Chapter 101
Rain’s father-in-law had arrived, heading straight toward a group of men his age. But during his interactions, he still managed to glance at Rain, accompanied by a nod and a warm smile. It was subtle, almost unnoticed by those around him, but Rain caught it immediately, returning his gesture with a small smile of her own.
Since Alexander stepped away for a private conversation with Vernice for a while, Rain continued to look around the gallery with Eric by her side. She paused at a table, picking up a glass of fresh juice from a waiter, while Eric opted for a glass of wine.
Without warning, Eric handed her his business card. “Keep this and stay in touch, just in case you change your mind. The prosecution office can be tough, and the pay isn’t great. If you ever want a change, you’re welcome at our firm p>
Rain smiled as she looked at the card. “I appreciate the offer, Eric. To be honest, the prosecution office was always my top choice. Your firm, The Titans Law Firm, was second, and Smith Law Firm came third.” She paused, then added with a grin, “But when Paul and I got together, he convinced me to stay with Smith Law Firm after passing the bar p>
She then turned to Eric, her eyes playful. “Don’t worry, though. If things don’t work out in the prosecution office, your firm is next on my list. But I doubt it’ll come to that. I have a knack for making things work, even when they’re difficult p>
Eric blinked, clearly impressed. “I can see that. You don’t give up easily, do you p>
Rain chuckled. “Not at all p>
As she glanced over at her father-in-law, she noticed the men gathered around him, particularly Eric’s father, sneaking curious glances in her direction. Quickly and discreetly, she shifted her position to avoid their gaze, maintaining her poise with a subtle smirk.
Eric noticed the movement and tilted his head in amusement. “Seems like you’re attracting a lot of attention p>
“Unintentionally,” Rain muttered with a knowing smile. “But I’d rather not be the focus p>
Eric nodded, his expression one of quiet admiration. “That’s what makes you interesting, you have a way of standing out without even trying p>
Shifting the focus away from herself, Rain glanced toward the door where Alexander and Vernice had disappeared, taking a sip of her fresh juice. “I wonder what they’re talking about,” she murmured, her curiosity evident.
“I wonder too,” Eric replied, furrowing his brow. “It’s unlike him to talk to anyone unless it’s something important—either business or p>
“Or what?” Rain asked, intrigued by his hesitation.
“Or maybe he’s planning to buy one of her artworks and bypass the bidding process,” Eric speculated, though his tone suggested uncertainty.
Rain considered this, then said, “Or maybe it’s something personal. Was Vernice close to the Lancaster family p>
“Oh, absolutely,” Eric confirmed. “Miss Vernice is like Uncle Rock’s best friend. They’ve known each other since they were young. My father once told me their families even discussed an arranged marriage, but then Uncle Rock fell in love with someone else… to Aunt Alexa p>
Rain smiled. “You seem to know a lot. I’m guessing your family is close to Father p>
Eric grinned proudly. “Right again! My father, James Crawford, Uncle Rock, Aunt Vernice, Uncle Arlan Cartier, and Uncle Darwin Lane—they were all like a powerhouse group of best friends p>
Rain blinked in surprise and shifted her gaze toward her father-in-law, who was still engaged in conversation with three men. “Wow, that’s an impressive circle,” she said, recognizing the names. Darwin Lane was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, James Crawford was the Chairman of Meta Doctors Hospital, and Arlan Cartier was the country’s Field Marshal.
“Indeed,” Eric agreed with a nod.
Curious, Rain asked, “So why did you choose to become a lawyer instead of following your family into the medical field p>
Eric chuckled and shrugged. “Because being a lawyer is what I love—it’s always been my dream. Plus, I have plenty of siblings to help run the hospital, so I could follow my own path p>
Rain nodded thoughtfully, her gaze following her father-in-law as he discreetly returned her smile with a nod when no one was watching.
“So, you’re not going to approach Uncle Rock?” Eric asked, curious.
“No,” Rain replied. “You know the situation with Alexander. The last thing I want is to give their wonderful family any unnecessary scandal p>
Eric’s expression grew more serious. “But you like Alexander and want to make this marriage work p>
Rain smiled softly, meeting Eric’s scrutinizing gaze with a determined look. “Yes, that’s the plan. I want to make things work, but it has to be mutual. If, in the end, Alexander still wants a divorce, then I’ll let him go p>
Eric swirled his wine glass thoughtfully before downing it in one go. He sighed heavily, his eyes drifting to where her father-in-law was still engrossed in conversation with his friends.
“You know it won’t be an easy fight, especially once Carla comes back,” he said, his tone hesitant. “You see that man, Arlan Cartier? The Field Marshal p>
Rain nodded. “I know. He’s Carla’s father. And I know her mother, Summer Cartier, from the Haven Orphanage. I’ve always looked up to her. Miss Summer is a kindhearted woman p>
Eric chuckled lightly, leaning back. “Isn’t it ironic? You’re named Rain, and your competitor’s mother is named Summer p>
Rain smiled at the playful observation but didn’t miss the underlying tension in his words. “Funny, but no matter the name, I know what I’m up against.” She took a sip of her juice, her expression resolute. “I’ll give it my all, Eric and I’m assuming you’re also a close friend of Carla p>
“Yes, I understand. I’m honestly torn with this situation regarding Alexander,” Eric admitted with a sigh. “Both he and Carla are very close to me, and the last thing I want is for either of them to get hurt. Carla… she’s been genuine in her feelings for Alexander. He’s her first love, and she’s only ever had eyes for him. But she’s also struggled with a lot of insecurities, which is why she left to build a career of her own. It wasn’t an easy decision for her p>