Stone and Sterling Law Firm

"Madam, our attorney, Mr. Thompson, requires appointments booked a month in advance. Without a prior reservation, you'll have to come another day."

"Is there another lawyer here today who specializes in divorce cases? I. it's urgent."

The receptionist looked troubled. "Our other attorney, Ms. Clark, is attending a city meeting today. If you're not in a rush, you could wait. But just so you know, Ms. Clark won't be back until at least eleven."

Christine smiled behind her mask. "Alright. I'll wait on the sofa. Thank you."

The two receptionists couldn't help glancing toward the sofa. Their curiosity was understandable-Christine's glasses, mask, and long sleeves made her stand out rather than blend in.

"Hey, look at her long sleeves. Could she be wearing sunglasses because of that?"

"Because of what?"

"Domestic violence. Think about it-prominent figures wouldn't have trouble booking appointments, but ordinary people wear glasses to hide family shame, right?"

"Oh. that's awful. I'll ask Ms. Clark how soon she might be back."

Just as the receptionist felt a surge of sympathy for Christine, a tall figure leaned over the counter.

"Which office is Henry Thompson in?" The man's deep, magnetic voice echoed above them.

The receptionist looked up and began to explain, "Mr. Thompson requires appointments booked a week in advance. Without one, it's impossible-"

But when she recognized the man's sharp, handsome features-holy crap, this guy was way too. way too handsome.

His eyes carried a hint of coldness, his nose was straight and prominent, and his face was chiseled like a sculpture-utterly flawless. The black suit hugged his broad shoulders and narrow waist, making both receptionists blush.

The man tilted his head slightly. He didn't look at them, instead casting a faint glance toward the purple silhouette on the sofa.

His voice was cool. "Tell him Edward is here."

Overwhelmed by his intense aura, the receptionist stammered, "Y-Yes, sir!"

Christine felt an inexplicable, burning gaze pierce the back of her neck, as if it could scorch through her skin.

By the time she turned to investigate, all she saw was the receding silhouette of a man in a crisp suit.

The young woman who had greeted her earlier with polite yet haughty professionalism was now leading that figure inside with utmost reverence.

Christine let out a self-deprecating chuckle. So this is the person with the appointment, she thought.

It wasn't that she couldn't afford a good lawyer. It was just that the lawyer she knew in New York was also known to Neil. And the partner at Stone & Sterling Law Firm-where she had come today-was said to be from Los Angeles. She trusted her friend's judgment.

Christine had braced herself for an afternoon appointment with Ms. Clark, but fifteen minutes later, the receptionist approached her with a radiant smile.

"Miss Woods, our esteemed attorney, Mr. Thompson, happens to be available today. Please follow me to the consultation room."

Christine raised her delicate eyebrows slightly and smiled faintly. "Alright. Thank you for showing me the way."

She gently pushed open the conference room door, revealing a refined and elegant man inside.

"Miss Woods, please have a seat. My apologies for keeping you waiting."

The man pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up his nose and extended his hand, showing no airs whatsoever.

"I've just been informed that you're here today to consult about a divorce case, correct?"

Christine removed her sunglasses for the first time that day, catching the fleeting look of astonishment in Henry's eyes.

"Yes, Mr. Thompson. I want a divorce-the sooner, the better."

Henry nodded in understanding. "May I ask, Miss Woods, what are your grounds for divorce?"

"My husband cheated. I can't confirm physical infidelity, but emotional cheating is confirmed."

"Oh?" Henry seemed genuinely surprised. Even among Los Angeles's elite socialites, her looks stood out. He hadn't expected her husband to cheat.

"Do you have evidence? Photos, recordings, or videos?"

Christine pulled out her phone and showed Henry the saved chat screenshots and Sofia's IG posts.

His brows furrowed deeply. "Miss Woods, I'm afraid this evidence alone isn't sufficient to prove your husband's emotional infidelity."

Christine's palms clenched involuntarily. "Mr. Thompson, then how can we prove it?"

Henry returned the phone to her. "Screenshots of chat logs only prove he was with this woman at a specific time. His sister's social media posts and comments serve merely as supplementary evidence. The most direct proof would be your husband personally admitting to the affair-whether emotional or physical."

"For instance, a handwritten apology letter. Or capturing intimate acts between your husband and the other woman-these would constitute direct evidence of infidelity."

A bitter smile rose in Christine's chest. An apology letter.

