Leaving

Kanalaa took a deep breath before starting the conversation, her expression serious yet composed. Alistair glanced up from his desk, his attention fully on her. She stood tall, her posture indicating determination and resolve.

"I need to have a word with you," she began.

"Sure, what is it?" Alistair replied, his tone attentive. He leaned forward slightly, indicating his readiness to listen.

"Once I finish my last case, I'm going to need to leave the firm and start to take over my business once again," Kanalaa explained, her gaze unwavering as she met Alistair's eyes.

Alistair nodded responding, "No problem," easily, though a flicker of concern passed over his face.

"Since your secretary will not be able to come to work anytime soon, I will need you to stop being hard-headed and giving a hard time to the interns and junior lawyers. You are going to have another secretary, but it will be up to you if that person will stay permanently or until Shana comes back," Kanalaa continued, her tone firm yet gentle.

"Fine, for you to stop worrying about me, I'll ask Ms. Davids to look for one," Alistair agreed, not second guessing Kanalaa's words.

"One if experienced, two if they barely have. I can't have you stressing over new employees; that defeats the purpose of hiring new ones," Kanalaa instructed, her concern evident. She gave Alistair's arm a comfortind touch.

"Yes, attorney," Alistair acknowledged, nodding in agreement. He offered Kanalaa a small smile, a silent promise to follow her instructions.

"Also, I want a certain case. I haven't handled as such, it will help me with my experience," Kanalaa stated, a spark of determination shining in her eyes.

"The murder case of the Cromwells," she revealed, her voice steady despite the gravity of her request.

Alistair brows knotted, "Cromwells? That is a very dangerous case, Kanalaa. I can't have death knocking on your door," Alistair protested, his worry evident in his voice. He reached across and lead Kanalaa on hi side, showing seriousiness about the matter.

"The moment I decided to be a lawyer is also the day I signed for my death. This industry is very dangerous regardless of the field, Alistair," Kanalaa responded matter-of-factly, though her grip on Alistair's hand tightened slightly.

"Must you really have to be part of it?" Alistair questioned, concern evident in his eyes.

"Yes," Kanalaa affirmed, meeting Alistair's gaze with unwavering determination. She softly squeeze his hands, a silent reassurance that she knew what she was doing.

"Fine, I'll take over it. I will inform Atty. Sterling," Alistair agreed, understanding Kanalaa's determination. He released her hand reluctantly, his expression conflicted.

"Also, regarding me taking over my business, I will have to fly out and stay in Prime City. You know, my company is not based here in Crestview," Kanalaa explained, her tone softening as she shared her plans with Alistair.

When her company was established, being in a relationship here in Crestview wasn't part of the plan. She have always been resolute of staying single, fooling around, not knowing she is bound to meet someone who could change her mind. Her purpose of staying in Crestview was to study law and spend as much time as she could with her family before settling down in Prime City.

"That won't be a problem, love. I have all the resources to get to you whenever I want or you want," Alistair reassured her, a warmth in his eyes as he spoke.

"And that will also mean that we have lesser time with each other," Kanalaa pointed out, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice. She reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair away from Alistair's forehead, her touch gentle and affectionate.

An affectionate smile crept on Alistair face, appreciating Kanalaa's devotion on their relationship.

"I told you, none of those is a problem. Your career and personal life are as important as our relationship," Alistair reminded her, his voice filled with sincerity. He reached up and covered Kanalaa's hand with his own, holding it against his cheek for a moment before releasing it.

"Thank you. I was trying to prolong my comeback, but my secretary has been notifying me with various problems arising which I can't ignore easily," Kanalaa admitted, a hint of frustration in her voice. She leaned back to Alistair, running a hand through her hair in a gesture of exasperation.

"It's totally fine. You need to make it a priority. You can also still practice law," Alistair encouraged, his support unwavering. He leaned forward again, his expression determined as he met Kanalaa's gaze.

Their time together was disturbed when someone knocked on the door. Kanalaa free herself from Alistair and stood beside the desk instead.

"Come in,"

A young woman entered the office, Atty. Sterling's secretary. She's a law student part-timing to the law firm. This is one way for them to acquire lawyers. Although they still carefully choose them, talented lawyers can still be found this way.

"Atty. the supplementals from Style Steels came. I'm here to deliver them," she said, carrying an inch thick folder.

"I see, thank you. Anyway, notify Atty. Sterling we will have a meeting regarding the Cromwells' case."

"Yes, atty,"

The woman left the office carefully, scared to make mistake given the position Alistair's hold. After the encounter, Kanalaa also left his office because there are cases that awaits for her attention, too.

The same day, Kanalaa also followed up the problem that happened in the firm. Pierre, as he promised, took care of everything. Given the fact that Kanalaa handed them the evidences he needed, he didn't bother Alistair with it. The deed was raised to the Commission and a further investigation was conducted. Atty. Riles' and Atty. Curtis' licenses are currently suspend due to the ongoing investigation of the Commission. It is most likely that Atty. Curtis will be acquited . However, Atty. Riles, if proven guilty, will be disbarred and imprisoned with fine given the gravity of the committed crime. Breached of confidentiality alone is a big crime given their profession added to it was the unethical practice he did. To Kanalaa, Atty. Riles' is a wasted talent for she knows how capable he is. Too bad, he was consumed to something bad. Right now, his motives is still unknown to Kanalaa for a trial have yet to happen.

***

A/N: I read til 3 am so I won't have an excuse for not updating at least one chapter and here it is :p i hope that i can keep up this pace but im probably going to be busy but who knows right? It's about time to finish a book. My plots have been sitting on the corner for years, like really years lol