“A logical progression.” I keep my gaze steady on his, my face blank. He reclines, expensive leather creaking beneath him. “Minji, let’s not dance around this. The Wang reconciliation has… complicated your partnership track.”
“One case doesn’t define my practice,” I cut in. “I have three high-net-worth prospects already lined up.” The lie slides out smoothly. By Friday, it won’t be a lie anymore—I’ll make sure of it, even if it means no sleep.
“Your drive has always impressed me,” Caleb says, but his voice carries a note that suggests otherwise. “However, our timeline remains unchanged.”
“I’m well aware of the deadline.” I’d calculated precisely how the Wang victory would align with the partnership vote.
“Given the circumstances,” he continues, folding his hands, “I think you should recalibrate your expectations. Perhaps aim for partner in a few years? William has stepped up considerably during your leave, and now he’s ready for our Seoul office. I wanted you to hear this from me directly—professional courtesy.”
I inhale slowly, measuring my words. “Interesting. And what specific metrics informed this decision?”
Caleb’s right shoulder twitches—almost imperceptible, but I’ve spent years reading opposing counsel’s tells. “This isn’t solely about numbers, Minji. William demonstrates certain leadership qualities?—”
“The Hui-Wang case was my acquisition. During my leave of absence.” My voice stays level while my fingernails dig crescents into my palm beneath the desk. “William’s entire caseload consists of clients I cultivated. One might wonder whether he approached James’ attorney about the possibility of reconciliation during my absence. The coincidental timing is notable.”
Caleb’s jaw tightens. “That borders on impropriety.”
“I’m merely connecting observable data points.”
“Nothing’s set in stone yet,” he concedes after a pause. “I simply wanted to manage your expectations.”
I stand, smoothing my skirt with one practiced motion. “My expectation is equitable evaluation of my complete portfolio, not fixation on a single case with questionable dissolution. My five-year revenue generation exceeds any attorney here, and my client retention statistics remain unparalleled.”
He starts to say my name, but I cut him off.
“My complete portfolio will be on your desk by Friday,” I say, my voice a steel blade. “With metrics that speak for themselves.”
I pivot toward the door when Caleb’s words catch me.
“William predicted this reaction,” he says. “The defensiveness.”
I half-turn, one eyebrow arched. “This isn’t defensiveness, Caleb. It’s a business strategy.”
Walking back is like performing on a stage where the audience pretends not to watch. Cindy glances up from her paperwork and flashes a thumbs-up—her faith in meunwavering, and today, grating. I want to yell, “They’re screwing me over,” but the unspoken rules are ironclad. No scenes, no cracks. Even when the ground shifts, you pretend you saw it coming.
I enter my office, and it’s exactly as I left it, organized, with not a paper out of place. I close the door and allow myself three deep breaths, a five-second internal tantrum, and I’m back to business. I’ve barely settled into my chair when a soft knock interrupts, and Eliza peers in.
“Hey, Boss Lady, welcome back,” she says with caution.
I gesture her in, swallowing the urge to snap about the funeral atmosphere everyone’s adopted. She slips inside, sealing us off from the bullpen’s curious eyes.
“Word is the Wangs found their way back to marital bliss,” she says, perching on my visitor chair like she might need to flee.
“Apparently. News travels fast.”
“It’s a law firm. Gossip is our second billing category.” She taps a pink envelope against her palm. “For what it’s worth, everyone thinks it was a dick move for William to even get the partnership now because let’s be real, the Thornton case was yours to begin with as well.”
“Well, everyone except Caleb thinks that way, apparently.”
“You’ve seen him already?” The pitch of her voice rises with each word.
“Fresh from his office. William’s his golden boy.”
“That’s—” Eliza’s professional veneer cracks completely. “That’s bullshit! Sorry, but it is. Your billables are better, your case success rate is higher, and you don’t schmooze with the partners on the golf course every weekend pretending to care about their swing technique. You deserve to be a partner.”
I nod toward the envelope between her fingers. “What’s that?”
“Just delivered. It’s from Evelyn Hui-Wang herself.” Eliza’s eyebrows lift. “Maybe she’s apologizing? She called on Friday, but I told her you were away.” She extends the envelope across my desk. “Consultation in forty minutes, by the way. Let me know if you need anything else.”
