Chapter 197: Karen's Boyfriend
After the news about the adoptive "aunt" broke out, it quickly went viral online. Within just a few days, the story had gained major traction. Sheila saw a huge spike in her follower count and was now one step closer to becoming a major influencer with a million followers.
Meanwhile, the internet was ablaze with anger directed at the government. Some even took to the streets to protest in front of government buildings, questioning how such negligence could occur under their watch.
In America, criticizing the government is a kind of national pastime. Whether it's in TV shows or daily life, when in doubt—blame the government. It's the one scapegoat you can always count on.
The local leadership was furious, applying pressure down the chain. Child services bore the brunt of the public outcry and were forced to re-investigate every adoptive household and conduct final assessments on each fostered child.
But as far as Fiona and the others were concerned, they didn't really care how the government handled it. What mattered most was that Debbie was finally home.
Now, aside from Liam—who was still with Monica and Roberta—the rest of the children had reunited. For now, all the kids were staying at Sheila's place. Without legal action, though, they couldn't go back to their original homes, nor could they get Liam back.
"Trying to regain custody through the biological parents won't work," Fiona said. "Monica definitely won't cooperate. I still plan to try getting guardianship transferred to me."
"Didn't you already consult a lawyer?" Lip asked. "The process is complicated, and we don't meet the qualifications to even file a case."
Fiona had looked into legal custody before Monica came into the picture, but it was a dead end.
"Then let's try a different lawyer," Ian suggested.
"This case is complicated. Average lawyers probably won't be able to help," Lip replied.
Lawyers come in all levels. The one who used to help Frank with shady claims wasn't going to cut it here.
After all, some lawyers can't even afford three meals a day, while others live in mansions, drive sports cars, own yachts, and date supermodels.
As everyone gathered to brainstorm ideas, Lip's girlfriend Mandy was also present. However, her focus wasn't on the conversation—it was on Karen.
Mandy had fallen for Lip and had noticed how much he had changed since moving into Sheila's house. That's why she was very wary of Karen.
"I know a lawyer," Karen said. "He works at a big, well-known firm. He might be able to help. We have a date tonight—you could come talk to him."
"A date?" Lip's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Really?" Fiona's eyes lit up.
That evening, Karen wore a long dress and drove Fiona and Lip to an upscale restaurant.
"Will he really help us?" Fiona asked nervously.
"Don't worry. He's a top lawyer at the renowned Hogarth Law Firm in New York. He's handled countless multimillion-dollar cases. The entire Chicago branch depends on him for revenue. In the legal world, he's a big deal. This kind of case? Just a small matter for him," Karen said confidently.
Soon, a blue sports car pulled up outside. A man in his 30s, dressed in an immaculate suit, stepped out and tossed his keys to the valet.
Karen walked up with a sweet smile and hugged him affectionately. This was the "boyfriend lawyer" she had mentioned.
"Darling, who are they?" the lawyer asked, glancing at Fiona and Lip.
"My cousin and cousin-sister. They have a family matter and need your help," Karen replied.
"Consulting me is expensive, you know," the lawyer joked.
"Oh, stop it," Karen said playfully, giving him a light smack.
"I want to fight for custody of my younger siblings," Fiona said seriously.
Lip remained silent, staring at the lawyer with dead-fish eyes, as if silently asking, "What does he have that I don't?"
"Let's not chat by the door. We're blocking other guests. Come on in," the lawyer said graciously, clearly used to high-society etiquette.
After they sat down—and even before the food arrived—Fiona impatiently laid out the entire situation.
"Sounds complicated," the lawyer said as he organized the facts. "Your parents don't know you're trying to get custody. Your father is missing, and your mother wouldn't willingly give up her rights."
"My mom abandoned us ages ago. She's never taken responsibility—just left a trail of failures," Fiona said.
The lawyer frowned.
"This will be tough. My usual clients are fighting for custody in Aspen or Monaco. You guys are from the South Side."
He had experience with custody battles, but his clientele was made up of the ultra-rich. His job usually involved proving that kids should live in luxury neighborhoods like Aspen or Monaco—not a struggling South Side home. That contrast could heavily sway a judge's decision.
"Do we even have a shot at winning?" Fiona asked. "What are our chances?"
"If I take the case, it's simple. I've been in Chicago long enough to have built some connections here. But you can't afford me," he said frankly.
Top-tier lawyers like him charged enormous fees—tens, even hundreds of thousands per case. Even if they threw in all of Frank's leftover money, it wouldn't be enough.
"My younger siblings are in foster care because of our irresponsible mother. I want custody so they can come home—so we can be a family again!" Fiona said passionately.
Her voice rang out in the elegant restaurant, where everyone else spoke in hushed tones, accompanied by soft piano music. Her outburst drew attention from other diners.
"Calm down, Fiona," Karen said, gently pressing her hand.
"Darling, can you offer legal aid?" Karen asked.
Legal aid would mean free help, usually reserved for charitable causes.
"I'm swamped. My firm has already filled my schedule. I don't have the capacity to offer pro bono services right now," the lawyer said politely but firmly. He didn't give Karen any special treatment.
He was a man who kept his personal and professional lives separate. Even being Karen's boyfriend wasn't enough to get him to take a loss.
"Forget it. Let's just go," Lip said with a sarcastic smile, shooting Karen a glance that clearly said: "This is the guy you picked?"
"But… since it's for my dear Karen, I can't just sit back and do nothing," the lawyer said suddenly. "Leave me a number. I'll have one of our interns contact you. They'll handle your case—their fees are much lower
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