Page 3 of Hooked on Mack
Larissa
“Another one?” I muttered under my breath as I scanned the case file on my desk. Three years of law school, five years working my way up the ladder in this firm, and here I was stuck with yet another cheating husband in a high-stakes divorce case. And to make matters worse, my hair appointment had been canceled because my stylist decided to take a last-minute trip to Bali.
“Seriously, what is it about me that screams 'unfaithful men magnet'?” I grumbled to no one in particular. The office was buzzing, papers flying faster than the gossip. As if I didn't already have enough pressure weighing down on me, now I had to deal with this monstrosity of a case.
“Ugh.” I sighed, running a hand through my platinum-blond locks.
“Rough day, huh?” my coworker, Jenna, commented casually as she plopped down into an empty chair.
“Understatement of the year,” I shot back. “I'm starting to think I should just change my name to 'Larissa, Defender of Unfaithful Men.' It's got a nice ring to it, don't you think?”
Jenna chuckled. “Well, at least you can say you've found your niche.”
“Please, don't remind me.”
Another day, another adulterer.
“I’ve got to head over to meet with Mack. Talk to you later?”
“Of course. Good luck.”
I gathered up the materials and walked over to the conference room, ready for our fight to begin. I'd heard about him, of course—his movie-star good looks, disarming charm, and winning streak that made it seem like he had Lady Justice herself wrapped around his finger. This case would be anything but easy.
“Ms. Montgomery, allow me to introduce myself,” said a voice that could only belong to the man himself. I turned to find Mack standing before me, extending his hand. His brown hair was perfectly styled. “Mack Harrington. I’ve been looking forward to facing off against you.”
“Likewise,” I replied, shaking his hand with a grip that left no doubt who was in control. “But don't think your charm will work on me. I'm here to win.”
“Wouldn't dream of it,” he said, still smiling. “May the best lawyer win.”
“Indeed.” As we sat down at opposite ends of the table, my mind began racing. He might have the charisma of Cary Grant and the looks of George Clooney, but I wasn't going to let that distract me from my mission.
“Alright, let's get down to business.” I opened my laptop and pulling up my meticulously prepared notes. “Since I represent the husband, I'll begin.”
As I launched into my case, I was hyper-aware of Mack’s gaze on me. It was unnerving, but also strangely exhilarating.
“Ms. Montgomery, I must admit, you've done an impressive job gathering evidence,” Mack conceded when I finished. “But we both know that it takes more than a well-researched case to win. It's about telling a story that resonates.”
“Are you suggesting I can't do that?”
“Of course not,” he replied. “I'm merely pointing out the importance of understanding human nature—something I happen to excel at.”
“Is that so?” I smirked. “Well, Mr. Harrington, I may not have your effortless charm, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve too.”
“Really? Do tell.” His interest seemed genuine, and I felt a little flattered.
“First and foremost, I never underestimate my opponent,” I began, leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms. “I study their every move—their strengths, their weaknesses, their habits. And then, when the time is right, I exploit them.”
“Interesting strategy,” Mack mused, raising an eyebrow. “And what, pray tell, have you discovered about me?”
“Wouldn't you like to know?” I teased, a sly grin playing on my lips. He chuckled, clearly enjoying our verbal sparring match.
“Very well, keep your secrets,” he said, his blue eyes dancing. “But just remember: two can play at that game.”
“Good,” I retorted, relishing the challenge. “I wouldn't have it any other way.”
As we continued to discuss—and occasionally argue—the finer points of our case, it became clear, this was going to be one hell of a battle.
Once he left, there were many things that needed to be done.
