“It’s about more than language, Minji. It’s about understanding global business dynamics. Something I’ve been focusing on in my recent cases.”
“Indeed,” Jonathan interjects smoothly. “Which is why we’re considering all our optionscarefully. This isn’t just about who speaks the language. It’s about who can build something substantial from the ground up. The Hui-Wang case and the Thornton case will be looked at with scrutiny, so you two had better put your best foot forward.”
Translation: whoever nails their case gets the golden ticket to Seoul. If that’s the game, I’m already winning. William has been botching the Thornton case from day one, and now that I know how much he needs it, I’ll let him take the reins. Meanwhile, the Hui-Wang case is smooth sailing for me.
As the main course arrives and plates are exchanged for new ones, the conversation shifts, but the tension lingers. I catch partners glancing between William and me, silently tallying our strengths and weaknesses. Our rivalry, always simmering, is now at a rolling boil.
By the time dessert is served, the Seoul discussion has given way to other topics. I am acutely aware of the calculating looks still being exchanged between the partners. My phone buzzes in my clutch. A text from Aaron, no doubt, checking in. I resist the urge to look at it, focusing instead on Catherine’s story about a particularly difficult judge.
“He actually threw his gavel,” she says, gesturing with her dessert fork. “Thirty years in practice, and I’d never seen anything like it.”
Laughter bubbles around the table, but my mind is split between two worlds: Seoul and Aaron’s apartment, waiting for me. Jonathan’s voice finally signals the end of the evening: by the time he calls for the check, it’s already ten-fifteen. My leg bounces beneath the table as impatience wrestles with my duty to stay till the end.
“This has been lovely,” Catherine says, standing first. “But I think we’ve kept our young associates late enough on a weeknight.”
Relief floods me as everyone starts gathering their things. I make the rounds with polite goodbyes, accepting Jonathan’s solid handshake and Catherine’s feather-light air kiss.
“We’ll be watching the Hui-Wang case closely,” Catherine informs me. “Keep up the excellent work.”
“Thank you,” I reply, hoping my eagerness to leave isn’t obvious. “I appreciate the opportunity.”
I’m nearly at the door when William intercepts me. “Leaving so soon?” he asks, stepping just enough to block my way. What did I ever see in this asshole? “A few of us are going to that wine bar around the corner. You should come.”
“I have other plans,” I say curtly, stepping around him.
His hand brushes my elbow, stopping me. “Minji, about Seoul, we should discuss strategy.”
I bark out a humorless laugh—this asshole.
“There is nothing to discuss, William. ? ??? ?? ??(Fuck out of here with all that bullshit).” I push past him toward the exit, not caring to hear whatever he has to say next.
Outside, the cool night air slaps my flushed cheeks. I inhale deeply, trying to shake off William’s lingering presence. Finally, I dig out my phone to check my messages.
Aaron
I hope dinner went well. I’m parked across the street whenever you’re ready.
I scan the street and spot Aaron’s car, his silhouette behind the wheel unmistakable. Even from across the road, the sight of him waiting for me sends a wave of warmth through my chest. I hurry over, my steps growing lighter with every stride. He steps out as I approach, circling the car to open the passenger door.
“How did it go?” he asks, his hand finding the small of my back as I slide into the seat.
“Complicated,” I admit, settling into the familiar comfort of his car. “Very complicated.”
He closes my door and rounds to the driver’s side. “Good complicated or bad complicated?” he asks once he gets behind the steering wheel.
“I honestly don’t know yet.” I sink back against the headrest, exhaustion washing over me. The night’s emotional whiplash—Seoul, William’s desperate posturing, and now the quiet safety of Aaron—has left me completely spent.
“Want to talk about it?” Aaron asks, starting the car but making no move to pull away from the curb.
I turn my head to look at him, taking in the concerned furrow of his brow and the gentle way his fingers rest on the steering wheel.
“They’re opening a new office… in Seoul.”
Aaron’s eyebrows rise. “Seoul as in South Korea? As in, where you’re from?”
“Yes.” I nod, watching his face carefully. “And they’re considering me to lead it.”
His expression changes so quickly I can barely keep up.
