By the time Liz finished her exit paperwork, it was close to six o’clock. She shut down herputer, said goodbye to Hunter and Naomi, and stood with a box in her arms, ready to leave the firm.


    Hunter hurried after her. “Liz, let me walk you down.”


    “No need. It’s not heavy. Just focus on your work and aim to start handling your own cases soon.”


    “Okay.”


    He hesitated, clearly wanting to say something, but the elevator arrived.


    Liz looked up at him. “I’ll get going then. See you<b>.</b>”


    “Liz…”


    Before he could finish, Jenna called out from nearby. “M. Sanders, Mr. Quinn wants to see you.”


    Just then, Liz stepped into the elevator. After pressing the button for the first floor, she smiled and waved at Hunter. “Go on. Don’t keep Mr. Quinn waiting.”


    As the doors closed, frustration flickered across Hunter’s face.


    “Of all times, Uncle Warren had to call for me now,” he thought bitterly.


    The courage he had worked up disappeared in an instant Guess he would have to wait until next time.


    He turned toward Warren’s office, knocked, and stepped inside. “Uncle Warren, what did you need?”


    From his tone, Warren could tell he was annoyed. “What’s with the attitude? Did I do something to upset you?”


    “Come on, what do you think? I’ve only been working with Liz for a few days and now she’s leaving. What am I supposed to do?”


    “That’s why I called you in–to figure this out. From now on, you’ll work with Naomi. She’s got plenty <b>of </b>experience, handles all kinds of civil cases. You’ll learn a lot from her.”


    “Whatever. This firm isn’t much if it can’t even protect its bestwyer.”


    He didn’t speak loudly, but Warren heard every word.


    “You think a small firm like mine can do everything?” Warren said with a sigh.


    If he crossed Zac, the firm would be finished. He didn’t want Liz to leave either, but this was the option that would cause the least damage.


    Hunter hesitated for a moment before asking, “What if begged my parents? Do you think that would get Liz her job back<i>?</i>”


    Warren frowned. “Didn’t youe all the way to Stanley City to get away from their control? If you run back to them now, don’t me me when they drag you straight back.”


    Hunter raked a hand through his hair, frustration etche on his face. He had no desire to return. Before he came here, he had made a deal with his parents. If he couldn’t make it on his own and had to beg for their


    help, he would go work at the familypany and learn to run it.


    He did have feelings for Liz, but not enough to make himpromise with his family for her sake.


    Seeing his conflicted expression, Warren said, “Look, you don’t need to worry about Liz. She’s a grown woman, and she’s done excellent work these past few years. I’m sure she’ll only continue to do better.”


    He had that kind of confidence in her because Liz always knew what she wanted and worked hard to achieve <ol><li>it. </li></ol>


    “I guess…”


    Downstairs, Kimberly had been waiting all afternoon. She was just about to lose her patience when Liz finally walked out of the building.