Chapter 2 A New Client

What a preposterous twist of fate. Bryson again!

Scenes from their intimacy last night and his indifference earlier this morning flashed in Linsey's mind.

Linsey's first instinct was to turn around and hightail it out of there. She was in the process of turning away when she paused and reconsidered.

While she had no interest in getting involved with her so-called husband in any capacity, it would be a pity to let this lucrative opportunity go. Securing a connection with the Higgins Group would certainly help advance her career.

Besides, it was quite clear that Bryson had no idea about her being his legal wife. It posed no problems for them working together.

With renewed resolve, Linsey took a deep breath and strode over to Bryson's table. She slid into the seat across him and said, "Mr. Higgins. It's nice to see you again."

Bryson scowled when he laid eyes on Linsey. Hadn't he compensated her enough for the previous night? Why had this woman followed him all the way here? She was really starting to get on his nerves.

Bryson's eyes flashed with disdain as he smirked at her. "Do you want more money? Is that why you're here?"

Linsey sat up straight. "I'm afraid you've misunderstood. I'm here to meet a prospective client."

Bryson felt even more repulsed when he heard that. He got the wrong idea that she was some prostitute. It hadn't even been a day since they had shared a bed, and she was already seeking out a new client?

His gaze traveled down Linsey's slender figure. Could she really handle such strenuous activities?

"Aren't you pushing yourself too hard?" he asked. "Won't you even rest before offering your services to another client?"

Linsey blinked, baffled by his words. "Why rest when there is money to be made?"

Bryson's view of her was getting worse and worse by the second. This woman was something else! How could she be so proud of her depravity? How utterly shameless!

Linsey, on the other hand, thought that Bryson was simply underestimating her skills as a lawyer. She tried to reassure him, "Don't worry, I've dealt with similar matters countless times before. I'm quite proficient at my job if I say so myself."

Bryson narrowed his eyes at her. For a moment, he said nothing and just scrutinized Linsey. Proficient, she said? But she seemed inexperienced last night during their intimate moments. Was it all pretense on her part?

Linsey met his skeptical eyes and went on, "I'm more than willing to fulfill the client's specific needs. My goal is to ensure customer satisfaction. If you have any requirements, all you need to do is let me know, and I'll see to it that they are met."

The Higgins Group was a major conglomerate, a top player in various business enterprises. Even the mere possibility of working with them was not something to be taken lightly, and Linsey was determined to seize this chance for herself.

Bryson raised an eyebrow. "So, your industry provides such well-rounded service now?"

Loathe as he was to admit it, he was rather impressed by her zeal. With the way she was selling herself, he almost believed that she truly was the best in her line of work. This annoyed him, for some reason, even more so than he had been a while ago. Bryson turned away with a sharp intake of breath. "I do not need your services. You may go."

Linsey bristled. How could he reject her outright?

Asher had been direct about the tricky points of the case, which was mainly why he had turned to her for help.

For Bryson to dismiss her without even giving her a chance to prove herself was indicative of his lack of trust in her.

"I have handled my fair share of economic disputes and international trade cases for various companies. I assure you that my portfolio is extensive, and my experience will surely serve you well. I reviewed the previous lawsuits faced by the Higgins Group on my way here, and I am confident that I can win this one for you."

Bryson's eyes widened in astonishment. "You were talking about the case?" he blurted out, his voice rising slightly.

It was Linsey's turn to narrow her eyes, this time with confusion. "What else could it have been?"

What the hell did he think she was talking about?

As an afterthought, Linsey added, "Mr. Harper introduced you to me. Asher Harper, that is."

Bryson almost clicked his tongue. A female lawyer who built her career by seducing clients and sleeping with them... It looked like Asher was becoming increasingly unreliable these days. How could that punk introduce him to an opportunistic wench when he needed a true professional!

Bryson stewed and said nothing, making Linsey think that he was still doubting her abilities. "Mr. Higgins, I am aware that a batch of goods from your company has been impounded by Behland Customs. As I said, I have experience in these matters. In fact, I've handled a similar case before. I hope you will give me a chance. Even a single day wasted without settling this issue could mean heavy losses for the Higgins Group."

Bryson sneered, "You're quite dedicated, aren't you? You've been thorough with your research. I'll give you that."

"Of course," Linsey responded without batting an eye. "In our line of work, the client's interests and well-being are always the priority."

Bryson's expression darkened once more. Why did she keep blabbering on and on about pleasing her damn clients?

"Even the top legal team hired by the Higgins Group couldn't solve this," he said in a snarky tone. "Do you honestly believe you can take care of it?"

Linsey couldn't help but feel irritated by his tone, especially since he was basically questioning her professional skills. It didn't take a genius to know that Bryson underestimated her.

"The reason for the embargo is not because of the goods. Your lawyers were looking into the wrong angle and dragged themselves to a dead end. You need a fresh perspective, a thorough one." At this point, Linsey completely dropped her courteous demeanor.

She was no longer an amicable woman marketing herself for a profitable business venture, but a cutthroat lawyer who was dealing with a cumbersome client. The change was so abrupt and so stark that it left Bryson momentarily stunned.