Page 8 of My Bossy Billionaire Attorney

“The list of attorneys who just made partner is out.”

“Oh.”

Why is she excited?

“There’s someone I’ve been rooting for,” she whispers. “And I hope he made partner this time. I’ll send the list to you in case you want to check it.”

Before I can refuse, I hear the ping of my email. I stare at the notification for a full minute before giving in to curiosity. My eyes fly over names I don’t recognize, and I’m about to stop when a name catches my attention.

I stop, scroll up a bit, and then I see.

First name and last name.

Partner.

Fuck.

Fuck.

“What the hell?”

“Is something the—

“No!” I say sharply, cutting her off. Realizing that I had just transferred aggression, I soften my expression. “I’m sorry, Clarissa. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I just…something happened that I did not expect, but don’t worry because I’m fine.”

“I’m okay,” I repeat.

She nods slowly. “Alright. I believe you.”

I lied.

I’m not okay. I’m livid. I’m so pissed that I could punch a wall right now.

I’m so angry that a lump is sitting in my throat and making it hard for me to breathe.

My eyes go back to the name that made me stop in shock.

Peter Richmond. My stepbrother and the person my father and his mother adore. My stepbrother, who they doted on when my father married his mother. Peter Richmond, who was goodat everything and could do no wrong, while I had to struggle to earn the simplest of praises from either of them.

Peter has been made partner at the firm, and I’m…I’m a paralegal. I laugh mirthlessly. How comical.

“Peter Richmond,” Clarissa says aloud. “Isn’t he the lawyer Michael talked about promoting two months ago?”

My head whips in her direction so fast I strain my neck.

“He did?”

“Yeah. He did. Mr. Stone and Mr. Richmond are pretty close. Everyone knows they were friends before Mr. Richmond started working at the firm. But…you look pale? Is anything the matter?”

“Wait,” her eyes narrow, “do you know him? You have the same last name, right? Richmond?”

I quickly shake my head. “I don’t. I was only curious because…well, I have to familiarize myself with the top lawyers here. I don’t want to get on the wrong side of anyone.”

Clarissa waves her hand. “Nonsense. I don’t think anyone can have a problem with you. You’re one of our best researchers, and you’re nice to everyone. Well as long astheydon’t get on your bad side.”

“Which rarely happens,” she kindly adds. “So, you’re good to go. But if you want me to tell you about the people you should watch out for, I can do that. I can tell you about Peter Richmond, too.”

No way.

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