chapter 5

Chloe didn't sleep that night. Every time she closed her eyes, the image of her father sitting in that cold, sterile interrogation room replayed in her mind. His weary eyes, the weight of his despair—she couldn't let it end like this.

Ethan Foster had been her last hope, and he'd walked away. But Chloe wasn't the kind of person who gave up easily. If he wouldn't listen to her at the bar, she would make him listen in his own office.

---

The next morning, Chloe stood in front of Foster Legal, the imposing glass building that housed one of the most powerful law firms in the city. The sleek, mirrored windows reflected her pale, determined face. She clenched her fists to keep them from trembling.

"Pull yourself together," she muttered under her breath before stepping through the revolving doors.

The air inside was cool, with the faint scent of coffee and leather. Chloe straightened her back, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she approached the reception desk.

The receptionist glanced up, her sharp, professional demeanor softening when she noticed Chloe's flustered state. "Good morning. Do you have an appointment?"

"No," Chloe admitted. "But I need to speak with Mr. Foster. It's urgent."

The receptionist hesitated, her gaze flicking to the phone on her desk. "Mr. Foster's schedule is fully booked today. Perhaps—"

"Please," Chloe interrupted, her voice cracking. "Just tell him Chloe Gray is here. He'll understand."

The receptionist frowned, clearly doubtful, but she picked up the phone. After a brief, whispered conversation, she nodded. "Mr. Foster will see you. Fifth floor, office 502."

---

Chloe stepped off the elevator onto the fifth floor, her heart pounding as she approached his office. The hallway was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that made her footsteps seem deafening. She found his office door slightly ajar and hesitated for a moment before pushing it open.

Ethan was seated behind a sleek mahogany desk, his tie slightly loosened as he reviewed a stack of documents. Sunlight streamed through the large windows behind him, casting a golden hue over his sharp features. He looked up when she entered, his expression hardening.

"I thought I made myself clear," he said, leaning back in his chair.

"You did," Chloe replied, closing the door behind her. "But I'm not leaving until you hear me out again."

Ethan sighed, rubbing his temples. "You're persistent. I'll give you that. Sit down."

Chloe took a seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She didn't bother with pretense or small talk this time.

"I need your help, Ethan," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "You're the only one who can take my father's case."

"And I told you why I can't," Ethan replied, his tone clipped. "This isn't just about me. You're asking me to go against my family, Chloe."

"I know it's complicated," Chloe said, her voice rising slightly. "But my father is innocent! He didn't embezzle any money, and you know Nathan is only doing this to ruin my family."

Ethan's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond.

Chloe swallowed hard, her resolve firming. "Then what will it take?I don't have money to pay you right now,but I'll find a way to pay you back.

Ethan's eyes narrowed, a spark of something dangerous flickering in them. "You'd do anything, would you?"

"Yes," Chloe said without hesitation. "Whatever it takes."

Ethan leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Are you offering your body as payment, Chloe? Is that what this is?"

Chloe flinched, his words hitting her like a slap. Her cheeks flushed with shame, but she refused to back down.

"If that's what it takes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan laughed, the sound cold and mirthless. "You're just like every other woman who walks through that door. Desperate, willing to sell yourself for what you want."

"That's not true," Chloe snapped, her voice rising. "I'm doing this for my father, not for me. I don't care what you think of me, Ethan. I care about getting justice."

Ethan's expression darkened, and for a moment, Chloe thought she saw something flicker in his eyes--longing maybe, or pity But it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

"You don't understand what you're asking," he said quietly. "This isn't just another case, Chloe. My sister loves Nathan,even though I know he's an asshole I can't harm him cause it'll hurt my sister.

Ethan stood, pacing to the window. He stared out at the city below, his hands clenched at his sides. "You should seek help elsewhere,

Chloe rose from her chair, her frustration boiling over.please Ethan I'll do anything and I mean anything.

Ethan turned to face her, his expression thunderous. "You don't know what you're talking about," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"Then help me understand!" Chloe shot back. "Because from where I'm standing, you're just a coward hiding behind excuses."

The room fell into tense silence, the air crackling with unspoken words.

Finally, Ethan shook his head, his gaze softening slightly. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I can't help you."

Chloe stared at him, her chest heaving with frustration and humiliation. She had poured everything into this plea, only to be rejected again.

"You're wrong about me," she said, her voice quivering. "I'm not like those other women...

Ethan didn't respond, his gaze cold and unyielding as she turned and walked out of his office.

---

Chloe stepped out of the building into the bustling city streets, her heart pounding in her chest. The tears she had held back finally spilled over, and she ducked into a quiet alleyway to collect herself.

Her father's life was on the line, and now she was truly out of options.

But even as despair threatened to consume her,she held herself up knowing now is not the time to back down

Chloe wiped her tears, squared her shoulders, and stepped back into the crowd.