Kimberly’s face turned an ugly shade of gray, then she let out a coldugh. “Well, look at you. A few years running wild out there, and now you’ve learned to talk back. Absolutely no manners at all. Keeping Mandy instead of you was clearly the right choice. If I had to deal with you every day, you would have driven me to my grave by now.”


    Liz’s tone was icy. “If I have no manners, that is because my parents never taught me any. Giving birth without raising your child does not make you worthy of the title ‘parent.“”


    With that, she hung up without hesitation.


    Hearing the busy tone on the other end, Kimberly’s face went from pale to livid. “Call her back,” she barked.


    She wanted to ask how Liz could dare im she had not been raised. When they brought her back to the Smith family, she ate and dressed no worse than Mandy If she had not insisted on getting involved with Zac, the Smiths would never have cut ties with her. What right did she have to use them of abandoning her?


    Mr. Lopez dialed again, but the screen showed the call had been blocked.


    “Ma’am… Ms. Smith has blocked me.”


    Kimberly’s expression darkened instantly. “Perfect. Just perfect.”


    Years away from home, and she had only grown more unruly. Kimberly almost told the driver to turn around and leave, but remembering Michael’s earlier warning over the phone, she forced herself to swallow her anger.


    “We will wait here.”


    Just after hanging up, Liz received a message from Jenna, asking her to go to Warren’s office.


    She walked to the door and knocked.


    “Come in.”


    Pushing the door open, Liz stepped inside. “Mr. Quinn, you wanted to see me?”


    “Please, have a seat, Ms. Smith.”


    When Liz sat down across from him, Warren let out a sigh. “Ms. Smith, someone has been putting pressure on the firm. They want us to terminate your employment.”


    Liz met his eyes. “Was it Zac Lincoln?”


    Warren shook his head. “I do not know exactly who it is I was against letting you go, but as you know, I am not the only partner here. I have two other partners to consider.”


    Personally, Warren did not think Liz had done anything wrong. But the other party had made it clear that if she stayed, no attorney from their firm would be able to take a single case in the future. As much as he regretted it, Warren could not jeopardize the livelihood of the entire firm for one person.


    Seeing the difficulty on his face, Liz nodded. “I understand, Mr. Quinn. I will resign voluntarily.”


    “I am sorry, Ms. Smith.”


    “You do not have to apologize. I know you have already done what you could, and I appreciate it. Honestly, I have been thinking about taking a break anyway. I will pack up my things this afternoon and take care of the paperwork.”


    “There is no need to rush.”


    Liz gave a faint smile. “There is nothing for me to do here now. I will just treat it like an early vacation. If there is nothing else, I will get going.”


    “All right.”


    After leaving his office, Liz went to the restroom to ssh water on her face before returning to her desk.


    Hunter noticed the faint redness around her eyes and leaned toward her. “Liz, what is wrong? Did Uncle Warren say something to you?”


    She turned to him. “No. I am leaving the firm. I will be finalizing the paperwork this afternoon, so I will not be able to mentor you anymore. Is there anotherwyer here you would like to work with?”


    Hunter froze for a second, then his face darkened. “Why are you leaving all of a sudden? Did Uncle Warren force you? I am going to ask him right now.”