The next afternoon, Stella Sterling indeed received the docuntation sent over punctually from Evan Hughes.
The materials were very detailed, clearly proving that the head of Montum Ads had indeed attempted to fra through the forr employee of Stella’s client’s company.
The evidence was conclusive, enough to overturn the entire case.
Stella imdiately contacted the client and submitted the evidence.
Faced with undeniable proof, the opposing company’s attitude softened instantly, eventually agreeing to withdraw the lawsuit, apologize, and pay a significant sum for defamation damages.
Thus, the tricky case that no one in Riveria dared to touch was resolved satisfactorily!
Overnight, Serene Law Firm’s reputation soared.
"Boss, Counselor Peyton from Innovatech Bio called!" Finn Lockwood reported with barely contained excitent.
Stella calmly organized the case files, "Prepare yourself, we are going to sign the contract this afternoon."
"That’s fantastic!" Finn Lockwood punched the air excitedly, "At this rate, our law firm will soon establish a strong foothold in Riveria!"
"We’re just getting started," Stella raised her eyes, a bright light flickering in them, "If we’re going to do it, we’ll be number one."
...
The afternoon’s client discussion went very smoothly; perhaps Shane Donovan had briefed him beforehand. Elias Peyton didn’t make things difficult and quickly finalized the cooperation frawork.
"Counselor Sterling, we’re on the sa team now." Elias Peyton pushed the contract in front of Stella, "Looking forward to a pleasant collaboration."
Stella smiled, "I’ll rely on Senior Peyton’s guidance in the future."
"No problem, no problem..." Elias Peyton grinned broadly, "I’ve long wanted to poach you from Jasper Hawthorne’s side, without you, Clearstone Law Firm might as well shut down."
Stella did not respond, aware that Elias Peyton had always disliked Jasper Hawthorne and was happy to ddle in things that might irritate him.
Just as Stella was about to sign the contract, her phone suddenly rang.
Seeing the caller ID, she paused slightly—
It was her graduate advisor, law titan Professor Caleb Callahan.
"Excuse , I need to take this call." Stella nodded slightly at Elias Peyton, then walked over to the window.
"Stella, am I interrupting your work?" Professor Callahan’s voice was as amiable as ever.
"Professor Callahan? What makes you think of calling ?" Stella was sowhat surprised.
The old professor on the other end chuckled heartily: "This weekend there’s a legal academic conference in Riveria with many top industry figures attending. I rember you were interested in cross-border intellectual property before; there’s a related forum this ti. Would you be interested in attending? Also, stand by your teacher."
Stella felt a surge of interest; such high-end academic conferences were indeed rare.
"Alright, Professor, I’ll definitely be there on ti."
"That’s good, I’ll send you the specific ti and address. Oh, by the way..."
Professor Callahan seed to suddenly rember sothing, "Jasper will also be speaking as a representative of young lawyers this ti; he has unique insights on cross-border intellectual property. It’s a good opportunity for you both to exchange ideas."
Stella’s smile instantly froze.
Jasper Hawthorne... will he be there?
Her fingers tightened slightly around the phone; as she lifted her head, she unexpectedly t a pair of deep eyes.
Shane Donovan was now leaning at the doorfra, the sleeves of his white shirt rolled to his forearms, revealing a discreet platinum watch on his wrist. Sunlight skimd his shoulders, breaking his sharp aura into lazy light patterns.
"Professor, then we’ll chat later."
"Alright, alright, you go on with your work."
Stella hurriedly ended the call and returned to her seat, only to find Shane Donovan had already sat down opposite her.
Perhaps it was due to the phone call, Stella felt agitated.
"What’s up?" Shane Donovan curled his lips slightly, "Who upset our Little Counselor Sterling again?"
The remark carried a faint note of ambiguity...
Seeing this, Elias Peyton cautiously pressed his lips and wisely retrieved the contract, "President Donovan, the contract is signed, so I’ll go handle the follow-up arrangents..."
Then he quickly got up, grabbing ’Lockwood the Third Wheel’ along the way.
In an instant, only two were left in the eting room.
Feeling a bit uneasy, Stella pursed her lips, blaming Elias Peyton for running off just like that...
Just as she was pondering how to break this awkward silence, the man’s long fingers tapped the table lightly, "Why aren’t you talking?"
"It’s nothing..." Stella laughed softly, "My teacher called, inviting to an academic exchange."
"Oh?" Shane Donovan raised an eyebrow, "Is it this weekend’s law conference?"
"President Donovan knows?"
"Yes." The man’s lips curved upward slightly, "Coincidentally, I also received an invitation. Since we’re going the sa way, shall we go together?"
Stella didn’t mind, nodding imdiately, "Alright."
Shane Donovan’s lips curved slightly, "Then it’s decided."
...
A few days later, the legal academic conference was held as scheduled at the Riveria International Convention Center.
At the entrance, a bustling crowd gathered, with law experts, scholars, and elite lawyers from across the country, creating a solemn yet enthusiastic atmosphere.
Stella specially selected a finely-cut charcoal gray business suit ensemble, applied light makeup, and had her long hair up, looking professional and sleek.
She arrived fifteen minutes early, checked in at the registration desk, collected her attendance badge and materials, then headed straight for the main hall, finding a seat towards the back and near the aisle.
Her plan was to listen to the main forum in the morning and leave early in the afternoon, trying to avoid any chance encounter with Jasper Hawthorne.
The venue was lit brilliantly, packed to capacity.
As one of the organizers, Professor Callahan was onstage delivering the opening remarks, his voice resounding loud and passionate.
Stella tried hard to concentrate on the speech content, but her peripheral vision involuntarily scanned the front rows and entrance.
Her heart raced uncontrollably within her chest, a mix of unexplained anxiety and restlessness.
Ti ticked by, and the main forum continued smoothly.
As the host announced a coffee break, the side door of the venue was pushed open, and a familiar tall figure strolled in amidst a group of people.
Even from afar, even among the throng of attendees, Stella recognized him at a glance—
Jasper Hawthorne.
He was dressed in a tailored dark blue suit, standing tall and firm, with a stern face, exuding an unapproachable presence.
He seed to have leaned out, but his gaze was sharper and deeper than before.
His entrance imdiately drew many glances and whispers around him.
"Look, it’s Jasper Hawthorne!"
"Jasper Hawthorne from Clearstone Law Firm? He actually ca?"
"I heard he’s been in Riveria recently, I guess it’s true..."
"He’s got a keynote speech in the afternoon; looking forward to it..."
Stella’s heart constricted suddenly, instinctively bowing her head, pretending to study the conference materials, hoping the front seats would shield her from view.
She sensed the familiar gaze scanning the venue, with a searching intent.
Her back instantly tensed, palms slightly sweaty.
Fortunately, Jasper Hawthorne didn’t seem to notice her, and under a staff mber’s guidance, he headed toward the VIP section in the front row.
Stella quietly sighed in relief but felt like her chest was stuffed with cotton, heavy with discomfort.
She stood up, intending to use the coffee break to catch a breath outside.
However, just as she reached the venue’s entrance, a familiar voice called out to her.
"Stella..."
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