Reunited with My Lawyer Ex

A courtroom was the last place I expected to run into Alexander Vance, my ex-boyfriend—especially after our messy, bitter breakup. Fate had a twisted sense of humor: my client, Vincent Wayne, stood as the plaintiff, while Alexander's client took the defendant's seat. Famous for his poise and careful demeanor, Alexander fumbled his words more than once during the hearing—a rare slip for the sharp-tongued attorney. "Ms. Sterling's spent so long in Merilica, it's only natural she's a bit out of touch with our laws. I get it," he said, his tone dripping with feigned understanding. Through the first few veiled jabs, I forced a smile, but my patience had its limits. My expression hardened as I locked eyes with his playful stare. "Mr. Vance, people ought to move forward and keep pace with the times. This is a new regulation passed this year—you didn't know that?" I refused to buy it. This was a man who memorized legal clauses in his sleep, a total workaholic—he'd never make such a rookie error. Alexander merely nodded, his expression indifferent as if the matter didn't concern him in the least. When the recess hit, Vincent pulled me aside, eager to play matchmaker. "Vivian, I've got the perfect guy for you—let me introduce you," he insisted, already reaching for his phone to pull up the man's contact. Out of nowhere, Alexander appeared, his face stormy as he sauntered over, oozing sarcasm. "Ms. Sterling doesn't like men, Mr. Wayne. Didn't you know that?" Vincent's smile froze on his face, while Alexander wore a triumphant grin, clearly pleased with himself for ruining the moment. I rolled my eyes, not wanting to waste another breath on him, and linked my arm through Vincent's. "Let me walk you to your car, sir—take it easy," I said gently. Before pulling away, Vincent slipped a business card through the car window, his voice warm with encouragement. "My grandson is a researcher—loads of cash, just missing a wife. If you're interested, give him a ring, Vivian. Don't be shy!" I nodded politely, tucking the card into my purse once the car drove off. Alexander's cold, detached voice cut through the air from behind me. "Planning to keep that as a memento? Gonna actually go on that blind date, Vivian?" He held a cigarette between his lips, taking a long drag before glaring down at me, his eyes sharp with disdain. "What's it to you?" I shot back, my tone icy. I circled around him to avoid the smoke—I'd once had chronic bronchitis, and even a whiff made my chest tight. The Alexander who'd quit smoking just for me, it seemed, was a thing of the past. He trailed closely behind, staying half a step back as he taunted me. "Just back from Merilica and already scrambling to find a man? Did you come home just to gold dig?" The sharp tongue that had earned him the nickname "Law School's Biggest Burn Master" was still as cutting as ever. I snapped, spinning around with a fake smile stretched across my face. "As a matter of fact, Mr. Vance—do you have any single male colleagues around my age? If so, send 'em my way. And a few rules: no one older than me, no players, no one who can't keep boundaries with the opposite s*x—especially female supervisors." Alexander let out a bitter laugh, his eyes narrowing as he stared at me, irritation flashing in his gaze. "You're that desperate to find a man? I've got a candidate—wanna hear it?" I raised an eyebrow, feigning curiosity. "Who?" He leaned in, and my attention was instantly captivated by his striking face. "Me," he said, his voice low and unwavering.