Chapter 1827

The woman didn’t mind at all. She knew very well that most people wouldn’t get involved in something like this.
Karina’s willingness to help came from her kindness. Even if things didn’t work out, the woman wouldn’t hold it against her.
Karina, however, felt a sense of responsibility. After confirming the meeting time with Wilfred, she took the day off, postponing all her work to focus on the matter. When the time came, Wilfred drove to pick her up.
*
At the café, a man stood and offered his hand. “Hello, Ms. Norman. I’m Attorney Jenkins from Birkham Law Firm. You can call me Jenkins.”
Karina shook his hand with a polite smile. “Thank you, Mr. Jenkins. I appreciate you coming all the way from Birkham.”
“It’s no trouble. I happened to be in Atlantis for another matter. Besides, when a friend asks for a favor, it’s not something I can refuse.”
After a bit of small talk, the group sat down, and the conversation shifted to the case.
Since Mr. Jenkins had only been given a general idea beforehand and didn’t know the details, Karina explained everything from start to finish.
Mr. Jenkins, a highly professional lawyer, listened attentively, nodding occasionally and asking questions when needed, all while taking notes.
By the time Karina finished, her throat was dry. She reached for her drink, but Wilfred slid a glass of warm water toward her.
“Drink this. You’ve been feeling like you’re coming down with something lately. Warm water is better for a dry throat,” he said casually.
Without thinking, Karina instinctively picked up the glass and took a sip. Only after drinking did she realize that she had followed Wilfred’s suggestion without a second thought. And this glass of water-it was his, though untouched. She hesitated, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.
Wilfred didn’t seem to notice anything unusual. He was calmly browsing the menu, his movements refined and composed, the expensive cufflinks on his sleeves glinting subtly under the light. His demeanor was aloof and elegant, almost untouchable. Karina silently turned her attention back to her drink, taking another sip. “Maybe he just doesn’t care? Forget it. Don’t overthink,” she thought to herself.
*
“I understand,” Mr. Jenkins said as he closed his notebook.
Karina immediately set her glass down. “Mr. Jenkins, may I ask if you can take on this case?” Her voice carried a note of urgency.
Karina was determined to help the mother and daughter escape their nightmare. It wasn’t just because they were her patients-she couldn’t stand by and watch any woman endure such suffering.
Mr. Jenkins adjusted his glasses and said, “It’s possible to take the case, but… from what you’ve
described, it seems the motherimet
struggling financially. Hiring a lawyer for a defense like this can be quite expensive.”
Karina froze, her mind racing as she mentally tallied her bank balance. But after a quick estimate, she gave up.
There was no way she could afford
it. Most of her Savings had been spent on the Stone family, and her doctor’s salary wasn’t particularly high. Régular doctors might earn three to four thousand, and those in higher-ranked hospitals or in leadership roles could earn more-but even then, it wasn’t much.
Hiring an average lawyer might be within reach, but Mr. Jenkins was a top-tier attorney.
Feeling a pang of embarrassment, Karina hesitated before asking, “How much would it cost to hire you, Mr. Jenkins? If it’s within my means, I’ll pay for it myself.” Before Mr. Jenkins could respond, Wilfred interrupted, “I’ll cover it.”
Karina turned to him, startled.
Wilfred repeated, “Don’t worry about the cost. I’ll take care of it.”
There was no denying it-one of the most attractive things a man could do was pick up the entire tab.
But beyond her surprise, Karina felt a twinge of guilt.
After Mr. Jenkins left, she hesitated before saying, “Thank you for covering this, but I’ll repay you later.”
Wilfred shook his head and said firmly, “There’s no need. I arranged for the lawyer, so it’s only right that I cover the cost.”