It was just another day at the office, with Scott busy at his desk poring over the firm's budget. Documents were strewn across his workspace as his fingers danced over the keys of his laptop.

Outside, the sound of raindrops tapping against the windows created a soothing melody, harmonising with the soft music playing in his office. The weather forecast from this morning hinted at even more rain for the month ahead. With his focus firmly on the screen, Scott stretched out his hand to grab his steaming cup of coffee, lifting it to his lips for a sip. Just then, a gentle knock interrupted him, and moments later, Mr. Okyere, one of the senior attorneys and a close friend, strolled in with his right hand casually tucked into his pocket.

"Well, well, well! Look at you, busy guy!" Mr. Okyere announced as he settled into the chair opposite Scott.

Scott lifted his gaze from his work to acknowledge his friend, admiring his appearance. Mr. Okyere looked robust, dressed sharply in a pressed navy blue suit over a light blue shirt, polished shoes, and a perfectly knotted tie that exuded authority.

"You’re looking quite dapper! Just got out of the courtroom, I take it?" Scott said, a half-smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Mr. Okyere chuckled. "Can’t a man just look sharp without being accused of coming from somewhere important?"

Scott raised an eyebrow, sceptical.

With a resigned sigh, Mr. Okyere confessed, "Alright, I did just leave the courtroom, but that doesn’t mean I don’t dress to impress." He adjusted his cufflinks and glanced around the office. "I like the vibe in here," he continued, turning his attention back to Scott, who looked at him knowingly. "This place feels charged with good energy. You seem happy... so what’s the scoop? Spill it."

"Nothing's going on," Scott replied, leaning back in his chair.

"Yeah, right," Mr. Okyere shot back. "You must be getting into some good stuff, huh? Who’s been sharing your bed? Is it someone from this office?"

Mr Okyere's eyes widened as realisation struck. "It’s Miss Benson, isn’t it? You sly dog."

"For heaven’s sake, I’m not sleeping with anyone at the firm! Yes, I'm in a good mood, but it’s not because of that."

"Then what is it?"

Scott let out a heavy sigh, recognising his friend's relentless curiosity. "I’m just glad to have the flat all to myself now that my parents have headed back to the States. That’s it."

"Are you sure that's it?"

" Of course, what else. Come on, if you don’t have anything more pressing to discuss, let me get back to my work, Maxwell."

"Sorry, buddy," Mr. Okyere said, unfazed. "I can't do that. As you can see, I have plenty of free time before my next court hearing, and I’d hate to waste it. You’re stuck with me for a bit."

Scott frowned. "Seriously, don’t you have any research to tackle?"

"That’s what my paralegal is for. If I step in and do his job, what’s the point of keeping him around?"

"You really love to intrude on my personal space, don’t you?" Scott asked, resigned.

Maxwell flashed him a devilish grin. Scott threw down the pen he’d been holding in defeat.

***

In Sliver's office, Sylvia was busy scrolling through documents on the computer screen when Miss Amoah walked in.

"Need a hand with your new case?" she asked.

Sylvia looked up. "Nope, I’m good," she replied, glancing back down at her work.

Miss Amoah let out a sigh. "Look, I know this isn’t my business, but I’ve heard you cursing a lot in your office. If something’s bothering you, I’m here to listen. I know I haven't exactly been friendly since we met, but I’m willing to do almost anything to stop hearing those curse words float around here."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "So, spill it. What’s the issue?"

Taken aback, Sylvia stared at her in surprise. "Um… thanks for the offer, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. I promise I’ll cut back on the swearing." She gave Miss Amoah a faint smile.

"Fine, suit yourself," Miss Amoah replied, turning and walking back to her office as Sylvia watched her leave.

In Scott's office, he and Maxwell were deep in conversation.

"So, how are things going with Miss Amoah? Have you mustered the courage to ask her out yet?" Scott inquired.

"Are you kidding? Why would I do that? Just her presence brings men to their knees. The vibe she gives off screams, ‘Don't come near me; you're not on my level.’ A powerful woman like her requires a solid plan before you even think about approaching her. I need to build some kind of friendship and trust with her first."

"Why aren’t you doing that, then?" Scott pressed.

"Because it’s not that simple. The last time we worked together was ages ago, and let’s just say it didn’t go smoothly."

"In what way?" Scott asked.

Mr Okyere runs his fingers along his tie.

"She wanted to take charge of the case we were working on and have full control without sharing responsibility. As a senior attorney, I wasn’t ready to accept a lesser role. It led to a clash of egos."

"We did win the case, but it only fueled the animosity between us. Now, she doesn’t even want to be in the same room as me. Since I called her rude, obnoxious, bossy, and a pain in the ass to work with."

"Damn! That’s a shame. Anyway, don't let that discourage you. If she’s the one you want, I suggest you go for it. But take a calmer approach." Scott leaned in, resting his hands on the desk. "What I’m about to tell you might make you look soft or foolish to some, but not every case needs to be a competition. If she wants to take the lead on certain cases, let her handle it. But don’t do that for every case; otherwise, she’ll lose respect for you. I know you're competitive, but dialling it back a bit could work in your favour."

"Wow, since when did you become a relationship expert?" Maxwell teased.

"Fuck off, will you?" Scott warns, which causes Maxwell to laugh harder.