L*ck Me If You Can-Chapter 162

He was so startled, he nearly dropped his phone. Hearing that voice for the first time in two months, Koi couldn’t control the pounding in his chest and sucked in a sharp breath.

“H-Hello?”

— Yeah.

As soon as he managed to get a sound out, the calm voice responded on the other end. Still not quite believing it, Koi checked his phone again and spoke in an unsure tone.

“Ash...?”

— Yeah, it’s me.

Even with the confirmation, Koi felt dazed. It had been so long, and of all times, to be hearing from Ashley now—he couldn’t believe it.

“It... it wasn’t your number.”

When Koi stammered out the observation, Ashley answered in his usual casual tone.

— I’m calling from the office. Save this number too. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

“Oh, r-right. Got it.”

Koi instinctively went to save it but stopped mid-motion and asked,

“Um... is something wrong? I was waiting on a call, so...”

Right as he said it, he realized he’d made a mistake.

“Ah, no, that’s not what I meant. I mean, I’m really happy to hear from you, I am—so happy—but it’s just...”

— It’s fine. If the call you were waiting for was from a lawyer, then I’m the one.

“Huh?”

Still confused, Koi blinked in surprise, and Ashley clarified.

— I’m the lawyer you were waiting for. Elle called me. Said you were in serious trouble.

“Ah...”

He understood, but his brain still wasn’t working properly. While Koi let out a dumb little sound of comprehension, Ashley continued.

— So? Want to start the consultation soon? The sooner, the better, right?

“Uh, yeah.”

Koi nodded hurriedly, but then a thought struck him. How much did Ashley actually know about his current situation?

“Um... would you be able to come here? I’d come to you, but...”

Truthfully, it made more sense for Koi to go to Ashley’s office, but he didn’t even have enough money for the subway. In a small, shrinking voice, he barely managed to ask. Ashley didn’t seem to mind at all.

— I’ll head over there now.

But instead of feeling relieved, Koi flinched in alarm and shook his head.

“Wait, if you park your car around here, it could get stolen.”

— Got it. I’ll take the subway or a bus.

“W-Wait!”

Koi blocked him again, mumbling in a worried tone.

“That might be dangerous too... What if you get mugged? What if someone has a gun?”

Even an extreme Alpha isn’t immune to getting shot, he added in a low voice. After a brief pause, Ashley replied.

— Don’t worry. I’ll handle it. Just send me the address.

“Ah, okay.”

Koi nodded quickly.

“Let’s meet at the spot where you dropped me off last time. I’ll come out to meet you.”

He was afraid Ashley would get caught up in something while trying to find the place. Koi added the words in a rush, hoping to minimize the time Ashley spent on the street. Then, a long sigh came from the other end of the line.

— Koi, I’m not a child. Just give me the address. I’ll find it myself.

“R-Right.”

Koi figured any more objections and Ashley would actually get annoyed. He had no choice but to end the call and send the address via text. Once he saw that Ashley had read it, a wave of relief washed over him—but he couldn’t afford to relax for long. Once he came back to his senses, reality hit him all at once.

He hadn’t noticed until now, but his apartment was an absolute disaster. Cramped space aside, he’d been so overworked, hungry, and exhausted that he hadn’t cleaned or done laundry in who knows how long. Trash and clothing were strewn everywhere, and the dust on the floor jolted him awake.

I can’t let Ashley see this place.

He hadn’t eaten anything since yesterday, and he was starving, but he forced himself to move. When Ashley arrived, he’d at least need to offer him coffee—but the only thing he had was water.

Koi took out a relatively clean cup, washed it again, and dried it. The pile of laundry he couldn’t afford to take to the laundromat was stuffed into the closet. Trash was bagged and set aside, and he scrubbed the floor while darting around.

He heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs just as he finished cleaning and finally took a breath. Holding his breath in tension, he listened carefully. The steps drew closer—then stopped right in front of his door.

Gulp.

Without realizing, Koi swallowed dryly. He stared at the front door as a sharp, nervous chime of the doorbell rang out. Without thinking, he flung the door open.

