Chapter 9: An Expensive Gift as Compensation

Hunter maintained some degree of gentlemanly behavior, reaching out to straighten her dress and offering to button it up for her.

"I'll do it myself," Willow said, her voice trembling.

Her hands fumbled with the tiny button, but it was too slippery and she couldn't secure it.

In the end, Hunter had to button it for her.

He apologized again.

To make amends, he personally called Attorney Jasper Kane, explaining Willow's father's situation.

Jasper greatly admired Hunter as his junior colleague. As soon as Hunter asked, he immediately agreed and scheduled a time to meet with Willow.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Hunter ended the call.

He sat behind his desk and lit a cigarette, then said to Willow, "Besides legal representation, you can make any other requests you wish."

Willow knew this would likely be the last time they'd meet.

Previously, Hunter might have occasionally thought about her body, but now things were different. He seemed determined to draw a clear line between them.

Willow was perceptive.

She pretended to be casual. "It was just physical attraction between a man and woman. I haven't lost anything! I should thank you for your help..."

By the end, Willow felt a lump in her throat, but she refused to cry in front of him. She wasn't even friends with Hunter, and being emotional in front of him served no purpose.

She said goodbye, insisting she would take a taxi home.

Hunter didn't say anything. He remained seated, smoking, watching as Willow left.

She didn't go home immediately, not wanting to face Aunt Rhea's disappointed expression so soon.

As night fell, Willow walked alone on the street.

The Ferris wheel in the city center plaza lit up, blinking rhythmically. Young couples embraced and kissed beneath it.

Willow stood still.

She watched quietly, feeling a pang in her heart.

A golden Bentley Continental drove past Willow, and Hunter spotted her.

She stood beneath the Ferris wheel, gazing up at the starry lights, longing in her eyes... Hunter wasn't narcissistic enough to think she was thinking of him!

He knew exactly who was on her mind.

Hunter stepped on the gas, and the Bentley Continental sped away.

...

The next day, Willow went to work at the music studio, the most upscale music training center in Brooksville. Her colleagues knew about her family situation and offered words of comfort.

Not wanting to burden others, Willow smiled faintly and said everything was fine.

At ten o'clock, a citywide courier service delivered something, saying it was from an Attorney Hawke.

Willow unwrapped the outer packaging.

Inside an exquisite velvet box lay a diamond necklace.

It was clearly very expensive.

A colleague whispered to Willow, "A necklace from this brand with these carats must be worth at least a million."

Willow didn't want it.

But there was no contact information for Hunter on the delivery, making it clear he didn't want to see her again.

After work, Willow went to the "Elite" Agency. She left the velvet box at the reception, asking the receptionist to pass it to Attorney Hawke.

Though puzzled, the receptionist agreed.

Just as Willow was about to leave, Hunter walked out with a young woman. Willow had seen her in magazines.

Pearl Hawke, the treasure of the Hawke family and Hunter's only sister.

Six months ago, Pearl had returned from studying abroad and quickly began a passionate relationship with Grant Caldwell.

Now, Pearl was clinging to her brother's arm, pleading, "Hunter, I've asked you several times already. Please meet with Grant!"

Hunter casually dismissed his sister.

Pearl pretended to be angry, but any observer could see the deep affection between the siblings.

Willow watched silently.

She didn't hate Pearl; she merely felt self-mocking—

With such deep sibling bonds, what made her think Hunter would represent her in court?

Willow quietly left.

Hunter had seen her. He sent Pearl away, then walked toward the reception desk.

The receptionist immediately handed him the jewelry box. "Attorney Hawke, the lady just now left this."

Hunter accepted it with a dignified nod.

Back in his office, he tossed the box into a drawer. For a long time afterward, he almost forgot Willow existed, only vaguely recalling her when his body needed relief.

Slender waist, long straight legs...