Page 1 of Hooked on Mack
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Mack
The steam from the cup of coffee rose as I took my seat behind my mahogany desk, ready to face the day. Ava Kennsington, my latest client, was due to arrive any minute now. The high-stakes divorce case against her husband, Mark, promised to be an interesting one. My fingers drummed against the desk.
“Mack Harrington?” A sultry voice inquired from the doorway.
I looked up to find a woman with wavy chestnut hair and deep brown eyes. Her air of elegance screamed 'money,' even though she had none before marrying Mark.
“Mrs. Kennsington. Please, have a seat.”
“Are you going to win this for me, Mr. Harrington?” she asked, cutting straight to the point as she settled into the plush chair.
“Of course. We just need to prepare you for the preliminary appearance in front of the judge.”
“Good.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder. “Because I want everything.”
“Everything?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Absolutely everything. Mark's fortune is rightfully mine.”
“It's important to approach the case with realistic expectations. Divorce settlements can be complex, and demanding everything might not be…”
“Mack, darling,” she interrupted, leaning forward with a smirk. “I did not hire you because of your good looks and charm alone. I expect results.”
“Understood.” I sighed. “But we'll need solid evidence to support your claims and justify such demands.”
“Then find it,” she snapped, her impatience evident. “I didn't claw my way into this marriage for nothing.”
Her arrogance rubbed me the wrong way, but I had a job to do. Everyone deserves someone to fight for what’s fair, even the Ava Kennsingtons of the world.
“Very well,” I replied, forcing another smile. “We'll start by gathering all relevant financial records and any proof of misconduct on your husband's part. But remember, Mrs. Kennsington, we have to play by the rules.”
“Just make sure I get what's mine.”
As Ava left my office, the weight of her demands settled on my shoulders. I knew the case would be challenging, but her entitlement added an extra layer of tension. Nevertheless, I was Mack Harrington—undefeated, determined, and always ready for a challenge. I just hoped that Ava Kennsington's case wouldn't be the one to break my winning streak.
“Mack, have you seen this?” my assistant, Ellen, burst into my office, brandishing a file folder like it was a weapon. “Larissa Montgomery is representing Mark Kennsington.”
“Ah, Larissa,” I mused, leaning back in my chair and steepling my fingers. “The courtroom pit bull herself. This should be interesting.”
“Interesting?” Ellen's eyes widened. “She's ruthless, Mack. We need to be prepared.”
“Ellen, my dear, when have I ever backed down from a challenge?” I grinned. “Besides, I've always been curious about what makes her tick.”
“Remember, we're doing this for Ava, not because you want to play cat and mouse with Larissa.”
“Of course, but it’s an added bonus, don’t you think?”
Later that day, I met with Ava to discuss our strategy against Larissa. As usual, Ava entered my office like she owned the place.
“Mack, darling,” she purred, taking a seat across from me. “I heard about our opponent. Should I be worried?”
“Mrs. Kennsington,” I reassured her, my charm working overtime. “There's no need to worry. I've faced many tough opponents before, and Larissa Montgomery won't be any different.”
“Good, because I expect nothing but the best from you.”
“Understood. Now, let's focus on the case at hand, shall we? We need to gather solid evidence to support your claims and make the best possible argument.”
