'You get what you wish for'. That probably worked for me.
A few days later, a lawyer suddenly contacted me. He said he could help me get the inheritance. With suspense and excitement, I made an appointment to meet him at a cafe near Malibu Academy. Right after afternoon ballet class, we met.
"Hello Miss Joan. I'm Attorney Kevin."
"Hello, Mr. Kevin." I took his business card, smiled slightly, and sat down.
"Do you have tea or coffee?" Attorney Kevin politely asked me.
"Tea, please."
While waiting for the waiter to bring the drinks, we talked for a while to get to know each other. Turns out, Kevin is not the lawyer that Dominic Arnold sent me as I thought. He was a lawyer with a famous law firm and happened to know of the inheritance trouble I was having.
At first, I was a little hesitant to trust Kevin, but Dominic assured me nonetheless that he would help me with this troublesome inheritance. I still remember the agreement between me and Dominic, if he helps me get the inheritance that my great-grandfather Joan left me, I will be his mistress.
So, if I don't need his help anymore, it means that Dominic Arnold's obligation to be a secret mistress is over.
With that in mind, I decided to trust attorney Kevin.
"So, Lady Esther Joan, please tell me about your problem."
"Joan's great-grandfather left all his inheritance to me. However, Joan's family didn't know that until he died.
The high court judge kept the original copy of the will, they called me once and advised me to quickly come to an agreement with Joan's family. My father keeps the photocopies. After showing me a photocopy of the will, my father insisted that I sign the deed of transfer of the property to him." I told the story briefly.
"And you disagree?"
"Yes, that's right."
"What's the reason? I mean... um... you know... you and your father shouldn't have made things so troublesome. You should make a deal with your father and come up with a mutually beneficial agreement.” Attorney Kevin looked at me and frowned.
"Yes I understand. But my father insisted on taking the entire inheritance, he even locked me in Joan's barn just to force me to sign." I tried to explain to the lawyer that my father-son relationship with Mr. Curtis was really bad. And if I could negotiate with my father, I wouldn't have to hire him.
"Do you have proof for this?"
"Um... I don't, sir."
"Hmm..."
Attorney Kevin sighed. he took a sip of his coffee and then sat quietly, thinking for a moment.
"I'll be frank, Miss Joan. You're at a disadvantage if you want to sue your father. By all accounts, ma'am, I think you should do as your father said, after all, he's the one in charge of the Joan family. The fact that she took all the assets of the Joan family would make things confusing. Besides, if..."
"Attorney Kevin." I interrupted him. "I'm sorry I have to say this, but I didn't hire you to convince me whether I should take the inheritance or not. I've made my decision, and I'm not changing my mind."
"..."
Attorney Kevin observed my expression, perhaps he also noticed my stubbornness and determination. His fingers tapped steadily on the tabletop, continuing to think thoughtfully.
Time passed slowly. I had an extra shift in the evening, so I had to stop this conversation.
"Sir, it's time for me to go. Let's make another appointment to discuss this matter." I grabbed my bag and stood up.
"Miss Joan. I've thought about what you've said. Maybe I haven't really thought through your situation.
I'll take this case and be your attorney, if you trust me."
Attorney Kevin's quick change made me a little bit, I guess maybe he really pondered for a long time to make this decision. Help me and fight the powerful Joan family, this must be the most risky and difficult case of his entire career.
"I'm glad for that, Mr. Kevin." I looked at him with grateful eyes. Anyway, at least he was the only lawyer on my side.
"I'll see you then. Next time we'll sign the contract at my law office."
"Okay. Goodbye."
I left quickly and completely missed attorney Kevin's brooding gaze in my direction.
Five minutes after I left, attorney Kevin leisurely finished his coffee and made a phone call.
"How's it going?"
"Your daughter is a strong and determined lady. I couldn't convince her." Attorney Kevin rolled his eyes and looked out the window, one hand loosening his tie.
"And..."
"I did exactly what you said. Right before she got frustrated and left, I gave her hope that I would help her."
"Good job. It's been hard for you."
"It's all right, Mr. Curtis. It's my honor to serve you. And congratulations on your victory, Mr. Curtis."
"Haha, thank you. After taking back the inheritance, I will definitely pay you well."
Mr. Curtis was sitting with his wife, Lady Ernesta. They seemed to be gloating when the scam was initially successful.
"I'm so upset with your insolent daughter. How happy would it be if we could make her fail?" Ernesta whispered to her husband and giggled.
Mr. Curtis was on the phone so he didn't answer, but he also looked at his wife with fond eyes and a smirk.
"Okay then, I'll hang up."
"By the way, Mr. Curtis." Attorney Kevin hastily said.
"What's wrong?"
"Are you worried about Mr. Dominic Arnold? Although Esther Joan is only a temporary fiancé of Dominic, I am afraid..." Attorney Kevin said hesitantly.
"There's no need to be afraid. As your beloved daughter, Kaylin Joan, has told me, you have nothing to fear. Dominic just sees Esther Joan as a toy to play with."