William ignored the small talk and got straight to the point. “I have a friend who’s awyer, experienced, and she just left her old firm today. Do you need a divorce attorney?”


    “We’re not exactly short on people,” the man replied, “But one more wouldn’t hurt. If you’re calling me personally, your friend must be special. Is it a man or a woman?”


    “A woman.”


    The other end perked up immediately. “Oh? Girlfriend?”


    William’s Adam’s apple shifted as his voice dropped lower. “No.”


    “Then you’re still chasing her? You’re using me to do her a favor without offering me anything in return. Isn’t that a little unfair?”


    Leaning back on the couch, William spokezily. “What do you want?”


    “That limited–edition Cullinan in your garage. Let me take it for a spin.”


    “It’s yours.”


    “You’re kidding me?!” The man’s voice shot up in disbelief. He had tried just to touch that car before, and William would not allow it. Now he was giving it away? This woman must really matter to him.


    “Pick it up tomorrow. And don’t let her know we know each other. She doesn’t like owing people favors.”


    The man chuckled. “You’ve even thought of that. Looks like you’re serious.”


    William did not respond and ended the call.


    On the other end, the man lowered his phone, a glint of curiosity and gossip in his eyes behind the rim of his gold sses. Whoever had managed to make the ever–indifferent William fall for her–he wanted to see for


    himself.


    Just then, his phone buzzed. William had sent over the woman’s personal information.


    When he saw the name “Liz Smith,” the smile froze on His face. He blinked, checking again and again, but it was right there.


    “Of all people, William likes her?” he thought.


    He had gone up against Liz in court more than once, and every single time she had left him speechless with her arguments.


    Even now, the memory still stung with embarrassment


    At first, he had felt a little guilty about trading a spot in the firm for William’s limited–edition Cullinan. Now? Not at all.


    This wasn’t a favor. This waspensation for emotional damage.


    At the Smith estate, Kimberly stormed into the house a found Michael reading the paper on the couch.


    Her temper red instantly.


    She mmed her bag onto the sofa and sat across from him. “Michael Smith, I am telling you right now, I am not going to see Liz again. If you want to talk to her, go yourself. And if you keep pushing me, we can split right here and now.”


    After the humiliation she had suffered today, she had had enough.


    Michael set the paper down and frowned at his wife’s flushed, angry face. “What happened?”


    Kimberly gave a coldugh. “What happened? You should have seen the way she talked to me outside her firm today. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil.


    “Things ended badly between you two. If she had an attitude the first time, that’s normal. Just go a few more times.”


    “Go a few more times? I nearly exploded today. I am telling you, I am done. If you really want to divorce me over this, fine, do it. I will make sure everyone hears about it and see if you can still show your face.”


    Without waiting for a reply, she stood and headed upstairs.


    Michael stayed where he was, his face dark. After more than twenty years of marriage, he knew her temper well. If she said she was done, she meant it. Getting her to approach Liz again was impossible.


    The only person who might get Liz toe back was his mother.


    After sitting in silence for a long time, Michael finally reached for the phone and called her.