Chapter 230 - Return bout (2)

4 March, Municipal Courthouse, City K

A look passed between the civilian lawyers, wondering what Lexi was getting at. "My former father-in-law as far as I can recall has never worked a day. And before you say anything his branch of the Yao family is a distantly related branch, so he has been in and out of my life as long as I can recall. And as to my former mother-in-law her family, the Gongs have a small company, but as to whether it earns enough money to justify the wealth her family demonstrate, that I do not know. But to support her husband and herself, I cannot see in-laws doing that constantly. Yet the two of them since Richard's death have been spending significant money over and above anything that they can source from their skills and resources."

Having heard the mention of Gong, for both lawyers they tensed. Could Madam Yao, be related to Warren Gong, who everyone knew, but no one could prove headed the Gong Cartel. That made this job scary. Anyone who crossed Warren Gong usually ended up with an unhappy outcome. If Madam Yao was his sister, what was his position?

Gathering courage, one lawyer asked, "Is Madam Yao's brother named Warren?"

"He is," responded Lexi. "A creep who tries to hit on any woman and has always made me feel uncomfortable."

Lexi's two lawyers looked at each other. Could the situation get worse? A Special Forces solider and the head of the Gong Cartel. If these two fought, who knows who would be hurt. They just needed to find a way out of this case with at least risk as possible. They were aware that the authorities were occasionally still finding pieces of the last lawyers that went up against Warren Gong.

Looking at each other they knew they had to say bluntly what they had only talked about in the office, to protect themselves. The senior lawyer said "Madam Rong, we have been talking about this in the office. Is there no way that there can be a compromise reached between you and your former in-laws?"

Lexi immediately responded "Compromise, you have to be kidding. You have read the same doc.u.ments I have. They want Dominic to attend boarding school like his father did, whereas I want him to stay here in City K with me, and with the opportunity for them to spend time with him."

Matthew said "And the boarding school they are looking at is overseas. National Security protection will mean that will not be allowed…"

"Colonel, you have no say in this. It is your wife's decision, and we recommend a compromise because the wishes that Richard Yao expressed in his Will for his son will be given significant weight. That…"

Lexi knew that they were folding. "Forget it. I have made my position clear. If you cannot follow instructions leave…"

Lieutenant Li, having witnessed the exchange added "And remember if you disclose the Colonel's posting or other information those agreements you signed will be used."

"Lieutenant, we are not backing off. As a lawyer you know that the court will prioritise the child over what all a.d.u.l.ts want. We would be derelict in our responsibilities if we did not see is a compromise could be reached."

Lexi observed a look pass between Matthew and Lieutenant Li, and noticed a nod pass between them, as if Matthew had given her permission to say something. A second later, what Lexi had thought was proven true.

"That I get gentleman," responded Lieutenant Li, "But you appear to be terrified since you heard that Madam Rong's former uncle-in-law is Warren Gong about what will happen to you. We should not mess around. You know the situation where Warren Gong is the head of an organisation that is involved in illegal activities. He and the other senior people in the organisation have, however, been able to isolate themselves to the point that the illegal actions cannot be attached to them. You also know the stories of lawyers who oppose him, or those senior members of his organisation disappear and the authorities over years simply find their bodies piece by piece."

Lieutenant Li paused and shook her head before continuing "And you are worried that in going against what his sister wants, you are opposing him and therefore worried about the consequences that will come from this. Madam Rong does not need people representing her that are cared of a potential outcome. She needs fearless representation for herself and Dominic."

As Lieutenant Li finished speaking there was dead silence in the room, before Matthew lent over and whispered in Lexi's ear "I will explain later about Warren Gong, but it is your call. Lieutenant Li, if you are worried can step in to represent you in the proceedings."

Looking at the lawyers from the family firm, Lexi noticed that they were avoiding direct eye contact with her. Lexi turned and whispered to Matthew "Lieutenant Li might be right, they are worried, but will it hurt my case."

Matthew quietly said "Lexi, I am not going to force what you do. In the end it is your choice, but you need someone in your corner who is fearless in fighting for you and Dominic."

Lexi sat and looked around. While she had trust in the family lawyers normally, there was something that told her that when it came down to it, they would continue pushing her to compromise with her former in-laws. While she did not want to make a quick decision, in the end Lexi knew given the situation she had to make a quick decision.

"Gentleman, Lieutenant, I feel as if I am backed into a corner. I need a legal team who will fearlessly fight for Dominic and myself. I can understand wanting to see if a resolution can be reached. I have never denied Richard's parents from being in Dominic's life. But I laid out what my first husband did to me in our marriage. Why should the wishes of an abuser be given significant weight, particularly given how it affected me on his death. It has taken significant time for me to get over that, and to be able to appropriately parent Dominic."

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