Page 11 of Hooked on Mack
“Can we move on from psychoanalyzing my love life now?” I asked, forcing a light chuckle. “I thought we were here to talk about the case.”
“Of course,” she agreed, a sly smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Let's focus on what really matters.”
Was I really just trying to do the right thing, or was there something deeper driving me? And could I trust Larissa notto exploit my vulnerabilities? Only time would tell. But one thing was certain—this case was about to get a whole lot more interesting.
We weren't friends, after all. We were adversaries, locked in a legal battle.
“Promise me that whatever happens in court, we won't let it make us crazy.”
“Deal,” I agreed without hesitation, reaching across the table to shake her hand. “May the best lawyer win, Larissa.”
“Indeed,” she smiled, giving my hand a firm squeeze. “May the best lawyer win.”
Desperate to shift the focus away from our professional rivalry, I decided to double down on the charm. “You know, you really are stunning tonight. That dress brings out the fire in your eyes.”
“Nice try, Harrington,” she retorted, rolling her eyes. “But flattery will get you nowhere with me.”
“Really?” I challenged, raising an eyebrow. “So you're immune to compliments, huh? Well, how about this: not only are you one of the most beautiful women I've ever met, but you're also one of the smartest. If beauty and brains were a crime, they'd lock you up and throw away the key.”
“Okay, okay,” she conceded, a reluctant grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I admit, that was a good one.”
“See?” I winked. “I knew I could make you smile.”
“Fine, you win this round.” She laughed. “But don't get too cocky, Mack. Remember, I still know how to play dirty.”
“Wouldn't have it any other way,” I shot back, feeling the electric current between us surge once more.
As we continued to trade barbs and banter, I found myself wondering if this game we were playing was worth the risk. Rejection was hard, and putting myself out there with her… my stomach was in knots. But as I gazed into her eyes, there wassomething real between us—something that went beyond our professional rivalry. And for now, that was enough to keep me hooked.
8
Larissa
The courtroom door swung open with a creak, and I strode in. This was my stage, where I shone brightest.
“Miss Montgomery,” Judge Phillips acknowledged me with a curt nod as I took my place at the table.
“Your Honor,” I replied, giving him a tight smile.
Mack Harrington, opposing counsel and my current headache, sauntered into the room next.
“Ah, good morning, Your Honor. I heard your golf game is coming along quite nicely! Congrats on that hole in one last weekend.”
Judge Phillips' stern face cracked into a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Harrington. It was quite the surprise, I must say.”
Ugh. How did Mack always know just what to say?
“Shall we proceed?” I interjected, impatient to get started.
“Of course, Miss Montgomery,” the judge said, his smile fading. “Mr. Harrington, you may begin.”
“Your Honor,” Mack began, oozing charm from every pore, “my client has been nothing but a loving, devoted mother and wife. Unfortunately, Mark has refused to recognize her dedication to their family?—”
“Objection!” I snapped, unable to let Mack monopolize the conversation any longer. “We're here to discuss the division of assets, not to debate Mrs. Kennsington's character.”
“Overruled,” Judge Phillips sighed. “Please continue, Mr. Harrington.”
“Thank you, Your Honor,” Mack beamed, not missing a beat. “As I was saying, Mark has been the primary breadwinner for their family, supporting Ava and their child in every way possible. It's only fair that she be awarded?—”
