Hazel turned around with a bright smile on her face. As she walked away, the expression on her face disappeared. Her eyes shed briefly with disdain, as if mocking Tessa.


    It was not hard to guess what she might be thinking. From the way she nced


    back, it was clear she did not believe Tessa''s rtionship with Stephen wouldst. Stephen noticed a change in Tessa''s demeanor after Hazel left.


    "What''s wrong, Tess?"


    "That woman just now seemed oddly hostile toward me," Tessa said softly.


    Stephen frowned slightly. "What makes you say that?"


    He had not observed Hazel closely and had missed the subtle glint in her eyes. Tessa, however, had caught the brief sh of unfriendly intent.


    "She gave me a very unfriendly look," she said evenly.


    Tessa nced across the table at him and asked, "Another admirer of yours?"


    Stephen looked confused. "What?"


    "She clearly likes you. You can tell by the way she looked at you."


    Stephen responded, "She just transferred here from one of the regional branches.


    I''ve never spoken to her outside of work."


    Tessa did not continue the topic. "Let''s eat."


    ...


    A few dayster, the second trial for Wendy''s case was held. The original verdict was upheld with a sentence of one year in prison. That evening, Wendy was formally transferred to a women''s correctional facility.


    Later that night, Tessa went to a private lounge with several colleagues from the firm. While walking down a hallway past one of the suites, the group passed a door just as it opened. A server stepped out from inside.


    Tessa nced into the room. Seated inside was Zachary, dressed in a white shirt, ck vest, and ck trousers. He was sitting beside a well-dressed woman in her 40s, pouring her a drink.


    She had not seen him since the Matthew and Yaris divorce trial nearly two months prior. Since then, Zachary had not contacted her again.


    As their eyes met, Zachary''s face turned pale. Tessa looked away and kept walking, continuing her conversation as if nothing had happened.


    The suite they had reserved wasrge, styled like a private apartment with separate areas for karaoke, cards, billiards, and dining.


    In the karaoke room, Jasmine and Molly were singing their hearts out. Tessa sat quietly on the couch, eating from a fruit tter while watching. Wynn sat nearby ying a game on her phone.


    In the card room, Lester, Yves, Yelena, and a newly hiredwyer were gathered around the card table, deep in a game.


    Yves, one of the firm''s partners and Lester''s longtime college friend, leaned in and asked quietly, "So, did you win her over?"


    He was well aware of Lester''s feelings for Tessa.


    Lester ced a card on the table, his expression unreadable. "What are you talking about?"


    Yves had not attended Marissa''s party and did not socialize with Stephen or others in that circle. He was still unaware that Tessa and Stephen had reconciled.


    At the firm, Tessa had always maintained a clear boundary between work and her personal life. Even after reconciling, the door.


    remained closed when Stepne


    visited the office. No one knew the nature of their conversations, and Yves assumed they were purely professional.


    Yelena, seated nearby, subtly leaned in. She had always suspected there was more to Lester''s attitude toward Tessa, but had never pried. With the topic finally brought up, she listened attentively.


    Lester kept his gaze on his cards and responded without looking up, "Why are you asking so many questions?"