Not even the hate Judge Stavish had in his soul for Adam was enough to dissuade Bella’s charm and determination. Adam grinned at Bella’s saucy smile. They were going to win; he could feel it in his gut.
“Your Honor, displacing over 300 renters, families, at one time would cause considerable disturbance in their lives. But if Mr. Moreau let them leave of their own accord, without renting out the apartments, he’d eventually have an empty building.”
Stavish nodded.
“Your Honor,” Charles interrupted again. “I can understand the reasoning, but to have all the renters move out within three months is quite a coincidence. I don’t believe Mr. Moreau intended on remodeling the building.” He threw his hand towards Philip. “I’ve had numerous conversations with Mr. Wilson, and he never once mentioned a remodel.”
“That’s because he didn’t know about it,” said Bella matter-of-factly.
Charles rounded the table. “You mean to tell me that the building manager wasn’t told about a remodel project of this magnitude?”
“No, he wasn’t.” Bella stood her ground, Charles towering over her. Adam gripped the edge of the table, ready to hurdle it and throttle the man if necessary.
“Well, if he didn’t know about it, then there’s no evidence.” Charles laughed mockingly. “You can’t expect the court to take the word of a …” He looked her up and down with derision. “Clerk.”
Adam’s hand ached with the ferocity in which he held the table. If he had anything he could throw in this man’s face for evidence, he would.
Bella lifted her phone and turned on the screen. “Your Honor, I’d like to submit the bid for the remodeling project as official evidence.” She handed her phone to the bailiff. The judge scrolled through the image.
Adam was dumbfounded. How Bella had gotten a bid for a remodeling project he hadn’t approved was beyond him.
Philip leaned over. “Did you know about this?”
Before Adam could answer, Judge Stavish lifted his gavel. “In light of the evidence, I am dismissing this case.”
The gavel fell and Adam shot to his feet, holding Bella in his arms before his mind registered that he’d moved. Her arms came around his neck, and she held him close with a fierceness that surged through him.
Before he could get lost in her, a low growl came from behind them. They turned to find the Wolfe brothers circling Charles. He held his briefcase to his chest, the law firm’s crest facing outward.
“Fool,” barked Zeke.
“I had him in my hand.” Charles shook a fist. “We can still take him down. There are other ways—”
“No,” snapped Orion. “We’re through with you. Don’t bother coming into the office. We’ll have your clerk send your personal effects over.”
Charles whitened. “You can’t do that. The man’s a fool.”
“Stop embarrassing yourself.” Leopold flicked lint off his jacket. “I suggest you find someplace else to practice law. Because if we ever catch you in a Seattle courtroom again, we’ll sue you for fraud.”
“Fraud?”
Zeke nodded. “Your billable hours are questionable, Charles.” He leaned forward. “I suggest you run.”
Charles glanced over his shoulder. Seeing a clear path out of the room, he made a dash for it.
Zeke made eye contact with Adam and glanced down quickly. The three brothers kept their heads down as they filed out.
Adam didn’t want to waste another minute thinking about wolves or ex-fiancés or anything else that would keep him from the woman in his arms. He hugged her close and buried his face in her neck, breathing in her scent and enjoying the feel of her curves against his body. “You came for me,” he said into her skin.
She giggled. “Of course I did. I love you.” The words popped out of her. Effortless. Truthful. Believable. Freeing. And breathing new life into his soul.
He pulled back so he could look into her eyes, not wanting her to doubt his sincerity when he said, “I love you too.” He glanced around.
“What is it?”
“Well, this isn’t exactly the most romantic place for a first kiss.”
She took his face in her hands, her touch feather light. “It’s perfectly romantic for us.”
