When Justice Meets Love

A low gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs and stifled laughter.

The man threw the wine glass to the ground, the shattering sound sharp and piercing.

"Yara Cullen, because of you, all of us lawyers have been dragged through the mud. You’re a disgrace to the profession—a rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel!"

The commotion caught the attention of Westley and Elena, who hurried over, both momentarily stunned by the scene.

Amid the chaos, a hand emerged from the crowd and gave Yara a hard shove from behind.

She stumbled and fell to the ground, her gaze meeting the mocking stares around her, her eyes clouded with confusion and hurt.

Elena’s voice dripped with mock sympathy. "Yara, how did you manage to get wine all over yourself? And then you tripped. That’s so clumsy of you.

“Honestly, you’re always so careless. No wonder you caused such a disaster with the Crestwood Estate case."

Westley cleared his throat, feigning a mild reprimand. "Elena, we’re in public. At least show your sister some respect."

Elena pouted, feigning innocence. "But Westley, I’m just being honest. Sometimes I can’t help speaking my mind."

His gaze softened, overflowing with indulgence. "That’s just your honest nature."

Watching the pair, Yara no longer felt the pain she once did.

Only a boundless numbness remained, swallowing her whole like a rising tide.

Just as despair threatened to consume her completely, a hand suddenly appeared in front of her.

A rich, low voice sounded above her. "Give me your hand. I’ll help you up."

Yara looked up, dazed.

Through the blur of tears and humiliation, she saw a face impossible to forget—chiseled features, sharp and cold, exuding an air of quiet strength.

Herman Lloyd.

The name surfaced in her mind like a sudden jolt.

Herman was her senior in Hudson University’s law program. He was a living legend.

In just two years, he completed the coursework for a four-year degree.

While everyone expected him to become a lawyer, Herman surprised them all by switching paths to business and transferring to the business school.

After graduation, he took over the family empire.

As a businessman, Herman was equally gifted.

In just a few short years, he had elevated the Lloyd Group to an entirely new level of success.

Fortune Magazine described him as a "next-generation business leader."

A low murmur rippled through the crowd:

"Herman Lloyd... it’s really him."

"He rarely makes public appearances. I can’t believe he’s attending Elena Cullen’s birthday party..."

Yara’s eyelashes fluttered slightly at those words.

Herman knelt down in front of her, gently taking her wrist to help her up from the floor.

From the pocket of his suit jacket, he pulled out a handkerchief and lifted his hand, intending to wipe the wine from her hair.

Yara turned her head away, avoiding him. “I can do it myself.”

His hand froze for a moment, but he didn’t insist. “Alright, you do it yourself.”

Elena approached Herman, her face glowing with astonishment and delight. “Mr. Lloyd, it’s such an honor to have you here!”

In truth, she had no idea why Herman came to her party.

Her law firm had collaborated with the Lloyd Group before, and she had dressed to the nines for the meetings, hoping to impress.

But she hadn’t even caught a glimpse of him.

Rumors painted Herman as cold and detached, someone who rarely interacted with others.

Elena thought those rumors were true.

So tonight, seeing Herman at her birthday party was something Elena wouldn’t have dared to dream of.

Herman cast her only a fleeting glance before shifting his gaze to Westley by her side.

The icy look in Herman’s eyes unsettled Westley, who awkwardly greeted him, “Mr. Lloyd.”

Herman didn’t respond, not even a word.

At that moment, his assistant approached, handing him a phone. “Mr. Lloyd, you have an important call.”

Herman glanced at Yara once more before turning and walking away.

The crowd, sensing the tension dissipate, began to disperse.

Westley lowered his head and asked Yara, “Yara, are you alright?”

She didn’t respond. Without a word, she turned and walked away.

Westley instinctively wanted to follow her, but Elena clung to his arm. “Westley, where are you going? Everyone’s waiting for us to open the dance floor.”

He hesitated for a moment before saying, “Alright, I’ll stay with you.”

Elena beamed with satisfaction, her smile radiating smug contentment.