The following afternoon, Tessa received a call from Samuel. The moment his name lit up on the screen, her heart skipped a beat.


    Samuel had always strongly disapproved of her being with Stephen. Ever since she and Stephen had gotten back together, she had kept the rtionship hidden from him.


    Seeing his name on the caller ID sent a wave of anxiety through her. Was this it? Had he found out and was calling to confront her?


    Tessa''s heart leaped into her throat. In those few seconds, her mind raced through every possible exnation she could give.


    But when she answered the call, Samuel''s voice came through, calm and even.


    "Tessa, there is a business reception the evening after tomorrow. I want you to attend. I would like to introduce you to a few of ourpany''s partners. There could be some good opportunities for your firm to work with them."


    Tessa let out a quiet breath of relief. So that was it. He was simply trying to connect her with more professional contacts.


    "Alright, Dad. What time is it? Send me the details."


    The night of the reception, Tessa arrived wearing a simple ck strapless evening gown. The dress was understated and conservative, revealing only her shoulders and arms.


    Samuel introduced her to severalpany executives, all older gentlemen anddies who were long-time business partners of Yates Corporation.


    Between the drinks and polite conversation, Tessa managed to secure a few major cases, each worth millions in legal fees.


    Once the round of greetings with the older generation was over, Samuel led her toward a younger man, someone close to her own age.


    When Tessa saw Torin Covington, she froze for half a second.


    "This is Torin Covington, the second son of Mr. Covington. He just returned from Schand and is now working as the general manager of the family business," Samuel introduced with a smile.


    Torin wore a deep blue suit, and his neatly styled hair carried the polished air of a corporate professional.


    Raising the champagne ss in his hand, he gave Tessa a friendly smile. "We meet again, Ms. Yates."


    "Hello," Tessa replied, her expression cooling noticeably.


    What exactly was this supposed to be? Was this a setup?


    Samuelughed cheerfully. "Oh? You two have met before?"


    "Once. We had dinner together at one of Quetin''s gatherings," Torin answered.


    "Well, that''s great. You two go ahead and chat. I need to check in with a few people over there," Samuel said before excusing himself and walking away.


    Tessa felt a headache beginning to form. She had assumed tonight was simply aboutworking andnding new cases. She had not expected this.


    Torin was a college friend of


    Quentin. They were part of the same social circle, but back in school, è Tessa had barely interacted with any of them. She had spent most of her time in the library or hanging out with Naomi and Sienna. Group dinners like the one she had briefly


    attended were rare for her.


    In fact, the first time Torin had properly met her was after he returned from abroad,


    at the private restaurant he managed.


    "Ms. Yates, there is no need to feel~ any pressure. Quentin told me about you and Stephen. Do not worry I will


    not say a word to your family," Torin said with an easy smile.


    Tessa had not expected that. She paused for a moment, then gave a small nod.


    "Thank you."


    Torin remained calm, speaking


    openly. "Kam sure you have figured it out already. Your father''s intention tonight was for us to meet and get to know each other. Let''s be honest. This was a setup."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!