Chapter 566: 566: Who is Born Tough

“Dad, I’m already… I’m already grateful that you can still stand up for me,” Cindy Clarke sobbed, “After all… it’s been years, years since anyone stood up for me.”

These words hit Joshua Clarke hard.

He knew that Cindy wasn’t just talking about these past five years.

Even when she was at home in the past, he wasn’t able to protect her.

Joshua Clarke’s heart was filled with guilt.

“You don’t know, when I was thrown out of the hotel five years ago, I really… I really knew that from then on, I would only have myself to rely on. At that time, I told myself that no matter what happens in the future, I have to grit my teeth and soldier on.”

“I’ve been surviving for 19 years, and I’m sure I can make it through the years to come. When I first came to Belfard alone, there was a period when I was so miserable I wanted to kill myself, to end everything. That way, I wouldn’t have to struggle so hard anymore.”

“Anyway, ever since I came into this world, I’ve never had a moment’s peace. Everyday, I’m living in fear, striving to find a way out for myself. I thought that if I die, I wouldn’t have to worry about these things, it wouldn’t be so tough anymore.”

“Cindy!” Joshua Clarke cried out in alarm.

He never expected Cindy to have such a hard time.

“Don’t listen to her nonsense! With her temperament, would she ever consider death?” Christy Xenos declared, not believing a word of it.

“Indeed, didn’t you and Wendy Clarke shape my temperament? Who are born resilient?” Cindy Clarke gave a bitter laugh, “If I wasn’t strong enough, I wouldn’t have survived till now. I was forced to become resilient, to fight for myself, for opportunities.”

“Dad, just you taking my side at this time… I’m already content, already grateful,” Cindy said.

“Don’t say that, I’m the one who should be ashamed to face you,” Joshua Clarke said solemnly.

“Regardless of how well you lived in Belfard, you earned it yourself, it’s what you deserve. I didn’t realize you suffered so much.” Joshua Clarke wiped his face, “I don’t deserve to meet your gaze.”

“Originally, your mother and I came to find you. Now that we have found you, seeing you well is enough. As for the rest, I have no face to say anything more.” Joshua Clarke was visibly agitated.

He turned to Christy Xenos and said harshly: “Let’s go, we are going back to Nork City!”

“As Cindy said right, you are her mother, Wendy Clarke is her sister, she can’t sue you,” Joshua Clarke added.

A cold smirk tugged at the corners of Cindy’s lips.

Joshua Clarke was reminding her not to take family conflicts to court.

Even now, Joshua Clarke is still defending Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke.

Cindy was glad she met Adrian Zhekova, if it was Mr. Lopez…

She would have just swallowed this insult.

Good thing she never had any expectations.

Having no expectations allowed her to take Joshua Clarke’s words with clarity, avoiding further disappointment.

“How could you have the nerve to look for Cindy knowing why she left! I don’t mind you didn’t tell me, but how can you face her now!” Joshua Clarke pulled Christy Xenos up, “How can you face her!”

“Don’t you have nightmares at night? You’ve been using Cindy’s money, enjoying the good life for these five years, don’t you feel guilty at all!” Joshua Clarke said angrily.

“That’s not her money!” Christy Xenos retorted angrily.

It’s clearly Wendy Clarke’s, how can they give credit to Cindy!

“Then who does it belong to, you tell me!” Joshua Clarke didn’t believe it and thought that Christy Xenos was trying to play innocent.

“That… that belongs to…” Christy Xenos choked, but she couldn’t reveal that it was Wendy Clarke’s money.

If she did, Wendy Clarke would be ruined!

She had to consider Wendy Clarke’s welfare!

“Huh!” Joshua Clarke chuckled coldly, “Can’t say it now, huh? You have some nerve!”

“Pack up now, we’ll head back to Nork City today!” Joshua Clarke commanded.

Christy Xenos immediately protested, “No way! We can’t go back.”

Christy Xenos gripped Joshua Clarke’s arm: “Have you forgotten what Wendy Clarke told us? We still have to find a lawyer!”

“We’ll find one in Nork City!” Joshua Clarke retorted, “I don’t believe the lawyers in Nork City are inferior. And the restaurant mishap was our negligence; if we have to compensate, then it’s only fair. Even if the court rules in our favor, there should never be a million dollar payment per person. We pay what we owe. The court won’t do us wrong, won’t defraud us.”

“The amount to compensate is stated in the law. Even if their lawyer is a big-shot from Capital City, he can’t force up the compensation from ten thousand to a million.” Joshua Clarke demonstrated an uncharacteristically clear mind.

This just showed that he had been playing dumb before.

In fact, he knew the truth very well, he just didn’t want to admit it.

“Why should we have to pay!” Christy Xenos shrieked, “Wendy Clarke already stated that someone deliberately sabotaged our restaurant!”

“It’s definitely a malicious act by our competitors, our restaurant was set up, why should we pay those who are swindling us!” Christy Xenos argued upon hearing this.

Joshua Clarke sneered, “The money you spend hiring a lawyer in Belfard is probably more than what you owe the customers.”

Christy Xenos was stunned. Was that the case?

“Cindy, you’ve been living in Belfard for five years, you tell me, isn’t that true?” Joshua Clarke turned and asked.

Cindy didn’t want to get involved.

She only replied, “That’s true. San insignificant lawyer would cost less, but they don’t have the necessary connections. A well-known lawyer would definitely be expensive, otherwise why would they strive to become big-shots?”

“Moreover, lawyers here aren’t only valued for their professional abilities, but also for their connections within the circle,” Cindy continued.

“Lawyers from Capital City usually handle big cases, excluding the major social cases, and they also handle lawsuits from celebrities and big companies. Most of these are based in Belfard, so the lawyers are familiar with the connections here.”

“But Nork City is far away, and even the most famous lawyer, if they haven’t been working in Nork City, wouldn’t understand the ins and outs like a local lawyer would.”

“Isn’t there a saying? A strong dragon can’t crush a snake in its old haunting grounds,” Cindy explained.

Joshua Clarke nodded in agreement, “What you said makes a lot of sense. Living in a big city for a long time really broadens your horizons.”

Then, he turned to Christy Xenos and said: “Did you hear that? Rather than this, why not go back and find a lawyer in Nork City? After all, if we do end up going to trial, it will be on our home turf in Nork City, where everyone is more familiar with things. What can a Capital City lawyer do? If he’s unfamiliar with Nork City, how could he win against a well-established lawyer in Nork City?”

“Let’s go back and find the best lawyer in Nork City. These lawyers have good connections with everyone. We should be afraid of a lawyer coming from Capital City?” Joshua Clarke suggested.