Page 100 of Lorcan's Obsession

Their lawyer presented his opening statement as expected within the brief he provided. The lead arbiter acknowledged their statements before giving our team the floor. Say what you will about Gremco, I had to admit they had been meticulous in their planning. If Tristen hadn’t discovered that document last night, they would have left this room millions richer.

Schaffer began our counter by requesting the arbiters to allow new evidence, exhibit A, to be entered into the case. Once permission was granted, Tristen distributed copies of the document around the room. While she did, Schaffer explained why the addendum was relevant to the dispute and vital material to its outcome.

Very soon, the ramifications of the new evidence got through the thick skulls of the Gremco jackasses, and their faces paled. Tristen and I shared a knowing look, and I bit back a smug grin. They didn’t know they were going up against my girl. Once Schaffer finished, Tristen delivered our closing statement. It was very intelligent and well-spoken. I listened to her intently, and definitely did not once get distracted by the thought of her plump breasts bouncing naked in our bedroom, or her red lips around my cock. Nope, for once, I kept my thoughts on the here and now.

"In conclusion," Tristen continued, "Greene Industries is seeking damages to the sum of twenty million dollars for loss of income resulting from shutting down a manufacturing plant."

I nearly choked on my breath.

"That’s preposterous! Twenty mil?" Jackass One yelled.

“Order!” We all looked toward the three judges, except Tristen, who pretended to be looking at some printed spreadsheets.

"Mr. Greene, was it twenty-five million? I’m trying to find…" Tristen asked loud enough for the Gremco team to overhear.

We were asking for three million dollars in compensation. She knew that. But understanding her play, I nodded.

"Mr. Chairman, we would like to request a half-hour recess to check on the validity of the new document," the Gremco lawyer requested.

"Thirty-minute recess granted," the arbiter stated before they gathered their personal items and exited the room.

My girl turned to Schaffer and me. "Wanna grab a coffee?"

"I’d love to.”

She had me extremely curious about the increased compensation. The three of us regrouped in a break room.

“I think this is going pretty well,” Schaffer said, cupping his drink. “Gremco sure didn’t look happy.”

“Well, I wouldn’t be happy either if I had to pay twenty million,” I said. “Speaking of…Tris, when did the team agree on that idea? I didn’t come across the change in the strategy sessions.”

“It's not a change per se,” Tristen piped, “just an intimidation tactic. Winning is the first step. You still have to work with them. We need them not to mess with you again.”

Schaffer walked back from the coffee machine, raising his coffee cup in solidarity.

Damn. Is she always this tough? What happens if I fuck up for real in our relationship?

“Wasn’t it better to clue me in?”

“We didn’t have time. We decided on it as we walked into the conference room this morning. Then you wanted to talk to me…”

My mind was reeled back to our private discussion. I’d begged her to answer before the case started. “Did you mean what you said?” I cupped her chin and caressed her jaw. “That you would date me despite—”

“Yes, Lorcan. I still want to date you,” she spoke softly. “Dyslexia or whatever else it is, it would never matter.”

My heart swelled at her words. She was accepting me, all of me, imperfections and all. I slid my hand to her nape, captivated by her edible cotton candy and lilac scent. I was desperate to feel her warm lips…

“Don’t even think about it,” Schaffer interrupted. “She is your legal counsel right now, and this room could have cameras. Miss Morgana, are you ready to return to the arbitration room?”

Tristen chuckled, blushing softly, and I rolled my eyes at him. Boring old fart, but he had a point. We couldn’t risk giving Gremco any last-minute ammunition. I held the door open and followed them, keeping a distance so it wouldn’t look so obvious that I wanted to rip her clothes off and take her on that goddamn table after her words pacified my soul.

“You two have to keep it professional until the case ends,” Schaffer grumbled. The two turned down the hallway, but I managed to catch Tristen’s reply.

“I know, Schaffer, I know. But I can’t help the effect Lorcan has on me. I’m powerless.”

Well, well, well. That was an encouraging little nugget of information. Despite her distant exterior, Tristen was deeply into me. Looks like I’d be the one who walked away with the prize.

No time to focus on that now, though. Angry voices drifted down the hallway, and I recognized the shrill tones of Jackass One and Jackass Two. They were clearly quite rattled.

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