The Billionaire's Law

Snowflakes danced through the chilly December air, dusting the city streets with a soft white blanket. Shop windows glowed with golden lights, Christmas decorations lined every corner, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon filled the air. Laughter and cheerful voices echoed from groups of people enjoying the holiday season. But for Dianah Estrada, Christmas was the last thing on her mind. She clutched the strap of her worn-out bag, her fingers stiff from the cold. The bitter wind stung her cheeks, but the true chill came from the sinking feeling in her chest—the fear gnawing at her since she received the devastating news. "Miss Estrada, you are under investigation for fraud and embezzlement." The words replayed in her head like a cruel joke. Fraud? Embezzlement? It was absurd. She was just an ordinary woman, working tirelessly to survive. She had no riches, no powerful connections, no influence—just a simple job that had barely paid her enough to get by. And yet, here she was—jobless, with her bank accounts frozen and her name tarnished overnight. Her best friend, Alyssa, had been the one to push her into this desperate attempt. "You need a lawyer, Dianah. And not just any lawyer. You need the best." "I don’t have money for a lawyer, let alone the best one." "Then you need a miracle." That was when she first heard the name Travier Laurent. A billionaire attorney, known for his unmatched brilliance and ruthless reputation. He was feared in court, respected in the legal world, and completely untouchable. Unlike most high-profile lawyers, he didn’t take cases based on money or status. He chose only the cases that interested him. If a case didn’t intrigue him, he wouldn’t even look at it. Which meant Dianah had almost no chance. But she had to try. Now, standing in front of Laurent & Associates, she took a deep breath. The towering glass building loomed over her, sleek and modern, its golden logo shining under the soft glow of the streetlights. She had already called his office multiple times, and every time, the answer was the same: "Mr. Laurent is not taking any new cases." But tonight, she wasn’t leaving until she saw him. Dianah pushed open the heavy glass doors and stepped into the grand lobby. The polished marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting, and a massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting delicate reflections across the room. A towering Christmas tree stood in the center, adorned with elegant gold and silver ornaments, its twinkling lights adding warmth to the cold luxury surrounding her. She felt so out of place. Tugging her coat closer, she approached the front desk where a receptionist sat, typing away on a computer. The woman barely glanced up before sighing, as if already exasperated. "Miss Estrada," the receptionist said, her tone clipped. "I already told you earlier—Mr. Laurent does not accept walk-ins." Dianah swallowed, her throat dry. "I just need five minutes with him. That’s all I ask." The receptionist exhaled sharply, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the desk. "Mr. Laurent does not meet with people who don’t have an appointment. And he certainly doesn’t meet with strangers at this hour." Dianah’s heart pounded. She had no appointment, no connections, and no plan. But what she did have was desperation. Before she could plead further, a deep voice interrupted. "What’s going on here?" Dianah turned toward the voice, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. Travier Laurent. The man was impossibly striking—tall, with an air of quiet power. He was dressed in a black coat over a perfectly tailored suit, his dark hair neatly styled, and his sharp features unreadable. His deep-set eyes were cold, like ice that had never known warmth. A man like him wasn’t just powerful—he was power. The receptionist quickly straightened. "Mr. Laurent, my apologies. This woman has been trying to—" "To ask for your help," Dianah interrupted, forcing herself to hold his gaze. "Please, just a few minutes." A heavy silence settled over them. Travier studied her, his face completely devoid of emotion. Then, in a flat, unbothered tone, he said, "I don’t take cases out of pity." The words hit Dianah like a punch to the gut. She gritted her teeth, willing herself to stay calm. "This isn’t about pity. I’ve been accused of something I didn’t do. If you’d just hear me out—" "I don’t take random cases," he cut her off, his voice firm. "Now, if you’ll excuse me." And just like that, he turned to leave. Panic shot through her. No. He couldn’t walk away. He was her last hope. "Mr. Laurent, please!" she called out. "If you don’t help me, no one else will!" He didn’t stop. Dianah’s pulse raced. She had seconds—just seconds—before he disappeared, before her last chance slipped away forever. Desperate, she did the only thing she could think of. "I heard you only take cases that interest you," she said loudly, her voice echoing in the grand lobby. "Then tell me this—aren’t you even a little curious why a woman like me would come here, begging for your help?" That made him stop. Slowly, Travier turned to face her again, his cold eyes narrowing slightly, as if assessing whether she was wasting his time. Dianah’s heart pounded. This was it. Either she had just made the biggest mistake of her life… or she had just caught the attention of the most powerful lawyer in the city. The Christmas lights around them sparkled, the warmth of the season in stark contrast to the icy tension between them. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. "Five minutes." It wasn’t a promise. It wasn’t an acceptance. But it was a start. --- End of Chapter 1