Chapter 45
Rain couldn’t do a thing when Mr. Rock insisted on picking her up, so she no longer argued with the older man. Besides, she enjoyed his company and knew the ride wouldn’t be boring with him around.
“Good morning, daughter-in-law!” Alexander’s father beamed the moment she entered his car.
Rain gave him her sweetest smile and said, “Good morning p>
Her face blushed as she noticed his gaze linger on her hand, where she wore the wedding ring. “It definitely looks perfect on you!” he praised. “I’m glad you’re wearing it p>
His smile was priceless and so genuine; she could truly sense how desperate he was for his son’s marriage to work out. Her face suddenly reddened as she recalled the night she spent with Alexander. It had been intimate, feeling almost like they were truly husband and wife in the sense of their closeness.
Rain gulped and quickly cleared her thoughts. Then she suddenly remembered to inform Mr. Rock, “By the way, sir, I’ll be handling your case independently and won’t be involving Smith Law Firm. Will that be fine with you? If not, I can endorse you to a colleague from the firm p>
Rock’s face suddenly became serious. “I asked you to handle it not because you’re part of the Smith Law Firm, but because it’s you, my daughter-in-law,” he answered directly. “This winery is very important to me, and I’ll be more at ease if a family member handles matters pertaining to it,” he added.
Then he looked straight into her eyes and asked, “But I’m curious, though. What happened? Did you already leave that firm p>
Rain nodded, “I resigned just this morning p>
“That’s a wise decision!” Mr. Rock suddenly burst out, making her flinch. She parted her lips and rapidly blinked at him in disbelief.
“So what’s your next plan now, daughter-in-law?” he quickly asked.
“Oh, I took the offer at the Prosecution Office,” she replied with a smile, and Mr. Rock nodded, seemingly approving. She couldn’t help but smile, feeling as if she were really talking to a father.
“Tell me more, daughter-in-law. Why did you decide to work there? Have you thought about opening your own office?” he questioned in rapid succession, his eyes filled with pure curiosity. She felt a warmth that her own father had never shown—Tim Clayton never bothered asking about her day, let alone her career choices.
“I dream of becoming a judge someday, so working at the Prosecution Office will be good experience for me. I’ve thought about opening my own office, but for now, I want to gain more experience in prosecution,” she explained.
“Ah, good thing it’s under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, although the City-State still has its hand in that office,” Mr. Rock scoffed. “I don’t like our Mayor. He’s not a good man, and most of those in the Capital City State Prosecution Office are his dogs. They’ll eat you alive, Rain he warned.
Rain was well aware of the challenges, but it was still a better choice than working in close proximity to Paul. Besides, she could further help Brandon with his cases by being in the Prosecution Office.
“How about joining the legal firm of a family friend, the Crawford Law Firm? I’m sure they’ve made you an offer!” Mr. Rock suggested.
Rain chuckled and said, “Crawford Law Firm is my Plan B, Sir. And Plan C is putting up my own office p>
Opening her own office was her last option, especially while Mayor Richard Astor was still in power. She knew the man would make obtaining a business permit difficult for her. Besides, she wasn’t ready to invest in her own law office just yet; she preferred to let her money grow in stocks for now.
“Hmm, I see. You’re still young, and it’s good to spread your wings and try things that feel right for you,” Mr. Rock commented, but their conversation was interrupted by the sudden ringing of her mobile phone.
Rain quickly excused herself, seeing it was a video call from her Aunt Melanie. There was no way she could decline her aunt’s call, no matter the situation.
“Of course Mr. Rock nodded in approval.
She immediately answered the call.
“Aunt Melanie, what is it? Can we do a voice call instead? I’m currently outside and with someone,” Rain said with a smile. But her expression shifted to concern as she noticed how pale her aunt looked in the video. “You look pale p>
“Oh, alright. It won’t take long. I just wanted to make sure you’re fine,” Aunt Melanie replied, her voice tinged with worry. “Are you with your husband right now?” she asked, and Rain’s face reddened.
“No, but I’m Rain hesitated, unsure if she should mention Mr. Rock.
“Oh, never mind. I just want to remind you that no matter what your father says, don’t give in, even if he tries to use me against you. I heard he reached out to you and they p>
“Aunt Melanie, can I call you later so we can discuss this more?” Rain quickly interjected, smiling to ease the tension. She turned off the video and switched to a voice call instead.
“I’m sorry, Rain. I just got worried. I overheard them talking about you and your husband. I can tell that they’re planning something bad. Promise me, you won’t do anything impulsive because of me,” Aunt Melanie pleaded.
“Aunty, don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ll see you soon, and we can talk more in person. I’ll hang up now and call you back later, alright p>
“Alright, Rain. Always take care, and never forget what I always keep telling you,” Aunt Melanie said before the call ended.
A terse silence followed, which Mr. Rock broke by asking, “Does your family know who you’re married to p>
“Not really. Only my father saw the copy of my marriage certificate, but he just crumpled and tore it to pieces. Even if they know, they’ll probably think it’s just someone with the same name as Alexander. Or maybe they still think I’m in a fraudulent marriage,” Rain replied.
“I see Mr. Rock hummed thoughtfully, then checked his wristwatch and grinned. “We’ll arrive just in time for lunch. Alexander will be delighted to see you p>
Rain’s face paled instantly. She had just run away from Alexander that morning, and now she had to face him again so soon?