“You told me he wants control of the foundation,” I begin. “That he wants to position himself as the ‘ethical alternative’ to your leadership so the board will force you out and install him as chair. He’s already planted forged documents to make it look like you profited from past fraud. Now he’s here to cause more mischief.” I tap my lips. “Okay then. Here’s the plan. We attend the forum this afternoon, we play nice, we stay on our best behavior and don’t give him anything to work with. Meanwhile, we keep building the case against him, and when we’re ready, we show the board.”
Corin’s expression softens. “You don’t have to come to the forum. You could stay here, let me handle it.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “You’re protecting me again.”
He sighs. “I suppose I am.”
“And you think I’ll miss the chance to watch you pretend to be polite to a man you want to strangle?Absolutely not.” I flash him a grin. “Besides, someone has to stop you from doing something stupid like punching him in the face in front of everyone.”
He shakes his head. “I would never.”
I raise my chin defiantly. “You absolutelywould.”
He doesn’t deny it.
The community forumis held in the same hall where we’ve given clinic presentations. The room is packed with locals, community leaders, and a handful of foundation staff. I spot Marisol near the front, clipboard in hand, looking harried but determined.
And there, in the center of the crowd like a shark in a koi pond, is Xavier Laurent.
He’s shorter than I expected. Maybe five-ten, with silver-streaked hair and the kind of expensive suit that screams “I have money but no taste!” His smile is polished, his handshake firm as he works the room.
If opposing counsel were a person...
I feel Corin tense beside me. His hand finds my elbow, a brief touch that grounds me.
“Remember,” he murmurs. “He wants a reaction.”
I smile bravely. “Then he’s going to be disappointed.”
Xavier takes the podium for his speech, and I have to admit, the man is good. He talks about “sustainable partnerships” and “transparency in philanthropy.” He praises the clinic’s work, acknowledges the islanders’ concerns about outsidedevelopment, and positions himself as a humble ally just looking to help.
It’s complete bullshit, of course. Every word is calculated, every gesture rehearsed. But the locals don’t know that. They just see a well-dressed investor promising resources and support.
The prosecution notes that the defendant is an excellent liar.
After the speech, Xavier makes his way through the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries and handing out his business card.
Finally he reaches Corin and I.
“Corin.” Xavier extends a hand, his plastered-on smile never wavering. “Good to see the foundation’s making progress here. I’m sure the board will be pleased.”
The board that you got kicked off,I want to chime in, but I hold back.
Corin takes the handshake, his expression completely unreadable. “Xavier. Nice to see you in the Bahamas.”
“I heard great things about the pilot program you started here. Wanted to see it for myself.” Xavier’s eyes slide to me, and I feel my skin crawl. “And you must be the legal consultant. I’ve heard good things about your land-lease workshops.”
His oily tone just makes me want to shower.
I keep my face neutral. “We aim to protect the community. Unlike some other... parties.”
He flashes that slimy smile. “Of course.” He pulls a business card from his jacket pocket and hands it to me. “If you ever need resources beyond what the foundation provides, feel free to reach out.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say, which is lawyer-speak for “over my dead body.”
Xavier holds my gaze for a beat too long, then turns back to Corin. “We should catch up properly. Dinner, perhaps? I’m staying at The Cove through the weekend.”
“I’ll check my calendar,” Corin replies, which is CEO-speak for the exact same thing.
