The Divorced Military Queen Awakens (by Sadie Baxter) novel Chapter 573

Chapter 573 Maybe It Is Both

Chapter 573 Maybe It Is Both

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Weston adjusted the cuff links on his charcoal suit, then leaned forward so the lamplight caught the sincerity in his eyes. “I told you, Laura: if I become your lawyer, I won’t take a single penny in fees. I simply want to help you.”

Laura arched one finely shaped brow, meeting his carnest gaze with a chill that could freeze running water. “Is this generosity because you love me, Weston? Or is it guilt for what you did back then, a need to patch over the damage?”

His lips parted on a sigh he could not disguise. “Label it however you wish,” he said quietly. <Maybe it is both.>

Laura shook her head, chestnut hair brushing her collarbones. “Whatever the reason, I’m not interested. I told you, Weston, I don’t blame you, but I don’t love you either. That means I cannot simply let you be my lawyer.”

His jaw set, Weston countered, voice edged with steel, “So you mean to let your stepmother and stepbrother walk free?”

Her eyes flashed. “Walk free? Never. Especially not that woman–she almost ruined Quinn’s life. I will hire someone else and sue them both. Jexburgh still has other competent attorneys.”

Weston’s answer came swiftly, like a guillotine dropping. “Hire anyone you want, but they’ll be out in a few years–believe it or not. Only with me can you count on a heavy sentence, maybe even life without parole.”

The promise in his voice slid across the room like a velvet rope–silent, persuasive, impossible to ignore.

Laura pressed her lips together. “You’re awfully confident, Mr. Windore. If you can achieve that outcome, another seasoned attorney may achieve it as well. I’m willing to pay for reputation and experience.”

A crease formed between his brows, frustration leaking through the cracks of restraint. “Then why, exactly, will you not choose me?”

Laura inhaled slowly, as though gathering enough air to keep her poise intact. “Because I don’t want our lives tangled together again. Besides, if memory serves, your specialty is finance litigation, not family vendettas.”

Something close to pleading softened his aristocratic features. “Let me handle these two cases. During the proceedings, I’ll keep my distance. No extra entanglements, I swear.”

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20:20 Thu, Nov 20

Chapter 573 Maybe It Is Both

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A strange, unsummoned ache stirred in Laura’s chest. Staring at Weston now, she suddenly pictured her younger self, small and desperate on the marble steps outside Windore Villa. Back then, she had begged the housekeeper for a single audience, hoping Weston would appear and help her find a lawyer–any lawyer–to fight for her.

Back then, she had been fragile and helpless.

Even her modest shard of self–respect had been ground beneath expensive leather shoes.

“Someone like Mr. Windore would never spare you a glance, much less find you a lawyer. Take a look at yourself. What makes you worthy of his effort?” His friends had hurled those words. with the smug certainty of the privileged.

Who could have predicted that this untouchable golden boy would one day stand before her, practically begging for the chance to defend her?

Had he done so back then, she would have been grateful beyond measure.

She would have given him her unwavering love and loyalty from that day forward.

Even the casual cruelty of his earlier confession–that she was only a game–would have been forgiven, maybe even forgotten.

But the world does not deal in what–ifs.

Looking at him now, she felt neither triumph nor delight–only an odd, hollow calm.

“No. Thank you for the offer, but I’ll find another attorney.” With that, she turned to leave.

Before she could take a full step, Weston’s hand closed around her wrist, gentle yet unyielding. “Wait, Laura!”

A shout rose from the corridor, sharp enough to break Weston’s grip. “Ms. Wentworth!”

Laura looked up to see Harvey hurrying toward them.

Surprise slipped into her voice. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard from Ms. Reed that you’d come down to the station. You never returned to the office, so I thought I’d swing by to check on you,” Harvey said. He flicked a glance at Weston. “Do you and Mr. Windore still have unfinished business here?”

“No,” Laura answered, sliding her hand free of Weston’s grasp. “We just happened to cross paths–nothing more. Let’s get back to the company.”

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20:20 Thu, Nov 20

Chapter 573 Maybe It Is Both

“Oh, all right,” Harvey replied.

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