Sylvia was blissfully lost in her dreams when the abrupt sound of a car door slamming shattered her tranquillity. Blinking against the darkness, she propped herself up in bed.

"What on earth was that?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. Curiosity tugged at her, and she padded quietly across the room to the window.

Peering through the glass, she squinted to make out the scene below. The flickering streetlight illuminated two shadowy figures by a car. As her eyes adjusted, she recognised Mabel, her sister, standing close to a man she had never seen before. They shared a moment, then Mabel turned and headed toward the porch.

Sylvia heard the front door creak open and close again. She cast one last glance at the mysterious man as he climbed into his car and drove away, the headlights fading into the night. Feeling a mix of intrigue and protectiveness, she moved swiftly down the corridor to confront her sister.

As she reached the hallway, she spotted Mabel tiptoeing toward her room, trying not to disturb anyone else in the house.

"So, who is he?" Sylvia asked, her voice a whisper but laced with urgency as she leaned against her doorframe.

Mabel froze mid-step and slowly turned to face her. "Sylvia, what are you doing awake at this hour?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Sylvia replied, crossing her arms, her brow raised in challenge. "Who is he?"

Mabel shrugged dismissively. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't play coy with me, big sis. I saw you kissing him on the hood of his car. Who is he?" Sylvia pressed, an eyebrow arched.

With a smirk, Mabel said, "He's just a friend who was dropping me off."

"A friend, huh? I didn't know friends kissed like that," Sylvia teased, a playful glint in her eye.

"Shhh!" Mabel placed a finger over her lips, desperately trying to stifle the conversation. "Keep your voice down! Are you trying to wake up the whole house with your interrogations? Listen, there's nothing wrong with kissing a guy. I'm a grown woman, after all."

Sylvia chuckled lightly, letting the tension ease. "That you are. Just remember, while you're at it, I hope you're being careful. We wouldn't want another little 'James Jr.' running around," she added, winking at her sister.

Mabel couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head she said. "Just shut up and go to bed already. You've got a big day tomorrow."

Sylvia's smile faded, replaced by a pensive look. "Yeah, you're right. A big day I'm not exactly looking forward to," she sighed, walking back to her room and closing the door behind her, the uncertainty of the day ahead swirling in her mind.

***

Back in the office, Sylvia stood in front of her desk, arranging a file with a gloomy expression. Today was the day she would represent one of their clients in the acquisition case against Hamilton Corporation-a case she was dreading.

After a late-night talk with her sister in the corridor, Sylvia had hoped to fall back asleep when she returned to her room. Unfortunately, her mind kept racing with thoughts of the Hamilton case, leaving her no choice but to spend the rest of the night researching a case she wasn't eager to represent.

Lost in her thoughts, she was approached by Miss Charity Amoah. "Congratulations on landing your first case! I hope you make this firm proud."

Sylvia turned in surprise, realising that news of her role in the Hamilton case had already spread. 'Wonderful,' she thought. If she failed to secure a win, everyone would know. This wasn't how she had envisioned making her first impression, especially in an area of law she wasn't familiar with.

"Thank you, Miss Amoah," she replied. "I'll do my best."

Miss Amoah raised an eyebrow. "I hate to break it to you, but in law, your best isn't enough. You need to strive for excellence, particularly in this firm." She looked Sylvia up and down. "I hope you're not planning to attend the meeting dressed like that."

Sylvia glanced down at her outfit. What's wrong with what I'm wearing? She wondered. "What's wrong with this?" she asked, gesturing to her attire.

"What's wrong, you ask?" Miss Amoah sighed. "It doesn't convey enough power or respect." She slid a card across the desk. "Call this person; they can help you find something more suitable." With that, she walked away.

An hour later, Sylvia entered the conference room wearing a new outfit that exuded confidence. Her white dress featured a v-neck cut and a subtle side slit, complemented by a red blazer and white pencil heels.

She noticed Scott glancing her way as he sat at the table. She greeted him, and he responded with a nod, nervously loosening his tie.

Taking a seat beside him, a silence wrapped around them as they awaited their client.

Sylvia broke the silence first. "I'm sorry about my outburst the other day. I shouldn't have called the MacLens arrogant." She cast him a sidelong glance when he didn't respond. "I said that because I was frustrated that Mr. Adam won't let me contribute to decisions. It's like my opinion doesn't matter; he just makes decisions for me."

"That's because he's your boss," Scott replied, letting out a long sigh. "Listen, Miss Benson, there's something you should know about my brother. If he wants your input on a decision, he'll ask for it. Keep that in mind going forward when you talk to him."

Sylvia nods in agreement.

"Can I have a copy of those files?" asked Scott. Handing him a copy, their client suddenly walked in. Both of them stood up to welcome him.

As soon as Sylvia laid eyes on him, recognition struck. "It's you! I had no idea you were the client. I saw the name in the file Mr. Adam gave me, but I didn't make the connection." The client smiled back at her. Scott cleared his throat, refocusing her on the agenda for the day.

"I'm so sorry; where are my manners?" Sylvia stepped forward. "Welcome, Mr. Tamaklo. I'm Sylvia Benson, your representative for this case. Beside me is Scott MacLen, an accountant in this firm who will be joining us for this meeting with the Hamilton Corporation representatives."

Mr. Tamaklo turned to Scott, smiling. "We've met before, but I'm afraid that was when you were still on the path to becoming a partner here. I must say, I'm glad to see how far you've come, Scott."

Scott shyly scratched his hair. "Thank you, Mr. Tamaklo."

Mr. Tamaklo nodded and turned back to Sylvia. "Your sister never mentioned you were a lawyer at this firm."

Sylvia opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by the sudden arrival of the Hamilton Corporation representatives.

All eyes turn to the entrance of the conference room.

"Looks like they're here. We can get started now," Mr. Tamaklo said.

Mr. Hamilton, the owner of Hamilton Building and Housing Corporation, shot Mr. Tamaklo a piercing glare, but Mr Tamaklo looks unaffected as he smirks at him in return.

Scott glances between Mr Tamaklo and Mr Hamilton. "This will be interesting," He remarks.