The next day at work, Sarah assigned two cases to Tessa.

She personally handed over the case files. “The first case is an appeal. The client’s previous lawyer left the firm, so it’s now yours. The deadline is coming up fast. You should draft the appeal statement, organize the materials, and submit everything to court today,” Sarah said briskly.

or

“The other involves a workplace injury. You’ll need to take the client for a workplace injury assessment and a work capacity evaluation. Try to arrange it for today o tomorrow. Tomorrow’s already Friday so try not to push it to next week,” she continued.

Tessa nodded quickly as she accepted the files. “Got it. No problem.”

She had already been assigned cases on her second day. Shelton really lived up to its reputation as the top law firm in Rivertown.

Being busy didn’t faze Tessa. More cases meant more experience and commissions.

Once she reviewed the evidence and spoke briefly with the clients, she realized both cases were fairly complex.

she had scheduled the workplace injury assessment for the next day. Her priority today was to prepare and submit the appeal case.

It was already night by the time she wrapped up her tasks.

Her colleagues had left long ago. Tessa was the only one left in the large office.

She had been so absorbed in her work that she hadn’t even had dinner. She soon tidied up her desk and left the office,

Her apartment was just a 10-minute walk from the law firm, so she had started to walk to and from work On her walk home, Stephen called.

“Tess, are you home yet?” he asked.

“I just finished work and am walking home now,” she replied.

“Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. I didn’t have time, so I’ll order something when I get back

“Ms. Yates, your delivery is already on its way,” he said in an amused tone.

“Huh? Did you order food for me?” she asked in confusion.

He chuckded softly. “The delivery guy named Stephen is on his way to you!

She couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re delivering food to me?

He hummed his reply, his voice warm and gentle. “1’ll be at your apartment in about 15 minutes.”

Tessa looked at the time. She would reach the entrance in about 10 minutes, so Stephen had perfect timing.

Tessa couldn’t help but notice how different this playful version of him was. His calling himself a delivery guy felt so out of character compared to his usual calm and composed demeanor.

Spending more time together had shown her a side of him she hadn’t expected. He was nothing like the distant and reserved teenager she remembered him to be. Hisplayful remark had lightened the mood. Tessa teased, “Do you have a surveillance camera on me? Mr. Jacobson, you know that’s an invasion of privacy, right?” “Then, will Ms. Yates arrest me?” he countered smoothly. His voice dropped to a low and seductive tone as he said, “I’m at your disposal.

Tessa blushed at his words. She cleared her throat to mask her embarrassment and changed the topic. “Don’t talk while driving, you’ll get distracted.” Stephenchucded. “The chauffeur’s driving, not me.” For a moment, Tessa was at a loss for words.

As she walked to the apartinent entrance, she continued to chat with Stephen she had a sweet smile on her face and spoke in a cheertul tone.

She was so engrossed in their conversation that she didn’t notice the man standing under a tree near the entrance.

“Tessa,”

A cold, sharju vojce cut through the darkness.

Tessa came to an abrupt stop, and her head turned toward the volor.

Zachary stood beneath the tree, watching her in silence. His gaze was intense and unsettling.