Chapter 2: The Dignified and Self-Respecting Mr. Hawke

When Willow rushed home, she found Aunt Rhea sitting blankly on the sofa.

Her eyes were red as if she had been crying.

Willow looked around and instinctively asked, "What's wrong, Aunt Rhea? Where's Dad?"

Aunt Rhea was Walter's second wife.

Hearing Willow's question, she couldn't help but curse bitterly.

"That ungrateful Grant Caldwell is so cruel!"

"You stood by him loyally during Caldwell Family's low years, and now that they've recovered, not only has he dumped you, but he's also sending your father to prison. Your father is in the detention center now."

Willow was stunned, then said: "Don't worry, Aunt Rhea. I'll... talk to Grant."

She thought that even if they couldn't be together anymore, their past feelings should count for something. Grant couldn't be that heartless.

She dialed his number, and he answered quickly.

Willow spoke gently, "Grant, we've already broken up. Please don't take it out on my father."

Grant sneered.

He said "Someone has to be responsible for that lost money."

Willow tried to plead further.

Grant changed his tone, "There's another option, if you're willing! Willow, if you can be my lover for five years, I'll let Walter go."

Willow was shocked.

She hadn't imagined Grant could be so despicable—he wanted her future prospects as his stepping stone, and he wanted to possess her body too!

Willow trembled with anger. "Grant Caldwell, you're disgusting!"

Grant smiled indifferently. "You've always known what kind of person I am, haven't you?"

Willow gritted her teeth. "I won't be your mistress! Grant, don't even think about it!"

Grant chuckled softly, "Then prepare to hire a lawyer for Walter! Willow, don't say I didn't warn you—a sum this large means at least ten years in prison."

Willow laughed coldly. "I'll hire the best lawyer!"

"You mean Hunter Hawke?" Grant laughed calmly: "Willow, have you forgotten he's my future brother-in-law? Why would he take your case?"

Willow felt ice-cold from head to toe!

Grant tossed out a final line. "Willow, I'll be waiting for you to beg me!"

...

As soon as Willow hung up, Aunt Rhea cursed loudly.

"That bastard!"

"He's dreaming! Our family would rather die than send you to him!"

Aunt Rhea started crying as she spoke, "That Mr. Hawke is that scum's brother-in-law. How could we possibly hire him? Willow, think of something."

Willow lowered her eyes.

After a moment, she spoke quietly: "I've met Mr. Hawke once. I'll try approaching him."

Aunt Rhea smelled the alcohol on Willow and noticed the man's coat she was wearing, guessing what had happened.

But Aunt Rhea didn't call her out on it.

Meeting Hunter Hawke was not easy for Willow.

In the lobby of the "Elite" Agency, the receptionist was politely distant: "I'm sorry, miss, but without an appointment, I can't let you go upstairs."

Willow regretted not taking his business card the night before.

She asked, "If I make an appointment now, when would I be able to see Mr. Hawke?"

The receptionist checked: "Two weeks at the earliest."

Willow couldn't help feeling anxious.

Just then, the elevator doors opened at the corner of the lobby, and a man and woman walked out.

The man was Hunter Hawke.

He wore a classic black and white suit, impeccably dressed, every inch the elite professional.

The woman was curvaceous—a sophisticated lady in her early thirties.

As soon as Hunter exited the elevator, he spotted Willow, but he acted as if he didn't know her, proceeding to escort his client to the entrance.

He maintained perfect composure as he shook hands with the woman to say goodbye.

The woman's voice was alluring. "Thank you so much, Mr. Hawke. I couldn't have gotten such a smooth divorce settlement without you! You have no idea how stingy he became after finding his new flame..."

Hunter smiled faintly. "Just doing my job."

The woman made her move. "Mr. Hawke, care for a drink tonight?"

Willow's gaze fell on the woman, thinking that with those curves, most men would find it hard to refuse.

Hunter Hawke was not most men.

He raised his hand to check the time, declining tactfully, "What a shame. I already have plans this evening."

The woman was perceptive enough to realize that this prestigious lawyer wasn't interested in her.

She bid him a seductive farewell before getting into her car and leaving.

After seeing his client off, Hunter deliberately paused by the reception desk.

He looked at Willow and said, "Changed your mind?"