Grandpa's Nursing Home Abused Him, Now The Negligence Settlement Is My Wedding Gift

Night had fallen, turning the city into a blur of neon and malice. Elena’s car was parked behind a dumpster—her new home—but she couldn't stay there. The image of Arthur in the dark burned behind her eyelids.

She walked aimlessly, the water squelching in her ruined shoes, until a flickering light caught her eye. It was a cheap plastic sign in a strip mall, wedged between a vape shop and a payday lender.

JULIAN COLE - ATTORNEY AT LAW WE FIGHT FOR THE LITTLE GUY

The 'L' in 'LAWYER' was burnt out. It was pathetic. It was perfect.

Elena pushed the door open. A bell chimed. The office smelled of stale coffee and desperation. Piles of paper covered every surface.

A man sat behind the desk, feet up, tossing a foam basketball into a hoop mounted on the file cabinet. He wore a suit that looked like he’d slept in it.

“We’re closed,” he said without looking up.

“I don’t have money,” Elena said, her voice hoarse. “I don’t have a job. I don’t have a home.”

Julian Cole caught the ball and finally looked at her. He took in the wet cardigan, the mud stains, the fierce, terrifying look in her eyes.

“Sounds like you’re my target demographic for a free legal consultation,” he muttered, dropping his feet. “What’s the damage?”

Elena didn't speak. She walked forward and slapped her phone onto his desk, the photo of Arthur displayed.

“Golden Horizons. Marcus Thorne.”

Julian froze. The cynical boredom vanished from his face instantly, replaced by a sharpness that changed the air in the room. He picked up the phone, staring at the screen. His jaw tightened until a muscle feathered in his cheek.

“Thorne,” he whispered, the name tasting like poison. He looked up at Elena, his eyes dark with a sudden, shared fury.

“Sit down,” Julian commanded, pulling a fresh legal pad from a stack. “I know this guy. He destroyed my dad’s life too. And we are going to bleed him dry.”