The Don's Legal Eagle's Baby: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance

2. Griselda

The law firm of Joe and Burrows was always bustling with activity. The office, with its large windows that let in plenty of sunlight, felt bright and inviting. The walls painted a calming shade of beige, were adorned with framed law degrees and awards.

Desks were neatly arranged in rows, each supplied with a computer and a phone and showcasing stacks of paperwork. The chairs were the ergonomic kind, ensuring comfort during the long hours spent working.

There was a steady hum of conversation between lawyers and assistants discussing cases or collaborating on projects. Joe and Burrows was a good place to work with the people in the office, comprised of a mix of ages and personalities.

The morning had already unfurled its demands - messages and emails popping up on my computer screen, a relentless reminder that everything was considered urgent. The Johnson trial was just three days away - time was of the essence.

”Griselda, the Johnson trial is kicking off soon. You got your game plan ready?” Liam, a fellow attorney, asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

The Johnson case was a battle we couldn”t afford to lose. I proposed a last-minute strategy session, rallying the team to do a rundown of every argument that formed part of our client’s defense.

Soon, we were seated in the conference room with our collective brainpower focused on the trial. To us, the courtroom was a realm where our words could shape lives and destinies. And we were determined to approach each case with a unique blend of legal expertise and empathy.

My team consisted of four people, each with their unique roles and expertise. First, there was Matthew, our meticulous researcher and analyst. He had an eye for detail that often unearthed critical evidence.

Sophia, the strategist of the group, had an uncanny ability to see the big picture, which helped us formulate our legal approach. Third was Dave, our brilliant paralegal, who handled all the paperwork and ensured the smooth flow of the legal process.

Lastly, there was Luca, the youngest and most energetic, always willing to chase down a lead so we could finally connect the dots.

Together, we made up a formidable team.

Back in my office, post-meeting, the fast-paced race continued. It was the kind of day where every ticking second seemed to bring a new wave of tasks and demands, showing no signs of abating.

Amidst this frenzied pace, my phone buzzed, alerting me to a message from my boss, Mr. Gilbert. The message was brief but conveyed a clear directive: ”Please come to my office.”

Mr. Gilbert wasn”t my favorite person in the office, to say the least. His approach was blunt, and he often displayed a tendency to ogle female colleagues. Despite this, I plastered on a fake smile and knocked on his office door, waiting for his invitation to enter.

”Griselda, have a seat,” Mr. Gilbert gestured toward the chair in front of his desk.

It was one of those cold, leather chairs that felt unnerving to sit in. I obliged, trying to hide my discomfort. Without any preamble, he got to the point.

”We”re switching you to another case,” he stated, his tone carrying a brusque finality.

It was almost as if he enjoyed the discomfort news like this caused. My mind raced, protesting against this sudden change.

”But we”ve invested a lot of time preparing for the Johnson trial. It’s starting in three days,” I protested, trying to reason with him.

Mr. Gilbert was unmoved, showing no signs of empathy for the dedicated, hard work our team had put in to prepare for the Johnson trial.

He explained that he had another case in mind for me, one he considered more suitable. He handed over a file, and as I skimmed through its contents, I could hardly suppress a feeling of incredulity.

The case involved a dispute over a neighbor”s noisy dog—it felt like a trivial matter compared to the complex legal battles I was accustomed to.

”You can”t be serious,” I blurted out, my frustration getting the better of me.

Mr. Gilbert fixed me with a stern gaze, a warning in his eyes.

”Watch your tone, Griselda,” he cautioned, reminding me of the hierarchy and the boundaries within the office.

I took a deep breath, suppressing my anger, and offered a swift apology. My mind was still grappling with the sudden change and the absurdity of the case I was being assigned.

”May I ask why I”m being taken off the Johnson trial when there are only three days left?” I asked, my voice measured but carrying a hint of frustration.

Mr. Gilbert leaned back in his chair, his expression serious.

”This case needs attention, and I believe you can handle it effectively,” he replied.

It was a diplomatic answer, but it did little to appease my irritation.

Disbelief bubbled up within me, threatening to spill over. A case regarding a noisy neighbor”s dog needed my legal expertise; was my boss insane? I took several deep breaths, struggling to contain my frustration. I could feel Mr. Gilbert”s eyes on me, seemingly amused by my agitated state.

Summoning my best professional demeanor, I pushed through my exasperation and inquired, ”If I”m being reassigned, may I at least know who will be taking over the Johnson case?”

Mr. Gilbert”s gaze remained unwavering, his expression almost smug.

