Lorcan Grant froze mid-sip of his overpriced Americano when he saw the name paired with his on the case assignment board: Vivian Montgomery.
Five years had passed since law school, but the sight of her name still triggered a visceral response—a tightening in his chest, a slight tremor in his fingers. He'd spent three years watching her raise her hand first in every class, snag the top spot on law review, and ultimately graduate summa cum laude while he'd settled for magna. Now she was here, at Harrison & Wells, on his turf.
"Looks like you're working with Viv on the Pearson merger," said Marcus, appearing beside him. "Lucky you." Lorcan set his coffee down carefully, composing his features into what he hoped was casual indifference. "Montgomery? Didn't realize she'd joined the firm." The words came out steady, betraying none of the acid churning in his stomach.
"Started last week. Partner track, of course. Thornton's been singing her praises to anyone who'll listen."
Of course, she was on the partner track. Of course, Thornton, the managing partner who'd barely acknowledged Lorcan's existence despite his billing more hours than anyone in the firm, was her champion.
Lorcan nodded, forcing the corners of his mouth upward. "Great. Looking forward to it.Lorcan straightened his tie and walked towards her, his face arranged into a pleasant mask that had served him well over the years. The clicking of her heels on the marble floor had announced her arrival long before she'd come into view. Predictable. Punctual. Just as he'd expected.
He gestured toward the seating area by the window where they were seated together with a box of files. "I took the liberty of ordering coffee. Black, no sugar, as I believe you prefer."