Chapter 268
Chapter 268:
The three watched her go, a hint of regret in their expressions — though none of them tried to stop her. They quietly scattered a moment later.
Descending the stairs, Kristine made her way to her car, sat behind the wheel, and immediately reached for her phone to review the notes she had gathered the night before.
She had, in fact, found a lawyer with credentials even stronger than Brendan’s — the very man who had been Brendan’s top adversary for years.
However…
Kristine eyed the case file, kneading the tension from her temples.
His name was Nathan Cole. He had once been Brendan’s senior in the legal world. Though both men trained under the same mentor, their philosophies couldn’t have been further apart. Brendan would defend anyone as long as the fee was right, even if his client was truly despicable. Nathan operated by an entirely different code — he took cases only when he believed, without doubt, that the side he defended was in the right. No amount of money could buy his loyalty. If a case felt just to him, he would take it. If it didn’t, not even a fortune would change his mind.
Three years ago, Nathan and Brendan had stood on opposing sides in a major, headline-grabbing lawsuit. Nathan didn’t win. It was the only defeat on an otherwise flawless record — and after that, he simply walked away from the courtroom and vanished from the legal world altogether.
Kristine eyed the house looming before her, then checked the address on her phone one more time. Certain she had the right place, she stepped up and knocked.
𝖲а𝘃е 𝗒𝗼𝗎𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝗏𝘰𝘳𝗂𝘁е 𝗇о𝘃𝗲𝘭s 𝘰ո.с𝘰𝘮
A long silence dragged by before a raspy, elderly voice called out, “Leave the package by the door p>
Kristine responded with practiced courtesy. “Good afternoon, sir. I’m here to speak with Nathan Cole p>
Only silence followed.
Refusing to give up, she rang the doorbell once more. The quiet inside lingered, making her wonder if she had imagined hearing that voice at all. Running out of options, she found herself at Nathan’s neighbor’s doorstep.
The neighbor said, “He’s always in there — never leaves for anything. But unless it’s life or death, you’re better off steering clear p>
“How come p>
“He’s got a reputation for being difficult. When he’s in a mood, he’s thrown dirty water on people before. Trust me, don’t poke the bear unless it’s absolutely necessary p>
Kristine hesitated, weighing her options. In the end, she marched back and knocked again, this time with more resolve.
“Mr. Cole, my name is Kristine Green. I know you’re inside. I’m here because I need your expertise on a legal matter.” She kept her voice steady, pressing on even though she had no idea if he was listening. “I realize money isn’t what motivates you. But if you’ll help me win, you can set whatever terms you like p>
Suddenly, the door flew open with startling force.