Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 62

Is this man trying to show his vulnerability?

Feeling obligated for humanitarian reasons, especially because Ivan was adorable, Julie thought she should give him some advice, so…

“Stick to her like glue! If your ex–wife still has feelings for you, she won’t be able to resist your persistence.”

However, if his ex–wife didn’t have any feelings for him, no matter how persistent the man was, it would be useless when a woman decided to be ruthless

So alter sending that message, Julie added, “But this method only works if she still loves you.”

“What do you think is the most effective way to persist?” Gripping his phone, a rare smile appeared on Kieran’s face.

Julie pondered for a while, finally recalling what Daphne had said: “The way men and women keep relationships is different. Some girls usually use crying. throwing tantrums, or even threatening suicide to keep a man. However, for men, the most effective ways to keep a woman might include buying presents, showing off charm, hugging, or even a sudden kiss. Going further, ruling a woman in bed would work even better. After all, any problem that can be solved in bed isn’t a problem at all”

After thinking about it, Julie typed into her phone: “Buying gifts, showing off charisma, hugging often, even a sudden kiss, are said to work wonders.”

Kieran, who was drinking coffee, couldn’t help but laugh, spewing coffee out of his mouth.

He wiped the coffee off his phone with a tissue, thinking to himself. Joyce, didn’t expect you to have such tastes.

His grin widened.

Julie waited for quite a while without getting a reply, realizing she might have chatted too much with a stranger.

So, she added, “Just for reference”

Kieran looked at the screen, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile, responding. “Thanks for the advice. I’ll definitely consider it.”

Julie put down her phone, holding her face, suddenly feeling quite embarrassed.

She looked at the advice she sent out…

While Julie was a little regretful, Kieran sent her an online store gift card.

Julie asked confusedly. “What’s this about?”

“Thanks for your advice, Kieran responded.

Julie didn’t expect to receive a gift. Her mood improved significantly.

She thought there wouldn’t be much money in the gift card, but when she casually clicked it open, it was fifty bucks.

Julie hastily sent a message saying, “I didn’t really help you with anything I can’t accept this gift.”

Kieran would have preferred to transfer the money directly to Julie, but he was worried it would be too abrupt and she wouldn’t accept it.

Kieran responded, “I have money. Besides, if I can win back my wife, you’re the hero.”

So, pies really do fall from the sky

This time, Julie believed…

She thought for a moment, jokingly saying. “Then I won’t mind giving you more help in this area in the future.”

Julie needed money. This wasn’t a secret to Kieran

He happily agreed, “Sure.”

Then, they said goodnight

The next day. Julie got up early.

Daphne brought her a new set of clothes, telling her to change out of yesterday’s clothes.

Her clothes from yesterday were too conspicuous

Fortunately, Kieran’s coat had covered her face, so she wasn’t caught by the camera.

After changing, she confidently walked out of the hospital with Daphne.

“I’ll take you home first. I think you should turn down Kieran’s case. Don’t force yourself, Daphne was very worried about Julie.

Julie gave a small smile, shaking her head, I’m fine. Take me to the office!”

In the end, Daphne agreed to Julie’s request. After making sure Julie finished her breakfast, she drove her to the front of Accolade Law Firm.

As soon as Julie walked into the doors of Accolade Law Firm, Grant noticed her immediately. He hastily stood up, looking at Julie, “I was planning to visit you at the hospital after lunch. How are you feeling?”

Julie smiled, shaking her head, “Much better, thank you”

“You’re thanking him? If it weren’t for him feeding you expired bread, would you have ended up in the hospital?” Porter opened the office door, looking at Julie while teasing Grant.

Grant looked a bit embarrassed. He scratched his head, then said to Julie, “I’m sorry, I really didn’t know that the bread was expired…”

“It’s okay, Grant. Just pay for my medical bills”

Julie was joking when she said this

However, she didn’t expect Porter to seriously tell her, “The company will cover your medical expenses. In fact, you can say that your hospitalization was

a blessing in disguise, as it made Mr. Hernandez see the tenacity of Accolade Law Firm. So…last night, I received a call from Mr. Hernandez’s chief secretary, Karl. He told me that Mr. Hernandez and Creative Nexus Media’s case will be handled by us, Accolade Law Firm!”

