Chapter 1367: Not all families are families

Meanwhile...

"Thank you, Attorney." An elderly couple stood outside the courthouse, grasping Grace’s hand. Despite their wrinkled faces, the softness and appreciation in their eyes was clear. "We really thank you."

"We cannot thank you enough, because if not for you, we wouldn’t see any hope in this," the elderly man said, teary-eyed. "Thank you."

Grace smiled at the two, placing another hand on top of theirs. She looked deep into their eyes and nodded. Although their case was something she wouldn’t have picked up on normal days, she was glad her naive junior fought for it.

"No," Grace said, shaking her head. "Thank you. This case is a great reminder for me of why I became a lawyer in the first place. Please, take care on your way and rest well today. It was a long battle."

The elderly couple nodded, smiling. They still couldn’t stop thanking her even after Grace had gotten them a cab. It wasn’t until they were inside the taxi that they finally stopped.

Standing by the side of the road, Grace smiled appreciatively. She watched the cab slowly drive away, catching a glimpse of the elderly couple looking at her through the rear windshield while waving.

"I’m glad the outcome was good," she whispered, unable to describe the feeling in her heart, even after years of doing this job. There was no exact term for this emotion whenever she knew she was able to help those who couldn’t fight for themselves in court.

After a second, she huffed deeply and turned, ready to go back to her office. But just as she turned, she caught someone stepping out of a cab nearby. Grace narrowed her eyes, catching a slightly familiar face.

"What’s her name again?" Grace whispered, following the figure until the latter jogged up the courthouse steps to the entrance. It took her a minute to remember. "Patricia Miller?"

Tilting her head, Grace wondered for a moment before shrugging. Being friends with Penny, Nina, Lily, and Ginnie had introduced Grace to some other people those four wonderful ladies knew. Patricia’s name had come up many times, mostly because Lily didn’t like Patricia for bullying Ginnie in the past.

Besides, Penny had bought out the Miller’s Company. Whether Grace wanted to or not, she would have to learn about the Miller Family—its history, the company background, the clients, and the business itself. It was part of Grace’s scope of work.

"Well, is it surprising she’s here?" Grace wondered to herself, raising her brows. Checking her wristwatch, she shrugged and went back into the courthouse.

She should go back to her office, but it wouldn’t hurt to see what Patricia’s intentions were in court today. Patricia could be suing someone, or perhaps she was being sued. Either way, neither outcome would be surprising based on Grace’s opinion of her.

However, since Penny was now the new owner of the Miller’s Company, Grace was still concerned. As Penny’s friend, future aunt, and her lawyer, Grace needed to know if this would put Penny in a bad spot. Hence, she followed Patricia, just to get an idea of what this spoiled bully was up to.

---

Meanwhile...

Kiara was hugging some boxes, walking around the warehouse with a very persistent guest beside her.

"It’s not really a bad thing, you know?" Stephen cleared his throat, matching her pace as he walked beside her. "Considering you went to the same school as my nephews and nieces, you’re like family to me!"

Kiara frowned a bit as she glanced at Stephen. For weeks now, Stephen had been bothering her ever since he found out she went to the same school as Atlas and the Bennets. Even when she told him she wasn’t particularly close to them, Stephen was just so persistent.

"CEO Bennet, I told you," Kiara sighed. "I’m not close to any of them. And I’m lucky Atlas Bennet approved of our partnership... before he resigned."

When those words slipped out, her face soured. There were a few key reasons Kiara had chosen to partner with Global Prime Logistics. One was because her business integrity aligned with the company. Another was that since she had cut ties with her family a long time ago, it had been difficult for her to grow her business. But her family had no control over Global Prime Logistics. Plus, she liked the company’s services—their accuracy, efficiency, and everything that kept her business running smoothly.

Yet, not long after she signed the contract, Atlas resigned. If only Kiara had enough money, she would’ve moved to the Miller’s Company to get the same protection from Atlas. Or at least from the Bennets—those Bennets, not this corrupt Bennet.

"Come on, Kiara," Stephen sighed, stopping as Kiara paused to stack the boxes in her hands. "I’m not asking you to do anything. Just... tell me what you think of Atlas. You two went to the same school and were classmates for years! You must know him at least a little."

Stephen sighed in frustration, watching Kiara stack the boxes with a lazy expression. Ever since Charles took over the Miller’s Company, Global Prime Logistics had been struggling. As a result, Stephen had been working hard to keep his remaining clients, including Kiara.

However, this young lady seemed completely uninterested and wouldn’t help him at all. After weeks of trying to get something from her, Stephen had tried every approach. He’d gone from being overly formal to a pest that wouldn’t stop. Not that Kiara would do anything about it, since she was stuck in a contract—just like Stephen was stuck in this ordeal.

But he had to survive. They had to. Charles’s silence had been bothering Stephen, and he didn’t want him to be under-prepared once Charles decided to break his silence.

"I know this has nothing to do with you, but if Global Prime falls, you’d be affected too!" Stephen insisted, moving closer to her while rubbing his hands together. "So, just tell me—what do you think Atlas would do in this situation?"

Another heavy sigh escaped Kiara, and she faced him, deadpan. "Sir, as far as I know, Atlas Bennet doesn’t even manage the Miller’s Company. I don’t think I could be of any help. Besides, I was his classmate... but aren’t you his uncle? Shouldn’t you know him better than me?"

His breath hitched. He opened and closed his mouth, but no words came out. After a second, he cleared his throat and straightened his back.

"I know it might surprise you, but sometimes, even though blood runs in our veins, there are certain situations where that doesn’t matter. Not all families are families," he remarked, blurting out whatever came to his head. "I’m just trying to protect our business, which also includes yours. Just think about it!"

Kiara’s deadpan expression remained, but before she could say anything, she noticed a figure standing in the distance behind Stephen. Lifting her eyes over his shoulder, deep lines appeared between her brows as soon as she recognized who it was.

Cassandra.