Whisper - Chapter 81: Chapter 81
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Predators and Protectors – 2
My blunt response seemed to infuriate her. She slammed her palm against the desk, making the pens jump.
"How arrogant!" she snapped. "Do you know how much your impulsiveness cost us? A five – year legal advisory contract worth $ 150,000, and other disputes totaling at least $ 500,000! Are you going to pay the $ 650,000 loss?"
I felt my lips curl into a cold smile. "Fine. I'll fill that hole today. But don't ever send me to meet scumbags like them again."
Heather's eyes widened in disbelief before narrowing into a sneer. "Before you leave work, I want contracts signed and payment proof in hand. If not, don't bother coming tomorrow. You've caused serious losses – we have every right to terminate your position without compensation."
I held her gaze without flinching. "Understood."
As I left her office, I passed by Kenneth Westfield's desk. His face split into a gloating smirk when he saw me.
"Wow, Lawyer Winters," he called loudly enough for others to hear, "after offending clients and losing big business, you still have the face to come to work? If I were you,
I'd be too ashamed."
I shot him a frosty glance but kept walking. His petty satisfaction wasn't worth my attention.
Back at my desk, my phone buzzed with a message from Jade Mitchell, the young intern I'd helped during that expensive dinner outing.
"Lawyer Winters, did you see the social media posts from Valerie Pierce and Kenneth Westfield? They're attacking you."
My stomach tightened as I opened the screenshots she'd attached.
Valerie's post was thinly veiled but unmistakable : "Some women are shameless- young, healthy, but don't work hard, just rely on rich protectors. Such people disgrace the profession."
Kenneth's attack was more direct : "If you already have a rich man with a Bentley, just stay home and play pampered princess. Don't come here pretending to work and ruin deals, dragging me down too. Hypocritical bitch."
Jade sent another message : "They've blocked you from viewing their posts. They're the ones who spread rumors you're kept by a wealthy man. They even created a gossip group chat just to slander you."
More screenshots followed – over thirty of them – showing a group chat dedicated entirely to tearing apart my reputation. The messages were vicious, speculating about my relationship with Connor, mocking my work ethic, and painting me as nothing more than a gold – digger.
"Wonder how many men she had to sleep with to get that Bentley?"
"Pretends to be so professional but really just a high – class escort."
"No wonder she doesn't care about losing clients – she's not here for the salary anyway."
Each message felt like a physical blow. I had tried so hard to be kind to these people- treating them to dinner, helping the interns, working diligently on every case. And this was how they repaid me.
The realization was bitter : my kindness had been interpreted as weakness, my competence as a threat. This toxic workplace cared nothing for sincerity or skill – only status and connections mattered.
I bit my lip hard, suppressing the surge of anger and hurt that threatened to overwhelm me. My naivety in believing kindness could win trust now seemed laughable.
With steady fingers, I typed a reply to Jade : "Thank you for telling me. Next time they gossip about me, help me record it."
Her response came immediately : "Of course, Lawyer Winters. You saved me from that expensive dinner bill. Whatever you need."
I took a deep breath, straightening my shoulders as I made a decision. With newfound resolve, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I rarely used.
"Hello, Dad," I said when Richard Winters answered, my voice calm and clear. "Is there
I hung up the phone with a sense of grim satisfaction. The conversation with my father had been brief but productive. Without wasting another moment, I gathered my things and headed straight to the printing room.
The contracts needed to be perfect. I printed several copies, checking each one meticulously before sliding them into my leather portfolio. My colleagues watched with curious eyes as I strode through the office, head held high.
Let them stare. Let them. Soon, they would understand exactly who they had been tormenting.
The drive to the Winters Group headquarters took less than twenty minutes. The imposing glass building gleamed in the afternoon sun, a testament to my family's legacy in Riverdale. I parked my car and walked through the familiar lobby, nodding at security guards who recognized me immediately.
"Miss Winters! It's been a while," one called out respectfully.
I smiled politely but didn't slow my pace. The elevator whisked me to the top floor where my father's office occupied the corner suite with the best views of the city.
His assistant looked up in surprise. "Miss Winters! Your father just finished his meeting. He mentioned you were coming."
"Thank you, Melissa," I replied, heading straight for the double doors.
My father, Richard Winters, stood by the window. At fifty – five, he still cut an impressive figure – tall and distinguished with completely white hair that had once been the same honey – brown as mine. The premature white was a physical manifestation of his grief after my mother's death.
He turned as I entered, his amber eyes – so like my own – lighting up with genuine pleasure.
"Olivia," he said warmly.
I wasted no time on pleasantries, tossing the contracts onto his polished desk. "Dad, take a look at the contracts. If there's no problem, sign them."
He raised an eyebrow at my directness but sat down and began flipping through the pages with careful attention. "I asked my assistant : our current legal counsel contract ends at the end of this year. I can sign a new five – year contract with your law firm, but the contract will only start from next year."
