Chapter 8 : Farewell to the Past - 1 Chapter 8 : Farewell to the Past ( Olivia's POV ) A year ago , Emma Thompson broke up with her boyfriend . I remember her sitting across from me , her face blotchy from crying , hands trembling as she clutched a legal document . " He's demanding fifty thousand dollars ," she sobbed , her voice breaking . " Says it was money he transferred to me during our relationship . " I handed her a tissue , watching as she tried to compose herself . " That's not how it was at all , " Emma continued , wiping her tears . " We agreed from the start that rent , utilities , and living expenses would be split evenly . He said his monthly two thousand dollars covered his share , and I paid two thousand of my own . " Her shoulders shook with another wave of sobs . " Now he insists it was a gift given with marriage intentions , so I should return it if we break up . But those were just daily expenses ! The real gifts he ever gave me add up to less than five hundred dollars . " Emma looked up at me , her eyes red and desperate . " How shameless can he be , filing a legal complaint over this ? " She choked on her tears . " My two thousand a month came from my parents . I'm just a university student - how can I afford fifty thousand ? " She gripped my hand tightly , her fingers cold with fear . " I can't tell my family either . If my father knew I lived with a man during school , he'd kill him . " Her voice dropped to a whisper . " Liv , please help me … I have nowhere else to turn . " The memory of Emma's desperate plea still resonated with me . Back then , I was barely established myself , a fresh graduate with a meager monthly income from my new legal practice . But something about her situation struck a chord deep within me . Perhaps it was her vulnerability , or maybe I saw something of myself in her - someone alone in a city that could be cruelly indifferent . I broke the unspoken rule that lawyers don't take clients who can't pay . Not only did I take her 1/3 < Chapter 8 Farewell to the Pa case , but I also lent her money to cover the legal fees needed to fight the claim . +25 Puntos The fee was transferred directly to the lawyer center , as is customary . I accepted the case without compensation , knowing that without help , a vulnerable young woman like Emma might do something foolish . It wasn't easy . The ex - boyfriend had carefully documented every transfer , presenting them as " gifts " rather than shared expenses . But I was determined . After weeks of gathering evidence - bank statements , text messages discussing bill payments , testimonies from roommates who had witnessed their financial arrangements - l finally built a solid case . The day we won , Emma hugged me so tightly I could barely breathe . Her ex - boyfriend's shameless false claims were exposed , and he was ordered to pay Emma's legal costs . Two months later , after her graduation , Emma showed up at my office with a small potted plant and a determined expression . " I want to work for you , " she declared . " I want to learn everything you know . " Now , Emma's eyes were red again as she looked at me across my desk . " Liv , I'm still under my practice license here and can't leave yet ," she said softly . " But once my internship ends , can I come find you ? " Her question caught me off guard . I hadn't expected such devotion , especially after announcing my sudden departure . " Of course , " I replied , my amber eyes warming with genuine affection . " My home is in Riverdale . When the time comes , just contact me if you want to join me . " Emma broke into a teary smile . " That's great ! Liv , I'll follow you forever ! Wherever you go , I'll go . Don't abandon this little tail . " I couldn't help but smile at her earnestness . " Never . " Our bond , forged through hardship and gratitude , gave me some rare comfort amid my own turmoil . In a world where I'd learned to guard my heart carefully , Emma's loyalty was a precious gift . After saying goodbye to Emma , I headed to the director's office . Thomas Wilson looked up from his desk as I entered , his bespectacled face registering mild surprise . " Miss Winters , " he greeted me , gesturing to the chair opposite his desk . " What can I do for you ? " < Chapter 8 Farewell to the Pa +25 Puntos > I handed him my resignation letter . " I'm sorry for the short notice , Mr. Wilson . " He adjusted his glasses , scanning the document with growing confusion . " Miss Winters , why are you suddenly quitting ? Did you run into trouble with any clients ? " I shook my head quickly . " No , Mr. Wilson . It's family matters , I have to return to my hometown . " His eyebrows rose slightly , but he remained professional . " I know I'm supposed to give a month's notice , but this was unexpected . I'm sorry , " I added , feeling genuinely bad about the abruptness of my departure . Then I continued softly , " My handover is almost complete . There's one last case hearing is in ten days . After that , I'll leave . I just wanted to inform you early . " - the appeal Comentarios