to someone else.”
Attorney Spencer’s expression didn’t waver. “Our boss knows what he’s doing. If you’re curious, you’re welcome to try a similar approach.”
Realizing he was getting nowhere,
Attorney Freeman let out a hollow
laugh and waved his hand
dismissively. “Forget it. I didn’t set
anything.” He walked off with his
entourage, muttering under his breath.
Jamie let out a quiet breath and turned to Attorney Spencer. “Thank you, Attorney Spencer.”
He gave her a sidelong glance, his expression indifferent. “I wasn’t defending you. I was defending the firm. Honestly, I still don’t
understand why Mr. Lucas the net
was a good idea to put a rookie into a competition like this.”
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“I’m not a novice,” Jamie began, but the words faltered. Her unfinished education loomed large in her mind. She had left law school halfway through, never earning her degree. To the seasoned attorneys in this room, she must look like an amateur at best.
Deep down, she knew that she had a long way to go compared to these battle-hardened professionals.
The press conference began shortly after, and Jamie sat in the guest section. When it was her turn to be introduced, she stood with a composed smile and greeted the audience.
A chorus of whispers and muted scoffs rippled through the room.
“Who is she?”
“Never heard of her before. Must be a nobody.”
The murmurs reached Jamie’s ears, but she didn’t waver. She knew this competition was more than just a chance to prove herself.
It was also a battle to uphold the reputation of the firm that had placed its trust in her.