?Chapter 172:


    She felt herself nearing the point of copse. Theck of sleep from the previous night demanded recovery. Maia mused that if there had been a bed nearby, she might have fallen asleep the instant shey down.


    After sleep, she still had one moremitment — a meeting at Zenith Legal’s Wront office with herwyer. He had reached out the previous evening to discuss crucial aspects of her case face-to-face today.


    “Understood, Boss. Get some rest. Just call if you need anything!” The voice responded hastily.


    Ending the call, Maia hailed a cab.


    Back at home, she copsed onto her bed and immediately fell into a deep sleep. She didn’t stir until well past three in the afternoon, having inadvertently skipped preparing lunch for Kathie.


    She had set an rm, but it might as well have been nonexistent.


    Barely awake, Maia quickly called Ethan. Learning that both Kathie and Ethan had managed to eat, she sighed in relief.


    “Look after yourself too, okay? Don’t overdo it.” Ethan’s concern was evident. Having noticed the dark circles under Maia’s eyes that morning, he wanted to ensure that she didn’t overexert herself. “I’ve got things covered here, so don’t stress.”


    “Ethan, you’re a lifesaver. Really, you’re the best little brother!” Maia responded with a chuckle, her voice full of affection.


    Maia felt a surge of warmth. Having such a considerate and intelligent younger brother was indeed a blessing.


    On the other end, Ethan blushed, but his voice radiated pride.


    Their conversation also brought good news; Kathie was recovering well, thanks to the nutritious meals and excellent hospital care. It seemed that she might be discharged in just a few days.


    Before they ended the call, Maia encouraged Ethan to keep up his studies and to call her if any issues arose.


    Now fully alert, Maia picked up her phone once again to call Vincenzo. Given that the legal case involved both of them, it was essential to stay coordinated. Zenith Legal had recently shared their joint statement online, and they were proceeding as co-intiffs against the online attackers and rumor spreaders.


    After confirming their appointment, Maia pulled her long hair back into a sleek ponytail and slipped into a tailored beige suit. She took a final look in the mirror, pleased with her polished appearance, before leaving her home.


    As Vincenzo reached the entrance of Zenith Legal, his eyesnded on Maia, causing him to momentarily stop in his tracks. He was ustomed to seeing her in casual, easygoing attire, exuding a rxed vibe. Today, however, she was d in crisp, professional clothes that underscored her resolve, as if she were gearing up for a legal showdown.


    Reaching the doors of the firm, they were about to enter when they noticed a man waiting for them. This man, dressed in a sharp suit, stepped up, opened the door with a respectful bow, and gestured for them to enter with a polite nod.


    “Miss Watson and Mr. Casadei, wee,” he said.


    Silently exchanging looks, Maia and Vincenzo proceeded inside.


    As they stepped inside, they were met with a scene that left them both astonished. The interior was far morevish than they had anticipated, and along both sides of the hallway,wyers stood in attention, almost as if they were there to greet them.


    They didn’t appear to be hired specifically to greet them. Instead, Vincenzo and Maia noticed the badges on their chests, which made it clear that they werewyers at the firm.


    Vincenzo let Maia lead, his pace slowing as he took in the unusual reception. This was an entirely new experience for him.


    Maia moved ahead with a steady, assured stride, her demeanor unshaken by the grand wee.


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