Chapter 499

Lawrence responded with a practiced smile that didn't reach his eyes. "When a client seeks me out and places their trust in me, it's only professional to give the case my utmost dedication."

Dominic arched an eyebrow, crossing his legs as he studied Lawrence like a specimen under microscope. "Fascinating perspective. Those who can afford your services must be exceptionally influential. It seems your clientele operates on an entirely different financial plane."

"Not necessarily." Lawrence adjusted his cufflinks with deliberate nonchalance. "While I may helm the firm, it's not solely mine. There are other stakeholders expecting returns, not to mention the dozens of associates depending on those paychecks." He sighed theatrically. "At the end of the day, I'm just another working stiff trying to make ends meet."

The collective eye-roll from Dominic, Raymond, and Evelyn was nearly audible.

Theodore, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke in that cutting tone only he could master. "Let's not pretend, Lawrence. You're currently Crestview's most sought-after attorney, with cases making national headlines." His fingers tapped against the crystal glass. "This year alone, your lowest retainer was $2.5 million, with your highest hitting $16 million—and that's just your personal cut, excluding your associates' earnings."

A weighted silence descended over the dining room.

Harrison and Walter paused their conversation, attention shifting to the younger generation's table.

Lawrence's smile turned brittle. "Theodore, my financials and the firm's operations are private matters. Hardly appropriate dinner conversation, don't you think?" The forced expression pulled at the carefully concealed wound beneath his foundation.

"I mention it to establish one undeniable fact—you're obscenely wealthy." Theodore's voice remained icy calm. "You've accumulated more than ten lifetimes' worth of spending money. Which brings me to my actual point." He leaned forward slightly. "With financial motivation eliminated, why take the Blackwoods' case knowing they're actively working against Ms. Carter?"

The tension became palpable.

Unbelievable.

If Theodore had a nickname tonight, it would be "The Executioner." He'd come armed with verbal daggers specifically for his brother.

Evelyn hadn't acknowledged Theodore all evening.

Now her glacial gaze lifted, those piercing eyes assessing his profile with detached calculation. She recognized this as his attempt to defend her.

But she neither wanted nor required his intervention.

"Theodore!" Gregory hissed under his breath, kicking his brother's ankle beneath the table. "This isn't the time or place for family disputes!"

Theodore might as well have been carved from marble for all the reaction he showed.

Lawrence's expression had deteriorated into something resembling a terminal illness patient.

"Theodore!" Walter's reprimand cracked through the air like a whip. He offered Harrison an apologetic grimace. "My deepest apologies, Chairman Kingsley. It appears my son forgot his manners tonight."

Harrison merely chuckled, swirling his wine with undisturbed composure. "No need for apologies. I've watched Theodore grow up alongside Sebastian—first as his right hand, then Evelyn's protector. He's always been exceptionally principled." His smile deepened. "Truthfully, I've considered him family for years. A godson, if you will."

Godson?

That casual declaration elevated Theodore's status exponentially while delivering a crushing blow to Lawrence's carefully constructed facade.