Present Day
The universe had a sick sense of humor, and Mariella realized it the moment she saw the name printed on the newest pleading from the opposing party.
PAUL MARCUS RAZONLead Counsel: Ardent Lex Group
Four years had passed, yet seeing his name still punched the air out of her lungs. Once, that name lived in her phone under PMR. Now, it lived on subpoenas and motions designed to destroy her case.
Garvida, Rosario & Partners was small, nothing like the glass-and-steel law towers of Makati or BGC. Their reception desk had scratches. Their coffee machine sputtered like it had trauma. Their conference room chairs squeaked every time someone leaned back. And yet, Mariella loved this place. It smelled like courage and stubbornness and hope.
They took the cases no one else wanted: wom