“What?” Julie was completely dumbfounded.

Porter started clapping. “Next, let’s congratulate Julie for successfully winning over Mr. Hernandez and being personally chosen by Mr. Hernandez as the chief lawyer to handle this case!”

In the office, a steady stream of applause rang in Julie’s ears.

Julie looked at Porter in surprise, “Mr. Porter, are you saying that Mr. Hernandez specifically asked for me as his chief counsel?”

Porter patted Julie on the shoulder with a smile. Yep! If you’re fine with that, we’re heading over to Simpo Co with the relevant info in a bit. Grant’s coming with me, and we’ll get that contract signed while we’re at it. If you’ve got any questions about working with Simpo Co, just hit up Grant”

Porter clapped his hands. “Alright, everybody, break it up!”

Julie sat in her seat, feeling like she was in a dream.

There were law firms way better than Accolade Law Firm all over Whispering Pines, and she definitely wasn’t the hottest lawyer in town. So why would Kieran specifically want her as his chief counsel?

By making her meet him every day, Kieran was not only making trouble for himself, but also for her!

Grant handed Julie the relevant documents, “Congrats.”

“Congratulating me now, but you’ll be mourning for me soon enough Julie took the documents and muttered under her breath.

Grant didn’t catch what she said and leaned in, “What did you just say?”

Just as Julie was about to answer…

“Is Ms. Abraham here?” At the door, a delivery guy with a massive bunch of fiery red roses asked.

Everyone’s gaze turned towards Julie.

Grant raised his hand for Julie, “She’s the one.”

“Could Ms. Abraham sign for this? The delivery guy handed over the flowers.

Julie was puzzled…

She signed in confusion.

“Who’s the secret guy?” The office was filled with envious chatter, with a hint of jealousy peppered in.

Julie took a look but didn’t find any card in the bouquet.

Just as she was feeling puzzled, her phone suddenly rang.

Everyone’s gaze once again turned towards Julie.

The number on the phone screen was a landline number.

Julie answered the call, then softly said, “Hello?”

A deep voice came from the other end of the line, “Do you like them?”

This voice was all too familiar to Julie…

Julie glanced at the roses on her desk, then at the number displayed on her phone screen, and directly asked, “What are you trying to say?” This material belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Kieran replied, “Here’s to a pleasant cooperation ahead”

Grant chimed in cheekily. Those roses sure are gorgeous! But Julie, you’re even more gorgeous than them!”

Julie gave Grant a look, reprimanding, “Grant!”

Grant laughed and turned to leave.

However, Kieran’s voice came from the other end of the phone, “Roses?”

Julie replied, “Thanks for the thought, but it’s Accolade Law Firm that’s cooperating with Simpo Co., not me, so…”

Kieran interrupted Julie, “You received roses?”

Julie was confused, staring at the beautiful bouquet of roses, These roses aren’t from you?”

There was a two–second silence on the other end of the line, then Kieran said, “They’re from me. If you don’t like them, just throw them away!”

With that, he hung up

Julie was fumung, staring at the abruptly disconnected call

She turned around and tossed the roses into the trash can.

Just throw them away!

She didn’t care!

Everyone watched as Julie made this haughty move. The heated discussion was instantly stifled by Julie’s aura. Nobody dared to say another word.

Just as Julie sat down, she heard a courier’s voice, “Is Ms. Abraham here?”

This time, without Grant, no one dared to point to Julie.

But everyone still looked in Julie’s direction.

The observant courier walked up to Julie with a box, “Ms. Abraham, please sign for this.”

Julie reluctantly signed for it, and everyone eagerly waited for Julie to open the box.

hapter

Jube was also curious about what was in the box.

Upon opening, there were two pots of cacti and some cute succulents.

Someone tentatively asked Julie. “Attorney Abraham, is it from your boyfriend? He’s so romantic, sending both flowers and plants”

“Indeed! Flowers to cheer you up, and plants that are both cute and for you to keep. He’s really considerate”

“Only beauties like you deserve good men”

The chatter was endless. Julie could only respond with an awkward smile.

At that moment, Porter and Grant came out of Porter’s office. Unaware of what had happened, Porter walked up to Julie and knocked on her desk, “Let’s go*

Julie glanced at the box, picked up her documents, and walked away.

Porter had said that he wouldn’t mention in front of her colleagues that Julie had once pursued Kieran. He kept his promise.

He looked at Julie and then at Grant, 1 heard Mr. Hernandez was initially planning to give this case to Attorney Gino from Sterling & Associates. What did you guys do to make Mr. Hernandez change his mind?”

“All thanks to Julie When she fainted in the lobby yesterday, Mr. Hernandez popped up out of nowhere and scooped her up. If you didn’t know better, you’d think she and Mr. Hernandez have something special” Grant’s words seemed a little pointed, as if he was fishing for something.

Porter gave Grant a look, “Watch your mouth”

Julie smiled at Grant, “I don’t have a special relationship with him, but we are alumni

Julie wasn’t wrong Before Kieran got his lawyer’s license, he was also a graduate of Pinnacle University.

Upon hearing Julie’s words, Grant was instantly taken aback, “Mr. Hernandez was a graduate of Futuro Business College before he went abroad for study.

wasn’t he?”

Porter, with a smile. gently patted Grant on the shoulder, “You might not know this, but Mr. Hernandez is actually a certified lawyer too. He’s no less. capable than any of us. Funny enough, he and I are actually from same school.”

With Porters explanation, Grant instantly got the picture.

Porter knew that Julie landing this case must have ruffled Grant’s feathers, so he said to Grant, “We’re old schoolmates after all, so sometimes we give each other a hand. You catch my drift?”

Grant nodded, “So that’s how it is. People in the company started chattering this morning about some special behind–the–scenes relationship between Julie and Mr. Hernandez. Seems like it’s all just hot air”

“Exactly. Considering you got Julie hospitalized with that old bread of yours, I suggest you help Julie quell these rumors ASAP to avoid any misunderstanding. Don’t worry, you played a part in our collaboration with Mr. Hernandez too. I’ll make sure you get a bonus.” Porter said to Grant.

Grinning, Grant nodded, “Got it. I’ll clear the air with everyone”

Julie smiled at Grant, “Thanks”

The car smoothly pulled up to the Simpo Co. building

Karl came to greet them and led them to the conference room.

Before signing the contract, Karl said to Porter, “Mr. Hernandez is extremely busy. He can’t constantly liaise with Attorney Abraham specifically about Creative Nexus Media, so we hope Attorney Abraham can be proactive in accommodating Mr. Hernandez’s schedule.”

“Of course “Porter replied on behalf of Julie.

Karl nodded, “Then during this lawsuit between Mr. Hernandez and Creative Nexus Media, we ask Attorney Abraham to fully cooperate with us, prioritizing the client’s interests. We need you to stay put at Simpo Co. for now.”

“That’s not a problem…”

Before Porter could finish, Julie interjected, “Hold on! What do you mean stay put at Simpo Co.? Does Mr. Hernandez expect me to be on call 24/7 and to clock in at Simpo Co. every day?”

Karl chuckled and nodded, “Exactly”

Julie succinctly replied, “Accolade Law Firm has plenty of lawyers better than me, like Attorney Grant. Please ask Mr. Hernandez to consider a replacement”

Karl handed the contract to Porter, “Mr. Porter, this contract is already finalized and won’t be changed. Every clause is specifically tailored for you, Attorney Abraham, so…”

Karl’s implication was clear

Julie got the message. This contract tailor–made for her was a bait to reel her in.

Porter awkwardly looked at Karl, “Sorry, Karl, but there’s something I need to discuss with Attorney Abraham.”

With that, Porter pulled Julie along and headed out

“Julie, what’s gotten into you? We agreed on this, it’s work!” Porter said to Julie.

Even though feeling guilty, Julie could only helplessly respond, “I’m sorry, Mr Porter. You know what happened between Kieran and me. I’m trying my best to keep my distance from him. You also know I used all my wits and skills trying to get close to him. Now that I’ve finally pushed him out of my life, I don’t have the energy to go another round with him. Mr. Porter, I know the only reason you took me in was to get your hands on Kieran’s case I really need this job, but I’m sorry.”

She feared she would give in.

She feared spending too much time with Kieran.

She feared even more he might suddenly have unpredictable thoughts.

What she feared the most was the rekindling of her feelings for him

Suddenly, Porter knelt before Julie, “Julie, can you do an old friend a favor?”