Rise of a Silenced Wolf

Lawyer-1

July

After a tense silence, Joseph stubbornly said. "But July is my legal spouse. I have full power of attorney over all her affairs."

"Legal spouse," Gideon repeated, rolling the words over his tongue. "True, the law does grant you certain privileges. However, Section 16, Clause 3 of the Insurance Code is crystal clear. When a policyholder is physically unable to sign claim documents, their representative must provide explicit, conscious authorization from them. If the policyholder can’t communicate through speech, writing, or even gestures, we require a signed affidavit from at least two disinterested, neutral witnesses." He paused for dramatic effect.

"That's completely unnecessary," Joseph muttered, shifting uncomfortably. "Why can't we just bypass all this red tape and save us both some time?" He cleared his throat, lowering his voice. "I could... make it worth your while. A little extra commission to show my appreciation."

No, no, no. I prayed silently to the Moon Goddess. Please, don't let him take the bribe.

"Oh, I love money as much as the next guy, sir," Gideon chuckled, making a playful grimace. "But I'm a bit of a coward when it comes to the law. I'm not about to flush my reputation and my career down the toilet for a quick buck. We play by the book. I know you're in a rush, but for now, we'll just have to wait until your wife is fit to talk before we can move forward."

"That's not fair!" Joseph snapped. "Why can't you just take my word for it?"

"No offense, sir, but there's no guarantee you wouldn't... let's say, reinterpret your mate’s wishes to suit your own interests. It's nothing personal. It's just professional protocol. I’ve seen too many spouses, kids, and siblings who only have eyes for the dollar signs and couldn't care less about the actual patient."

"Are you accusing me of not caring about my mate?!" Joseph bristled.

"Easy, sir. Far from it," the lawyer replied, his tone cool and unwavering. "I'm simply stating that my client is July, not you. Legally speaking, my duty is to protect her interests, not yours."

"You just don't want to pay up!" Joseph's voice climbed an octave, his face turning ugly. "You insurance companies are all the same. You stall, you lowball, and then you hide behind a mountain of fine print to pay out pennies on the dollar. You think I don't see through you? You're trying to cheat us! You're only demanding to talk to her because you know she can't speak now. You're taking advantage of a critically injured woman. This is a joke! We're done talking to you. Tell your company to send another attorney! Now get out of my sight!"

Gideon stared at Joseph, completely unbothered. "Sir, you have a vivid imagination. But allow me to correct two minor flaws in your logic." He held up a single finger. "First, lowballing you doesn't put a single dime in my pocket. I'm an hourly attorney, not a sales rep working on commission. Whether this claim pays out a hundred grand or a million, my paycheck remains exactly the same." He raised a second finger. "And far more importantly, you don't have the authority to kick me out."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "I hope you understand I am a lawyer and my duty is to prioritize my client’s well-being. In this case, your wife’s. As her spouse, you might be entitled to share that payout once she recovers. But you have no right to stand between my client and me. I don't care if you're her mate, her lover, or her kept pretty boy—"

"What did you just call me?!" Joseph’s face flushed a violent, angry red.

"—you still don't have the right to throw me out," Gideon finished smoothly.

A silent bubble of laughter threatened to burst from my chest. If my vocal cords weren't shredded, I probably would have laughed hysterically right then and there. It was pure bliss watching someone strip Joseph of his arrogance, leaving him tongue-tied. His mouth opened and closed like a dying fish, desperately searching for a comeback, only to realize every single word coming out of the lawyer's mouth was legally airtight.

"You... get the hell out of here!" Joseph roared, pointing a trembling finger at the exit. "Get out right now! Just you wait—I'm going to file a formal complaint! I'll make sure your company fires you, you arrogant piece of—"

Before he could finish his threat, the door swung open. Enya stood on the threshold, a medical clipboard clutched against her chest. Her sharp eyes swept across the room, her defensive posture instantly giving way to sheer confusion.

"What on earth is going on in here?" she demanded.

"Nurse!" Joseph instantly flipped the switch, his face changing into a mask of wounded innocence as he stormed toward Enya. "Thank goodness you're here. This man has been relentlessly harassing my wife. I've asked him to leave multiple times, but he refuses to budge."

Enya's gaze drifted over to Gideon Cross, scanning him up and down. "Who are you?" she asked.

Gideon turned to her and offered a polite, charming bow. "My dear lady, allow me to set the record straight. I haven't harassed a soul. I'm Gideon Cross, attorney for Ms. July’s insurance claim, sent by Evergreen Life to verify a few essential details. I was merely exercising my legal right to consult directly with my client. As for this gentleman’s colorful accusations, I believe they stem purely from the fact that I refused to let him pocket her money behind her back."

Enya’s brow furrowed as she gave Gideon a stern look. "How did you even get past reception?"

A sheepish look crossed Gideon’s face. He let out a dry, nervous chuckle. "Ah. Well... that's a bit of a long story."

"Then give me the short version," Enya pressed, crossing her arms.

"To be fair, your hospital’s security is top-notch," Gideon offered, rubbing the back of his neck. "I tried the front desk, the side entrance, and the emergency bay. Your security guards politely but very firmly kicked me out at every turn. So, I was forced to resort to a slightly less... dignified backup plan."

"And what would that be?"

"I hitched a ride on the back of a dumpster truck and slipped in through the loading dock," he admitted, "And I completely scuffed my Italian leather loafers in the process."

Enya blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before her professional armor snapped right back into place. She shifted her clipboard to her left arm and pointed decisively toward the exit. "Well, Mr. Cross, regardless of your creative entry methods, no unauthorized visitors allowed, especially in ICU. I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Immediately."

"Of course, of course. Message received loud and clear," Gideon said, raising his hands in surrender as he took a few steps toward the door. But as he drew level with Enya, he paused, leaning in slightly. "Though, before I go, I have to say. Your beauty is breathtaking. Definitely the most beautiful nurse in this entire building. Are you free for dinner this weekend?"

Enya blinked, a sudden blush creeping up her neck, but she kept her guard up. "I appreciate the flattery, Mr. Cross. Now, walk."

"Going, going, almost gone," Gideon teased, walking backward toward the hall. But his eyes were still locked on her, and instead of navigating the doorway, he walked straight into the doorframe with a loud, hollow thud.

"Ow!" He let out a dramatic groan, clutching his forehead as he spun back to face us. A faint pink mark was already blooming right above his eyebrow. He blinked rapidly, instantly transforming his face into a picture of exaggerated agony.

"Jesus, is this doorframe made of reinforced concrete? Your hospital builders certainly didn't cut any corners. I think I need medical attention. A band-aid, at least. Actually, probably a head CT. I can already feel a massive concussion setting in—"

"Are you kidding me? You barely tapped it!" Joseph yelled, throwing his hands up. "You're faking it! This is just a pathetic excuse to stay here!"