Chapter 38 Disappointed
Naïve?
And that was the rule for the game?
Adriana couldn't help gasping. She leaned back onto the seat with her eyes fixed on Theresa.
At this moment, Theresa felt like a stranger to her as if it were the first time they met each other.
As far as she could remember, Theresa had used to be simple and innocent.
Never had she expected that Theresa was now turned into a cold-blooded freak.
She actually simply ignored an innocent one being killed.
"What about my brother? He got seriously injured just because he was gonna stand with the plaintiff in the court?" Adriana questioned with disappointment.
"I am sorry about what happened to your brother. But as you know, Peter has been influential around the city...So..." Theresa suddenly paused and looked outside the window, "as a grown-up, we gotta know when to yield to the power."
Obviously, she was showing her disapproval of Jenkins for handling such a mission impossible.
Adriana couldn't help clenching the cup harder. She struggled to suppress her anger and lifted up the cup to take a gulp of tea.
However, it failed to quench her anger.
"I will talk to Peter about the liquidation of your law firm. But as for your brother...I hope that he could make the wise choice." While speaking, she took out a check from her clutch and added, "I would like to offer one million to pay for your brother's injury. Just make it a compensation. Adriana, we are friends. Listen, your brother can't fight Peter. Just convince him to quit."
We were friends, huh? Just friends? Not the best friend anymore?
What was more, she actually said that Jenkins should give up on the case?
Adriana couldn't help wondering what made Theresa change so much during the past four years.
Now she was totally a stranger to Adriana.
"Okay, Adriana, I gotta go now." Theresa then stood up and looked at her from above. Then she continued, "By the way, I will deal with the liquidation of your law firm. Don't worry about it. Just notice me when you are leaving for LA. I would like to see you off in the airport."
After that, Theresa walked away.
As her footsteps faded away, Adriana felt like being greatly impacted on her heart. She found it hard to breath.
"Theresa!" Adriana yelled to stop her. Then Adriana added with her eyes fixed on her, "There's something I need to declare-I have taken over the case from my brother. So I will show up in the court to defend my client. And I will never quit!"
While speaking, she turned to look at the check placed on the table. She seemed to notice something-Theresa had totally changed. She had turned to be one of those manipulating rules to get what she wanted just like those guys among the upper class, who crazily insisted that with the power of wealth, nothing would be impossible.
She took the check and walked over to Theresa to hand it over to her, "Keep the check. Mr. Alston has paid three hundred million as compensation for ruining my business. But I won't forgive him." Hearing that, Theresa stared at her and so did Adriana. At this moment, both of them were overwhelmed with mixed feelings.
They used to be the best friend to each other, sharing joy and happiness. However, as the gap between them started gaping, hostility was growing.
"You gotta know that I have ever risked my life for my law firm. When I finally managed to develop my own business, he simply destroyed it!" Adriana took her hand and put the check on it. She sighed and continued, "Theresa, I am here to reveal his evilness today. And I think you gotta know who he really is deep inside his heart. He doesn't deserve your love. But your response today really disappoints me." She lowered her head, having no gut to look straight into Theresa's eyes.
It would always remind her of the happy moment when they spent time together whenever she looked into Theresa's eyes. However, now their friendship was pushed to the edge of collapse. At the thought of that, Adriana felt heartbroken.
"Three hundred thousand?" Theresa replied while being stuffed with mixed feelings, "do you have any idea how much it means? It takes thousands of people's lifelong efforts to earn such a sum of money. As a sophisticated businessman, Peter will only offer such a price just because you are my best friend. It might even take years for your law firm to earn such a sum of money. He has shown his greatest generosity. But you ain't grateful at all. Instead, you still insist to sue him because of hatred? Are you gonna destroy him? As your best friend, you are making me embarrassed!"
Hearing that, Adriana felt like being stabbed into her heart by a sharp dagger.
Tear welled up her eyes. She was writhing in grievance, "Theresa, you should know that I never care about money! I just want my own business. All I care is the firm I have been struggling to build! I raise my business just as if it were my kid. It meant everything to me! However great the price he offered, it will never alleviate my pain!" Adrian shouted with her finger pressing against her chest. Her voice sounded hoarse and painful.
Theresa nodded, "Adriana..."
"Theresa, I think both of us need some time to calm down..." Adriana walked back to her seat. She grabbed her clutch and paid the bill. Then she walked pass Theresa to leave.
Standing still, Theresa watched her back fading away, with mixed feelings surging up in her heart.
Never could she figure out why Peter tried to stop Alvin from starting a relationship with Adriana. Nor could she figure out how Peter felt about Adriana.
But there was something she was sure about-Adriana had no feelings for Peter.
And that was what she wanted.
"Adriana!" she ran over to catch up with Adriana and held her hand.
As soon as Adriana stopped and turned around, Theresa hugged her tight into her arms.
"Adriana, I am sorry. I just lost control! Will you forgive me? I know the law firm means so much to you. And I understand the suffering happening to your brother. Don't worry. I will talk to Peter today. I am sure the final result will be good enough for you to accept."
She patted on Adriana's back, "We are still best friends. I mean forever! Come on, girl, don't be mad. Forgive me, will you?"
As she let go of Adriana, she noticed that her eyes were filled with tear.
Theresa helped to wipe off the tear from her face, "Sorry, girl, I am sorry to make you sad. Forgive me, okay?"
While speaking, Theresa stood up straight to posture and acted like a gentleman, "Ahem, sweetheart, as compensation, let's go shopping today. Pick whatever you want. It's all on me!"
Hearing that, Adriana seemed to recall the old days when she was still living with her adoptive mother who had been mean to her. At that time, she had nothing to wear but some worn and faded clothes. Every time Theresa saw that, she would take her to go shopping together and pay her something to eat.