I nodded calmly. "No problem. But once it's signed this afternoon, the payment should be made immediately."
My father looked up, surprise evident in his expression. "In such a hurry?"
I shrugged lightly, keeping my tone casual despite the anger still simmering beneath the surface. "Yes. Last night, I went to negotiate a case and was harassed by two filthy men. The deal fell through, and my supervisor gave me a final warning."
( Olivia's POV )
The moment the words left my mouth, my father's expression hardened. His jaw tightened, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes – the look of an Alpha wolf whose offspring had been threatened.
"Who dared to harass you?" he demanded, his voice dropping to a growl.
I waved a dismissive hand, deliberately downplaying the incident. "Don't worry, they didn't get a chance to take advantage of me – instead, I beat them up."
Despite my nonchalant tone, his brows furrowed deeper with concern. "Olivia, why don't you stop being a lawyer? Your firm just had that incident recently, and now this harassment. The risks are too high. What if someone retaliates? Just come back and work at the company. I can make you the general manager."
I shook my head firmly. "No./I still prefer being a lawyer for now. I hold company shares ; the dividends are enough for me. Besides, I don't know a thing about running a business. If you made me the GM, wouldn't I ruin your company?"
( Olivia's POV)
My father couldn't help but chuckle at my blunt assessment. "I can hire experts to
Bloodlines an ....
help you."
I persisted in my rejection, offering him a faint smile. "No need. Maybe when I get tired of being a lawyer someday."
He sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. "You really are ..."
The unfinished sentence hung between us. I knew what he meant I was stubborn like my mother. Sarah Winters had been equally determined, equally unwilling to bend when she believed in something. It was both a compliment and a lament.
( Olivia's POV )
Conceding to my insistence, my father picked up his pen and signed the five – year contract without further argument. He immediately called the finance department, instructing them to wire $ 150,000 to Moonlaw Legal Services ' account.
I watched with satisfaction as he completed the transaction. With a teasing smile, I asked, "Any new company disputes lately?"
He looked momentarily sheepish, admitting, "I don't usually handle those details." He pressed the intercom button. "Send Gregory in, please."
Soon, a middle – aged man in a crisp suit entered the office. For nearly an hour, Gregory briefed me on various ongoing disputes and potential cases that the Winters Group was facing. I listened attentively, making notes and asking pointed questions.
My blunt response seemed to infuriate her. She slammed her palm against the desk, making the pens jump.
"How arrogant!" she snapped. "Do you know how much your impulsiveness cost us? A five – year legal advisory contract worth $ 150,000, and other disputes totaling at least $ 500,000! Are you going to pay the $ 650,000 loss?"
I felt my lips curl into a cold smile. "Fine. I'll fill that hole today. But don't ever send me to meet scumbags like them again."
Heather's eyes widened in disbelief before narrowing into a sneer. "Before you leave work, I want contracts signed and payment proof in hand. If not, don't bother coming tomorrow. You've caused serious losses – we have every right to terminate your position without compensation."
I held her gaze without flinching. "Understood."
As I left her office, I passed by Kenneth Westfield's desk. His face split into a gloating smirk when he saw me.
"Wow, Lawyer Winters," he called loudly enough for others to hear, "after offending clients and losing big business, you still have the face to come to work? If I were you,
I'd be too ashamed."
I shot him a frosty glance but kept walking. His petty satisfaction wasn't worth my attention.
Back at my desk, my phone buzzed with a message from Jade Mitchell, the young intern I'd helped during that expensive dinner outing.
"Lawyer Winters, did you see the social media posts from Valerie Pierce and Kenneth Westfield? They're attacking you."
My stomach tightened as I opened the screenshots she'd attached.
Valerie's post was thinly veiled but unmistakable : "Some women are shameless- young, healthy, but don't work hard, just rely on rich protectors. Such people disgrace the profession."
Kenneth's attack was more direct : "If you already have a rich man with a Bentley, just stay home and play pampered princess. Don't come here pretending to work and ruin deals, dragging me down too. Hypocritical bitch."
Jade sent another message : "They've blocked you from viewing their posts. They're the ones who spread rumors you're kept by a wealthy man. They even created a gossip group chat just to slander you."
More screenshots followed – over thirty of them – showing a group chat dedicated entirely to tearing apart my reputation. The messages were vicious, speculating about my relationship with Connor, mocking my work ethic, and painting me as nothing more than a gold – digger.
"Wonder how many men she had to sleep with to get that Bentley?"
"Pretends to be so professional but really just a high – class escort."
"No wonder she doesn't care about losing clients – she's not here for the salary anyway."
Each message felt like a physical blow. I had tried so hard to be kind to these people- treating them to dinner, helping the interns, working diligently on every case. And this was how they repaid me.
The realization was bitter : my kindness had been interpreted as weakness, my competence as a threat. This toxic workplace cared nothing for sincerity or skill – only status and connections mattered.
I bit my lip hard, suppressing the surge of anger and hurt that threatened to overwhelm me. My naivety in believing kindness could win trust now seemed laughable.
With steady fingers, I typed a reply to Jade : "Thank you for telling me. Next time they gossip about me, help me record it."
Her response came immediately : "Of course, Lawyer Winters. You saved me from that expensive dinner bill. Whatever you need."
I took a deep breath, straightening my shoulders as I made a decision. With newfound resolve, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I rarely used.
"Hello, Dad," I said when Richard Winters answered, my voice calm and clear. "Is there
I hung up the phone with a sense of grim satisfaction. The conversation with my father had been brief but productive. Without wasting another moment, I gathered my things and headed straight to the printing room.
The contracts needed to be perfect. I printed several copies, checking each one meticulously before sliding them into my leather portfolio. My colleagues watched with curious eyes as I strode through the office, head held high.
Let them stare. Let them. Soon, they would understand exactly who they had been tormenting.
The drive to the Winters Group headquarters took less than twenty minutes. The imposing glass building gleamed in the afternoon sun, a testament to my family's legacy in Riverdale. I parked my car and walked through the familiar lobby, nodding at security guards who recognized me immediately.
"Miss Winters! It's been a while," one called out respectfully.
I smiled politely but didn't slow my pace. The elevator whisked me to the top floor where my father's office occupied the corner suite with the best views of the city.
His assistant looked up in surprise. "Miss Winters! Your father just finished his meeting. He mentioned you were coming."
"Thank you, Melissa," I replied, heading straight for the double doors.
My father, Richard Winters, stood by the window. At fifty – five, he still cut an impressive figure – tall and distinguished with completely white hair that had once been the same honey – brown as mine. The premature white was a physical manifestation of his grief after my mother's death.
He turned as I entered, his amber eyes – so like my own – lighting up with genuine pleasure.
"Olivia," he said warmly.
I wasted no time on pleasantries, tossing the contracts onto his polished desk. "Dad, take a look at the contracts. If there's no problem, sign them."
He raised an eyebrow at my directness but sat down and began flipping through the pages with careful attention. "I asked my assistant : our current legal counsel contract ends at the end of this year. I can sign a new five – year contract with your law firm, but the contract will only start from next year."
I nodded calmly. "No problem. But once it's signed this afternoon, the payment should be made immediately."
My father looked up, surprise evident in his expression. "In such a hurry?"
I shrugged lightly, keeping my tone casual despite the anger still simmering beneath the surface. "Yes. Last night, I went to negotiate a case and was harassed by two filthy men. The deal fell through, and my supervisor gave me a final warning."
( Olivia's POV )
The moment the words left my mouth, my father's expression hardened. His jaw tightened, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes – the look of an Alpha wolf whose offspring had been threatened.
"Who dared to harass you?" he demanded, his voice dropping to a growl.
I waved a dismissive hand, deliberately downplaying the incident. "Don't worry, they didn't get a chance to take advantage of me – instead, I beat them up."
Despite my nonchalant tone, his brows furrowed deeper with concern. "Olivia, why don't you stop being a lawyer? Your firm just had that incident recently, and now this harassment. The risks are too high. What if someone retaliates? Just come back and work at the company. I can make you the general manager."
I shook my head firmly. "No./I still prefer being a lawyer for now. I hold company shares ; the dividends are enough for me. Besides, I don't know a thing about running a business. If you made me the GM, wouldn't I ruin your company?"
( Olivia's POV)
My father couldn't help but chuckle at my blunt assessment. "I can hire experts to
Bloodlines an ....
help you."
I persisted in my rejection, offering him a faint smile. "No need. Maybe when I get tired of being a lawyer someday."
He sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. "You really are ..."
The unfinished sentence hung between us. I knew what he meant I was stubborn like my mother. Sarah Winters had been equally determined, equally unwilling to bend when she believed in something. It was both a compliment and a lament.
( Olivia's POV )
Conceding to my insistence, my father picked up his pen and signed the five – year contract without further argument. He immediately called the finance department, instructing them to wire $ 150,000 to Moonlaw Legal Services ' account.
I watched with satisfaction as he completed the transaction. With a teasing smile, I asked, "Any new company disputes lately?"
He looked momentarily sheepish, admitting, "I don't usually handle those details." He pressed the intercom button. "Send Gregory in, please."
Soon, a middle – aged man in a crisp suit entered the office. For nearly an hour, Gregory briefed me on various ongoing disputes and potential cases that the Winters Group was facing. I listened attentively, making notes and asking pointed questions.
End of Whisper Chapter 81. Continue reading Chapter 82 or return to Whisper book page.