Chapter 7: Summer Associate Dinner [1]

In this current era, Black Sheep Law Firm was one of the Big Three law firms in the U.S.A, rivaled only by the powerful White Crown Firm and Patriot Firm. All three firms vied for dominance in every state, so it was the dream of anyone entering this career path to work for one of them.

That was why Damian had always felt proud of his achievement of reaching Associate level in such a short time after joining. Blooming in such a competitive firm was not easy, and that was why he got knocked down so hard.

Relevant cases kept getting diverted until he became that prodigy who never made anything out of his talent. That was why the woman who had supposedly fallen for him at the time also left, because she could tell he had no future in the firm.

Now, things were about to change.

— Blacksheep Chicago Branch, Downtown Chicago —

The lighting on the 27th floor was softer than usual. Warm gold lights replaced the normal white office glow. The glass walls that usually made the space feel corporate now reflected the city skyline like a moving painting. Chicago shimmered outside, the lake dark and endless beyond the lights.

The main event hall had been cleared of its usual formal layout. Round tables dressed in black cloth were arranged across the room, each set with simple white plates, folded napkins, and polished silverware. Small centerpieces of white flowers and low candles sat in the middle of each table. Nothing flashy. Just expensive.

Near the far end of the room stood a long buffet station with catered dishes kept warm under silver covers. Opposite that was a sleek temporary bar setup staffed by two hired bartenders. Bottles of wine and premium liquor lined the back shelves, glowing under soft lighting.

To the right, tall cocktail tables stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows. This was where most people gathered, drinks in hand, pretending to admire the skyline while scanning the room.

The rooftop terrace doors were open. Outside, string lights hung above seating areas with cushioned outdoor chairs and low tables. A light summer breeze moved through the space, carrying faint city sounds from below. This was the quieter area where more personal conversations happened.

Inside, music played softly. Instrumental jazz. Loud enough to fill silence, quiet enough for strategic conversations.

At the center of the room, the senior partners stood together at first. They did not sit immediately. People approached them instead. Senior associates moved confidently between groups, laughing a little louder than necessary. They positioned themselves where partners could see them. Meanwhile, associates clustered in smaller groups near the bar, careful not to look awkward. Interns stayed close to whoever outranked them the least.

Adrian Cole was a big man with the build of a professional football player and an unforgettable charming smile. He positioned himself near the windows at first, where he could be seen against the skyline. He spoke with a partner while casually keeping an eye on the room.

Beside him was a beautiful blonde lady in a red dress that complemented her blue eyes. While Candice was not thick or busty, her curves were well defined, and she naturally had the disposition of a trophy wife. She never spoke. She just clung onto Adrian’s hand with a sweet smile that would make anyone jealous.

Her eyes started roaming around the crowd in search of a dejected loner seated in a corner of the room with his head lowered in shame, but there was none.

“He really didn’t come?” Candice mumbled in surprise.

It had been nearly forty-five minutes since people started arriving. Guests were already mingling and networking.

’Maybe he’s still in bed crying his eyes out. It’s good I ditched that loser.’ She rolled her eyes.

But it was not just Candice who was looking for Damian. Adrian was waiting to show her off in his face, while every other person was waiting to see his reaction when he saw Candice and Adrian together.

While the party was peaceful on the surface, it was extremely tense underneath. A relationship scandal might explode in the middle of tonight’s Summer Associate Dinner.

However, after waiting for so long many began to share Candice’s thought that Damian might not show up due to the entire scandal. However, the consequences of avoiding such a gathering without a strong reason were worse.

Was he really going to risk it all for a woman who abandoned him?

Bam!

The doors swung open as two figures walked in, and a unique fragrance no one had ever perceived before poured into the room, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

Damian was dressed in a tight-fitting black suit with a purple tie that matched his purple iris and the purple streaks in his hair. His jawline seemed more chiseled, his temperament bolder, and his presence simply overwhelming. The change also came as a shock to him while preparing for the event. He didn’t think moving up ten levels would change his appearance so much.

Clinging onto his arm while looking at him with deep admiration was Hazel, dressed in an expensive black gown embedded with countless black and crimson gems that formed a fox design, with a red faux fur scarf draped elegantly over her shoulders.

Her jewelry dazzled under the soft lights, but none was more stunning than the matching black ring carved in the likeness of a fox, with purple gems fitted inside. It was an exquisite piece of art impossible to miss. If auctioned, everyone was certain it would sell for at least a million dollars.

Ignoring the sheer display of wealth through her attire alone, Hazel was literally a goddess standing among men. With skin as tight and smooth as porcelain, it could vaguely reflect a person’s image if they looked closely. This, coupled with her perky yet robust breasts and thin waist that supported her hourglass hips swaying side to side, was more than enough to enchant men and women alike.

“Is… is that Damian?” Candice stuttered, but she got no response.

She raised her head only to see Adrian’s mouth hanging wide open alongside the partner as they stared at Hazel with covetous eyes. But it was not just them.

Every man stared at Hazel, and they felt their blood flow divert to their nether regions, causing what Damian could only call a boner pandemic.

Be it interns, associates, senior associates, or even the managing partner, everyone had a boner. No one could tell if it was because of the mouthwatering sight or the strange arousing fragrance that came with their arrival, but all they knew was they wanted this woman in their beds tonight at all costs.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep