Chapter 999

Chapter 1007:
Candice, her gaze fixed on Bettina, decided to reveal her intentions.
“Bettina, you don’t need to relocate. I’m planning to resign!”
Candice pulled a carefully prepared resignation letter from her bag. Unbeknownst to Bettina, she had been wrestling with this decision ever since their time in Thonde, uncertain how to break the news without causing her partner undue distress. The law firm they had built together—a testament to their shared dreams—had reached a point Candice had never anticipated. She had weighed the choice of quitting for a long time before finally resolving to act.
As if on cue, Bettina brought up the possibility of relocating the firm, prompting Candice to reveal her intentions. Bettina’s initial reaction was one of disbelief. Only when Candice placed the letter in her hand did the truth register. Though her lips trembled with shock, Bettina forced a calm smile.
“Surely you jest,” she said, attempting a wry grin. “Today isn’t April Fool’s Day, is it?”
Returning the letter to Candice, she continued, “You’re the partner—which makes you the boss, not an employee. How could the boss resign? Don’t toy with me. There’s nothing funny about this, Candice.”
“I’m not jesting,” Candice replied softly. “I’ve already initiated the process to cancel my law license, which will be finalized in about twenty days. All my ongoing cases have been meticulously transferred to Mona. Trust me, Mona is more than capable of steering Hope Law Firm to success.” Anxiety welled in Bettina’s reddened eyes; the cancellation of Candice’s license symbolized an unyielding resolve, leaving no room for compromise.
Her voice quivering, Bettina asked, “Why relinquish your career as a lawyer? You’ve poured so much effort into this. I understand your reluctance to face Mr. Lopez. We could relocate—perhaps to another town. I’m already exploring options. We could avoid any unpleasant reminders. Even if Ploville doesn’t appeal to you, we could open branch offices elsewhere. Why abandon the profession you love, Candice? It hardly seems worthwhile. Please, reconsider.”
𝓣𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮:. c𝗈⃟𝗆
Candice shook her head. “Relocation isn’t necessary. Hope Law Firm has weathered its share of storms, and as its cofounder, you bear a significant responsibility toward our colleagues. Frequent moves tamish the firm’s image and, more importantly, are unnecessary. The current location and facilities more than suffice.” Bettina’s anxiety surged, prompting her to stand abruptly.
“Colleagues. Frequent moves tarnish the firm’s image and, more importantly, are unnecessary. The current location and facilities more than suffice.”
Bettina’s anxiety surged, prompting her to stand abruptly. “Responsibility to our colleagues? Shouldn’t you share in that responsibility too? What is this? Why wasn’t I consulted on this momentous decision beforehand? Is this merely an announcement?”
Candice met Bettina’s eyes with a heavy heart. “I’m sorry, Bettina.”
Candice understood the debt she owed Bettina. As the eldest daughter of the Reeves family, Bettina had her pick of privileges. The law firm represented not only her opportunity for personal validation but also for Candice.
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