My Manor

"Sorry, sorry, I'm late. Lawyer Moses went to Miami today for something. He's on his way back now, so he asked me to handle this case first." As the office door opened, Penelope Dahler, whom Jiang Hai had met once before, walked in from outside. For Moses Adams, although Jiang Hai didn't have any company acquisition proposals or international lawsuits to handle, such a wealthy client was still highly valuable. Logically, as long as Jiang Hai needed him, Moses would appear immediately.

But unfortunately, while Moses wanted to show up promptly, the flight schedule didn't allow it.

Before entering the police station, Jiang Hai had called Moses Adams. Upon learning Moses was in Miami, Jiang Hai initially considered hiring another lawyer. However, Moses assured him he would return immediately. Jiang Hai, sometimes too concerned about appearances, said nothing further and allowed the police to escort him to the office.

Fortunately, upon learning of Jiang Hai's identity and realizing they couldn't afford to offend him, the police treated him well. Instead of waiting outside to give his statement, they arranged for him to use a private office with hot coffee. Although it was just instant coffee, a warm cup made the cold day slightly more bearable.

After Jiang Hai explained what had happened, the police left to handle the situation, leaving Jiang Hai and Cindy Clive to wait. The two would remain there until the police confirmed that Jiang Hai had no further involvement. Passing the time, they sat watching an NBA game on the office TV. Although Cindy wasn't a fan, she understood enough to join in the conversation. They talked, laughed, and got along well.

Meanwhile, back at Jiang Hai's home, Mrs. Philemon had been instructed to prepare dinner: premium A-grade beef and lobster. Knowing Cindy Clive's father was a French chef, Jiang Hai didn't bother showing off. He aimed to highlight the ingredients' natural flavors; no matter how extravagant the meal, it couldn't outshine French cuisine.

When Penelope arrived, Jiang Hai and Cindy were discussing the Celtics' playoff prospects. Her sudden entrance surprised them, but after a brief exchange, Penelope got straight to the point.

"This isn't a big case; perhaps I was a bit heavy-handed," Jiang Hai said with a smile, touching his nose. Truthfully, Jiang Hai felt somewhat awkward around Penelope. She wasn't just any lawyer—despite her strained relationship with her father, her father was still Jiang Hai's subordinate. This made it difficult for Jiang Hai to issue instructions to her as he would to Moses Adams.

"I'm glad you're okay. I'll go get a better understanding of the situation first." Penelope had hurried over and only received limited details from Moses Adams. She needed to clarify the specifics.

Jiang Hai gestured for her to proceed, and Penelope left. Jiang Hai and Cindy resumed watching the game. Just as it was about to end, the officer who had escorted them earlier returned with Penelope.

However, Penelope's eyes were red, which puzzled Jiang Hai.

"Mr. Jiang Hai, we've reviewed your case, and you're free to leave now," the officer said, smiling as he shook Jiang Hai's hand.

The case was straightforward. After police reinforcements arrived, they raided the site, arrested everyone involved, and sent the injured to the hospital. The remaining individuals, including several women, were detained at the station. Surveillance footage corroborated Jiang Hai's account: Cindy's wallet had been stolen, Jiang Hai chased the thief, and the encounter led to the altercation. The use of switchblades further justified Jiang Hai's actions as self-defense.

Since no fatalities or severe disabilities resulted, his actions didn't constitute excessive force. The police had no grounds to hold him.

"Thank you. We'll leave now," Jiang Hai replied, shaking hands again. Though the police station was warm, no one relished being there unnecessarily. Both Jiang Hai and Cindy were eager to leave.

"What a day," Jiang Hai said as they exited. "Betting, arrests, and ending up at the station—what a string of bad luck! Thankfully, it's resolved now. My manor's dinner awaits. Miss Clive, Miss Dahler, please join me. It's late, and I've troubled you enough by having you come here. Let me treat you to a meal."

The trio left the station, Jiang Hai breathing in the fresh air. Though he was free the entire time, being in the station felt suffocating.

"Sir," Penelope hesitated, slowing her pace. She seemed to have made up her mind. Raising her head, she addressed Jiang Hai.

"Hmm?" Jiang Hai, preoccupied with thoughts of steak and lobster, looked at her curiously.

"Sir, could you refrain from pressing charges against those people?" Penelope asked, meeting his gaze firmly.

"What do you mean?" Jiang Hai's tone grew stern. For a lawyer, personal feelings should never interfere with duty. Lawyers exist to serve their clients, and in cases involving wealthy individuals like Jiang Hai, their priority is achieving the client's goals, not moralizing.

Penelope's request annoyed Jiang Hai. Originally, he had shown leniency due to their acquaintance, but her plea changed that. He frowned and asked, "I, they… Why?"

"They're… deaf-mutes," Penelope admitted after a moment's hesitation.

Jiang Hai was momentarily stunned. That explained their silence despite the injuries. Still, sympathy didn't excuse their actions, especially when they had tried to kill him. Jiang Hai's expression hardened.

"Being disabled doesn't give them the right to commit crimes," Jiang Hai said firmly. His principles were unwavering. While Cindy might have pitied them as an observer, she was the victim of the theft and witnessed the danger firsthand. The switchblades weren't toys—being stabbed could be fatal. Cindy wasn't saintly enough to risk her life out of pity, nor was Jiang Hai.

"A pitiful person can also be detestable," Jiang Hai thought. No amount of sympathy could override his principles, especially since he was the victim.

"This cannot justify their crimes," Jiang Hai concluded. His firm stance left Penelope's face pale and Cindy silent. Jiang Hai wasn't one to compromise on such matters.