Chapter 24
Meanwhile, Quinton was rattled by Selina's grasp of the business landscape. He knew Harvey Group, once formidable, was plateauing—a dangerous stagnation in the business world. While appearing untouchable to outsiders, its failure to grow risked dethroning it from its top local market position. Staying static could be disastrous. Both Harvey Group and Insight Group were heavyweights, with little room for advancement at the top; maintaining their positions was considered a success. But since Trevon's arrival, Insight Group had been steadily rising, showing annual gains. Selina's inside information clearly originated from Trevon.
"So what's Trevon's game? Prodding you to smear us to snatch up real estate? You snake! I won't let you!" Sara fumed, struggling to comprehend their estranged daughter's betrayal. Teaming up with Trevon, Selina was biting the hand that fed her—their own blood turning against them. "What bad karma have I accumulated to deserve this?" she wondered.
"You can bet on Trevon. Insight Group is leaving Harvey Group in the dust," Selina retorted confidently. "All I want is justice—Manuel needs to pay for dragging my name through the mud. And Mr. Harvey, using the Brady family name to intimidate me? Fat chance!"
"Ms. Harvey, Bobby Nash, Maple Law Firm," Bobby interrupted, eager to assert himself. He straightened his tie, stepping forward. With his track record, he could favorably influence even the most complex cases—worst-case scenario, they'd settle without jail time for Manuel.
Quinton and Sara couldn't hide their smugness. They had Bobby Nash, the city's top attorney—virtually unbeatable. With him, they believed they could outmaneuver Trevon and his allies.
"Not you again," Sara's face fell at Lydia's arrival. Since yesterday, she'd learned Lydia was trouble—a member of an underground punk band—and likely no stranger to controversy. Her extravagant style suggested a potentially negative influence on Selina. Selina could embarrass herself, Sara thought, but not at the expense of the Harvey family name.
Bobby paled at Malcolm's entrance, visibly trembling.
Quinton's brow furrowed with concern at Bobby's distress. "Mr. Nash, what's wrong?"
"Mr. Weber, to what do we owe the pleasure?" Bobby's tone was deferential, a stark contrast to his earlier confidence. The shift in Bobby's demeanor unsettled Quinton and Sara.
Malcolm moved to Selina's side, protectively shielding her. His voice was cold. "We grew up together, shared a mentor. You tell me what I'm doing here."
A chill ran through Bobby, nearly stealing his breath. After a long pause, he stammered, "Mr. Weber, you're… taking this case?"
"You bet."
That sharp response sent Bobby scrambling. He turned to Quinton and Sara, palms up. "I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey. I can't take your case. Find another lawyer."
"What the heck!" Quinton and Sara's jaws dropped. Bobby had been promising pro bono representation, and now he was withdrawing simply because Malcolm appeared! He was the best lawyer; the Harveys had even called in a favor to secure his services.
"I'll leave you to your meal, Mr. Weber," Bobby said, fleeing. Quinton nodded to Sara, signaling her to intercept Bobby.
Quinton then turned to Malcolm, his gaze steely. "Mr. Weber?"
"Mr. Harvey, don't kid yourself. You're going to lose. I don't take kindly to anyone messing with Selina," Malcolm said dismissively, pulling Selina away.
Lydia, her snack finished, rolled her eyes at Quinton and left. Quinton seethed, his fists clenching. Mr. Weber… That name wasn't uncommon. What was it about Mr. Weber that so unnerved Mr. Nash? This lawsuit was proving far messier than anticipated, he mused.
Sara quickly caught up to Bobby. "Mr. Nash, why are you backing out because of Mr. Weber? It's not a big deal, is it?"
Once Malcolm was out of earshot, Bobby risked an answer. "Mrs. Harvey, you don't understand. Even a small case explodes with Malcolm involved. You've chosen the wrong fight. I didn't expect him to return from overseas for Selina's case. With him, there's no winning."
Finally, it dawned on Sara—the significance of the name. Malcolm Weber, the wunderkind attorney in Mumzik, the force behind Liberty Law Firm. In a few short years, his firm had become an international legal giant.
Success like Malcolm's wasn't solely about skill or connections; it was about dominating the competition. He was a courtroom legend, a winner. Any local bias against someone not from Clusia was insignificant against his track record—success meant not just acceptance, but reverence.