As expected, Ashley was standing there. His hair was neatly styled as always, and he wore a sleek, expensive suit topped with a designer coat anyone could recognize at a glance. In # Nоvеlight # contrast, Koi wore a dirty, worn-out T-shirt and faded jeans he’d been in for days.

Ashley looked slightly surprised for a moment but quickly returned to his usual expression. Koi figured the sudden door opening must’ve caught him off guard. Embarrassed, he spoke.

“Come on in. You found the place okay.”

He stepped aside to make room, and Ashley walked in without hesitation. The place had felt small even when Koi was alone, but with Ashley—who was easily twice his size—it felt completely packed. Ashley looked around silently, then locked eyes with Koi. Trying to ignore how awkward he felt, Koi forced himself to speak casually.

“It’s been a while, Ash. How’ve you been?”

Ashley didn’t answer right away. He stared at Koi’s face for a long moment before finally speaking.

“...Yeah.”

As the silence stretched again, Koi scratched his head and forced himself to say something.

“Thanks for coming. You must be really busy. I didn’t expect Elle to contact you...”

His voice trailed off. He should’ve figured it out when she said “the best lawyer.” In this city, the best lawyer was obviously Ashley Miller.

But that also meant he was “the busiest” lawyer in the city—and “the most expensive.” That’s why, even when Ariel said those words, Koi hadn’t even imagined it might be Ashley. But the moment Ashley appeared, Koi was reminded of how small and obvious their social circle really was.

And how powerful that connection truly was.

“Koi.”

While he was trying to calm himself, Ashley suddenly called his name. Koi snapped to attention and looked up, meeting Ashley’s steady gaze. Ashley’s cool eyes made Koi reflexively swallow hard. Then Ashley opened his mouth.

“First, I need to confirm something. Do you really want to hire me as your lawyer?”

“Uh... yeah, I do, but...”

“Just say yes or no.”

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

There was no time to explain that he couldn’t afford the fee. At Ashley’s firm tone, Koi hesitated, then nodded.

“I’d really appreciate it.”

“Good.”

Ashley nodded in return, then continued.

“Before I take your case, there’s something you need to promise me. You have to stick to it no matter what. Understand?”

“Y-Yeah. I will.”

It’s not like I can pay you, so obviously I’ll do whatever you say. Tense, Koi nodded and waited. Seeing Koi’s nervous expression, Ashley finally spoke.

“Good. There’s only one rule you have to follow. Be honest with me, no matter what. Don’t hide anything, and don’t lie.”

Koi was surprised it wasn’t something more serious. He waited, thinking there’d be more, but that was all. Realizing it, he promised,

“Of course. I’d never lie to you.”

“Don’t hide things either.”

“...Yeah.”

Koi answered, a bit flushed now after being called out twice.

“I won’t.”

Ashley gave a satisfied nod and moved on.

“Alright, here’s the first question, Koi. Don’t forget what you promised.”

“I won’t. I’ll be honest, no lies.”

Reciting the words Ashley had told him, he nodded again. Ashley gave him a faint smile—and then asked the question.

“When was the last time you ate?”

“Huh?”

The unexpected question made Koi’s eyes go wide. Seeing his reaction, Ashley furrowed his brows and crossed his arms, prompting Koi to blurt out a response. After a brief pause, he finally answered.

“Yesterday evening... I had a sandwich.”

It was barely a sandwich—dry bread and a single thin, cheap patty. Realizing how hungry he was made the hunger slam into him like a wave. Pressing a hand against his growling stomach and averting his eyes, Koi heard Ashley’s calm reply.

“Alright. Let’s go. I haven’t eaten either. We’ll talk over food.”

“Huh?”

Koi looked up in surprise, but Ashley was already turning toward the door.

“Oh, right.”

As Koi stood there blankly watching, Ashley suddenly stopped and looked back, like he’d remembered something.

“There’s one more thing you need to follow.”

“Uh, okay. What is it?”

Watching Koi tense up again, Ashley spoke firmly.

“The client must follow the lawyer’s instructions—without exception. Can you do that?”

“O-Of course. Absolutely.”

Koi nodded quickly, and Ashley waved a hand as if that settled it.

“Come on. Let’s go eat.”

Then, without another word, he turned and walked out. Koi stood frozen for a beat before scrambling to follow after him in a rush.