Chapter 1699

At the event that day, some people were bold enough to question Ben directly to his face. It was no surprise that, in his absence, they felt free to make unpleasant comments to Jamie instead, leaving her to deal with it alone.
Ben held Jamie’s hand, his gaze soft and full of care.
“After everything we’ve been through to get here, you should understand how determined I am to protect you,” he said gently, his voice steady and soothing. “If anything happens to you, you have to tell me. If you don’t, how am I supposed to know? I can’t let you suffer in silence.”
Jamie nodded. “I know. I promise. But I really just want to use this opportunity to prove myself.”
How could she not? If she didn’t prove herself now, when would she?
Her goal was to stand alongside Ben for the long haul.
“And what exactly will proving yourself through working with her accomplish? Jamie, you need to understand that as long as you’re with me, you don’t need to-”
Before Ben could finish, Jamie placed her hand over his lips, stopping him mid-sentence.
Her resolve was clear.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Jamie said, her tone calm yet firm. “But let me explain. Lila looks down on me. If I can successfully collaborate with her, it will set an example and show others not to underestimate me.”
Her intentions were straightforward.
Ben gently stroked her hair. “You need to understand that some people’s negative opinions can’t be changed, no matter what you do. All you need to do is focus on being the best version of yourself. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”
He wasn’t wrong. Even his mother had finally let go of her prejudice against Jamie, and his father now doted on their son, Charlie, instead of interfering in their lives.
But the problem was the constant judgment from others. Jamie wanted to put an end to the criticism entirely.
“No, I’ve already decided to move forward with this collaboration. You don’t need to try to talk me out of it.” Seeing her determination, Ben knew he couldn’t stop her.
“If you’re set on it, I’ll drive you there later.”
“Alright,” Jamie replied simply.
That evening, after settling Charlie, Jamie went over her preparations again. She was well aware that Lila would likely make things difficult for her, but Jamie was ready to face whatever came her way.
Lila, however, had been keeping an eye on Jamie from the start. What she didn’t expect was for Ben to personally escort Jamie to the meeting.
Then again, considering how well Ben treated Jamie now, there was little he wouldn’t do for her.
Not that it mattered to Lila. This was a business meeting, and everything on the table was legitimate.
Lila had reserved a private room for their discussion. It was just the two of them, and Jamie showed no signs of nervousness. She handed over the proposal. “This project is something I’m negotiating on my own. If you’re looking for someone to represent you in court
“You don’t even have your license yet. How could I possibly ask you to defend me? Why don’t you convince Ben to come out of retirement and do it for me instead?” Lila interrupted with a mocking laugh before Jamie could finish.
Ben’s law license had already been revoked, and he had made that clear that day. Bringing it up now was clearly a jab.
“If you’re serious about this collaboration, let’s discuss it. Wasting time like this is pointless,” Jamie said, her irritation evident.
Lila didn’t seem fazed. “Relax, it was just a joke. Are you really this easy to rile up? Has no one ever taught you that you need to keep your cool during negotiations?” “No, they haven’t,” Jamie replied curtly, her tone icy.
If Lila wasn’t going to take her seriously, Jamie saw no reason to give her any respect in return.