”That isn”t something you need to concern yourself with, Griselda. Just focus on the new case,” he dismissed me as if my involvement or investment in the previous case was inconsequential.

It took every ounce of self-control not to voice my exasperation. With a tight-lipped smile, I acknowledged his directive and excused myself from his office. As I closed the door behind me, frustration gnawed at my insides.

I couldn”t shake off my bewilderment. I couldn”t understand how a case involving a neighbor”s barking dog took precedence over a trial that could significantly impact someone”s life.

It was a blatant misuse of my skills and expertise. I didn”t mean to brag, but I knew I was a damn good lawyer. My courtroom skills were honed, and my legal knowledge was expansive. I had won several complex cases. Being relegated to a petty dispute was not only senseless but also demeaning.

With a heavy heart, I made my way towards the room where my team was stationed. They needed to hear the news from me directly. As I approached, I overheard snippets of their conversation, laced with frustration and anger.

They were discussing being pulled from the Johnson case. It caught me off guard; how did they already know?

I walked into the room, a mix of surprise and concern on my face.

”You guys already know?” I asked.

Matthew sighed, ”Yeah.”

Their faces mirrored the disappointment that sat heavily in my chest. I felt the need to gather the fragments of this shattered news and understand how it had been disseminated so quickly.

”How did you find out?” I asked, my voice tinged with frustration.

Sophia, her expression twisted in contempt, responded first. ”Carmella was here not too long ago.”

”Carmella?” I asked in disbelief. The name left a sour taste in my mouth.

Sophia”s tone grew sharper as she continued recounting Carmella”s boastful visit. ”Yes. She strutted in here with that infuriatingly smug grin plastered on her face, and she bragged about taking over the Johnson case.”

Fury surged through me. Carmella was a fellow lawyer in the firm, but any amicable pretense had evaporated long ago. It was an open secret that she seemed to land the best cases due to her questionable relationship with the boss.

Dave chimed in, his words dripping with sarcasm, ”Oh, I thought she was ”occupied” with another ”big” case.”

His air quotes hung mockingly, highlighting the injustice we all sensed.

”Why does she even bother stealing cases she isn”t competent to handle?” Luca”s frustration boiled over, his disbelief evident in his voice. ”What”s the point?”

The sentiment echoed through the room.

I rolled my eyes, a mix of exasperation and resignation. ”Carmella seems to believe it”s her life”s mission to outshine everyone, skills be damned.”

We were a group of professionals grappling with the reality that competence often took a back seat to other ‘considerations’. With nothing important left to do, we all decided to call it a day and left Joe and Burrows’ law firm early.

As the afternoon drifted into a frustrating evening, I made my way home. This time of day, the traffic wasn’t so heavy yet, and my trusted Nissan Altima brought me to my apartment faster than usual.

My apartment, a cozy space nestled amidst the vibrant city, was my sanctuary. I opted for a short, deep blue, body-hugging gown. A touch of makeup, a slight tousle of my hair, and I was ready to immerse myself in a night out.

I left my apartment and locked the door. The thrum of my Nissan sounded pleasant to my ears as I set off into the city’s neon embrace.

The Red Serpent was a lively spot in the city. Its neon sign, shaped like a twisting red snake, lit up the street in a fiery glow. There was a line of patrons waiting outside for their turn to experience the vibrant night within.

As I made my way inside, the atmosphere hit me. The lighting was low, giving the club a sultry ambiance. The main stage, right at the center, was lit with a deep red spotlight, grabbing everyone”s attention. The DJ was up high, overlooking the dance floor, and the beat of the music was infectious.

The club had a modern, artsy vibe. The walls were decorated with colorful abstracts, and the seating was plush and inviting, beckoning guests to sit and enjoy the show. The dancers on the stage moved gracefully, their movements drawing everyone into the rhythm.

I made my way to the bar, seeking a moment of respite in a glass. I ordered a ”Berry Fizz Bliss,” a refreshing non-alcoholic concoction the Red Serpent was known for. Sipping my drink, I took in the atmosphere — the pulsating music, the lively chatter, and the energetic dancers moving to the rhythm.

Amidst the crowd, a figure caught my eye. Dark, tousled hair framed a strong jawline and intense features.

As the beat vibrated through my body, I found myself captivated, unable to look away from this alluring man. Dressed casually, he exuded an air of effortless style as he sat at a secluded table in the corner, sipping on his drink.

As I finished checking him out, my eyes trailed upward, only to end up meeting his gaze. In that dark corner, his intense eyes locked onto mine. His magnetic gaze drew me in.

I couldn”t look away, and neither could he.