Chapter 3: He Keeps Work and Personal Life Separate

Maria caught the whiff of alcohol on Charlotte and noticed the men's jacket draped over her shoulders. Plus, Charlotte hadn't come home all night. Maria could guess what had happened, but she chose to keep quiet.

When they got to Wise Counsel Law Firm, Charlotte took a deep breath and pushed open the door. In the fancy lobby, the receptionist greeted her politely but distantly, "Sorry, Mr. Hawkins is really busy. You need an appointment to see him."

Charlotte regretted not taking Frederick's business card last night. As she was figuring out how to meet him, the elevator doors at the corner of the lobby opened, and a man and woman stepped out.

The man was Frederick. He was dressed in a classic black and white suit, looking every bit the elite professional. The woman had a stunning figure and seemed to be a well-off lady in her early thirties.

"Mr. Hawkins, I can't thank you enough," Isabella Carter said seductively. "I wouldn't have gotten through the divorce smoothly and secured my share of the assets without your help!"

Frederick gave a faint smile. "Just doing my job."

Isabella invited him, "Mr. Hawkins, how about a drink tonight?"

Frederick glanced at his watch and politely declined, "Sorry, I have plans tonight."

Isabella looked a bit disappointed but gracefully said goodbye and left. Frederick turned and saw Charlotte standing at the reception.

He paused for a moment, then headed toward the elevator. Charlotte panicked and followed him. Frederick pressed the elevator button, and when the doors opened, Charlotte shamelessly stepped in with him.

Frederick gave her a sidelong glance and asked, "Changed your mind?"

Charlotte was momentarily confused. "What?" Then she realized he thought she was there to ask him out.

She quickly held up the paper bag in her hand. "Mr. Hawkins, I'm here to return your jacket."

He took it indifferently. "Thanks."

In the elevator's close quarters, Frederick's subtle cologne filled the air. Charlotte took a deep breath and hesitated before saying, "Mr. Hawkins, I need your help."

He adjusted his shirt in the mirror and looked at her. Charlotte took another deep breath and briefly explained her father's situation, "My father has been accused of embezzling a large sum from his company and has been taken by the police. I hope you can help."

Frederick didn't respond immediately. After a moment of thought, he said calmly, "I won't take your father's case."

Charlotte felt a wave of disappointment and frustration. She pressed on, "Why? Mr. Hawkins, you're the best lawyer. I believe only you can help my father."

Frederick turned to face her, looking directly into her eyes. "I always keep work and personal life separate, without exception. Besides, the interests involved in this case are too complex. I don't want to get involved."

It seemed Frederick already knew about her family's situation. She didn't believe it. "Did Ethan tell you?"

Frederick met her gaze in the mirror and gave a faint smile. "He doesn't have that kind of influence."

Charlotte grasped his implication: if she wanted to be close to him, he welcomed it, but not when it came to business.

Frederick didn't push her. Although Charlotte was his type, she wasn't enough to make him break his rules.

Charlotte wanted to say something, but the elevator had already reached the 38th floor. Frederick stepped out first, and Charlotte had no choice but to follow.

As soon as they entered Frederick's luxurious office, the desk phone rang. Frederick pressed the speaker button, and his secretary, Lucy Phillips, spoke, "Mr. Hawkins, your guest is waiting in the conference room."

"Got it. Lucy, come in," Frederick replied.

Shortly after, a young secretary in a professional outfit walked in. Frederick tossed the paper bag to her and instructed, "Send this to the dry cleaners."

Lucy took the bag and nodded respectfully. "Yes, Mr. Hawkins."

After Lucy left, Frederick sat down and casually said to Charlotte, "You should find another lawyer."

Charlotte felt a wave of helplessness and despair. She lowered her head, her voice choked with emotion. "I understand. Sorry to bother you, Mr. Hawkins."

With that, she turned to leave the office. Frederick watched her go and shook his head.

Charlotte walked out of the law firm and stood on the street, feeling more alone than ever. She took out her phone and called her friend Lily White.

"Lily, are you free?" Charlotte's voice trembled.

"Charlotte? What's wrong? Are you okay?" Lily asked with concern.

"I'm in some trouble. Can we meet?" Lily had married a wealthy man, Robert Turner, in Syeattel right after graduation and had a wide social circle. Charlotte hoped Lily could help her figure something out.

Lily replied, "Come over now. I'll be waiting at home."

Half an hour later, Charlotte was sitting in Lily's living room, holding a cup of hot cocoa. She told Lily everything that had happened over the past few days.

Lily cursed Ethan and then, after a moment of thought, said, "Charlotte, you're really something! I can't believe you almost slept with Frederick. He's known for his discerning taste in women and rarely has any scandals. You almost slept with him?"

Charlotte blushed and took a sip of her hot cocoa with a bitter smile. What did it matter if they almost slept together? He still kept work and personal life separate.

Lily, being a loyal friend, used some connections to get Frederick's schedule.

Lily held Charlotte's hand. "This Saturday afternoon, we'll go to the billiards club. Frederick has a lot of influence in that circle. If he agrees to help you, there won't be any problems."

Charlotte nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope.

On Saturday afternoon, Charlotte accompanied Lily and her husband to an upscale billiards club. As soon as they walked in, she was stunned by the scene. The spacious, well-lit hall was filled with high-end billiards tables, surrounded by comfortable lounge areas and a bar. Well-dressed men and women were gathered, some playing billiards, others chatting.

Lily linked arms with Charlotte and whispered, "Relax. Just be yourself."

Charlotte took a deep breath and tried to relax. She followed Lily and her husband around the club, occasionally greeting people.

Suddenly, Charlotte spotted a familiar figure, and her heart started racing—it was Frederick. He was dressed in a white casual outfit, chatting leisurely with a few men.