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“We stepped back fro law, but this firm and its reputation carry our names You hit our radar quickly”

“That’s very flattering”

“You can iine our shock and appall e received the letters fro you left and the fact that you are bringing ethical coainst your former peers has shaken us”

Miller showed me a copy of the letter Stephanie wrote on behalf as my lawyer It was not the direction I would have taken with drastic and long-lasting consequences But when she explained it was ood shot

“I haven’t decided that’s the route to take,” I reply

“Regardless of how you proceed, it alerted us to the deficiencies and conspiracies happening under our noses We’re taking your situation seriously”

“That’s all I can ask for”

“Redotistical al world Back then ere unbeatable I will not stand here and lie to you, saying we didn’t cross the line many times for the sake of the win, the money, and the notoriety All of us did it We are not boy scouts and never claiht es, and we turned a blind-eye often” Mr Reid pauses, casting a glance at his partner and over to Scottie and Miller before bringing his eyes back to al ethics more times than I can count I tell you this because not once, in al law and al this firm, did any of the three of us strike a woman or solicit her out for sexual expectations”

My hand reflexively goes to my cheek, and my heart pounds in my ears No one outside of the small circle knows about the tussle with Brock Stephanie did not put it in her letter The reference to the sexual expectations also isn’t public knowledge, considering the scandal for the people involved

“I would never sleep with soe,” I defend myself unnecessarily

“Wo their sexuality as a weapon since the dawn of time You, Miss Rhodes, are not a woence, dedication, and commitment placed you on the fast track to success”

“Thank you, Mr Redmond”

“My father taughtmy lustful desires would ruin my life if I wasn’t aware of the consequences It seeht that life lesson Along with your situation, in the last two days, our infrastructure has imploded with revelations of adultery, ieneral chaos Weour associates whom they can have a relationship with isn’t our business But it seehtmare”

“I’, I’ve had no contact with anyone in the firo”

“We know After your letters were personally delivered, we i You may have a ballbuster reputation, but you are well respected Word of your return today brought mixed reactions, butsaid, we could use some solidarity and foundation in the face of chaos Would you reconsider joining us back at Red Associate or possibly Partner if you’re ready?”

The weight of his offer sends a wave of shock scoring throughout of here today on htheaded

“Ashlyn, take a deep breath” Miller’s ar me to his side for support

“Mr Redmond—” My voice cracks, and I s to push down the e up my throat Miller’s hand clutches my hip, and Scottie comes to my other side The twowith understanding

To my horror, tears well in my eyes, and I wipe them away before they can fall “Mr Redmond, Mr Reid, I can’t tell you howfoundation to this firoal to be offered a partnership However, leaving here took me back to my roots and I’ve had time to reflect on what matters more than the title of partner My life, o”

“Perhaps when things calm down around here, we could revisit a remote or virtual opportunity”