How could Neil ever apologize to her?

Even if she divorced him, he would probably still believe she was the one at fault.

As for photos-she had none.

Henry glanced at her pale face and seemed to think of something before continuing. "As long as you can prove that the breakdown of your marriage was solely caused by your husband's actions, this divorce lawsuit is certain to be won."

"However, if your demand is for him to leave with nothing, that may be difficult. Generally, infidelity does not affect the division of marital property unless he deliberately concealed, transferred, or sold off joint assets. That said, the court will order compensation for emotional damages."

"Based on the evidence you've provided so far, I believe more direct and compelling proof is still needed."

Divorce with nothing-Christine had never harbored such expectations.

She wondered if Neil had been guarding against her from the very beginning. He didn't hold direct shares in his family's company but managed it as CEO. Aside from the apartment they purchased after marriage, his only valuable assets were a few sports cars.

However, when they married, Neil's father, Gavin, had offered ten percent of the company's shares as a dowry to curry favor with her father. Christine had always treasured this, keeping the agreement locked in a safe.

Back then, she had taken it as proof of Neil's love and never bothered to transfer the shares.

But when someone truly loves you, what need is there for proof?

If he loves you, you'll feel it-there's no need to search for evidence with a lantern.

Now that she was determined to divorce him, she was going to claim that ten percent.

"Thank you, Mr. Thompson. I understand. I'll gather more evidence and file for divorce as soon as possible."

Every extra day spent with Neil felt unbearable. She only wanted to distance herself from him-never to cross paths again for the rest of her life.

Henry escorted her to the elevator, causing the front desk staff to look at Miss Woods with newfound respect.

He then strode back to his office with light steps and glanced at the man lounging on the sofa.

"Huh. You sure know how to dump work on me the moment you show up."

"Mr. Robinson, do you even know my minimum hourly consultation rate?"

Edward tugged at the corner of his lips. "Finished talking?"

"Finished. She's gone."

"Is she really getting a divorce?" the man asked abruptly.

Henry's interest was piqued. He teased lightly, "Edward, who is she that you care so much about?"

Edward's expression darkened. His long fingers rubbed the silver ring on his index finger as his aura turned ruthless.

"Mind your own business."

Henry: ".Damn."

No sooner had Christine returned to her hospital room from the law firm than her mother-in-law, Susan Miller called.

"Why aren't you back yet? Mrs. Everett and Mrs. Hunter are coming over for afternoon tea-did you forget? They specifically requested the dessert you made last time. If you don't come, what will they eat?" Susan Miller launched straight into a scolding.

Her daughter-in-law's only redeeming quality was her cooking skills, and now she was even faking illness.

"Stop loafing around in the hospital. It's just a little stomach flu, yet you're acting like you're dying. Hurry back! If Mrs. Everett and the others get upset, I'll tell Neil!"

Christine's lips curled in mockery. "If Mrs. Everett craves dessert so badly, let the servants make it."

Susan always did this-insisting on tormenting her with tasks the servants could easily handle.

Back when she loved her son, Christine had swallowed her pride. But now that she was divorcing him, why the hell should she?

"Christine! I am informing you, not negotiating! You were vomiting so violently last night that I thought you were pregnant. Since you're not, get your ass back here immediately. I'm done listening to your nonsense! Your Woods family went bankrupt ages ago, yet you still think you're some spoiled princess. How pathetic."

Christine's expression remained cold, refusing to offer even a shred of courtesy.

"Then I am informing you now: I intend to divorce your son. Don't bother me with this again. Or would it be more sincere if you cooked for them yourself to curry favor?"

The phone clicked off abruptly.

Susan stood trembling on the balcony, furious. The audacity! That useless daughter-in-law dared to hang up on her.

Divorce?

Ridiculous! If she dared to divorce him, she'd eat that phone.

Turning back into the house, Susan forced a smile. "Mrs. Everett, Mrs. Hunter, I'm terribly sorry about today. Christine is ill. I'll have her make something and deliver it to you personally another day."

Mrs. Everett waved her hand dismissively. "Mrs. Caffrey, you're too polite. Your daughter-in-law might genuinely be ill. She seems like a kind-hearted girl. It'll be just fine to trouble her next time."

Mrs. Hunter chuckled softly. "Exactly. Though Christine can't help you in other ways, she excels at being a dutiful daughter-in-law, doesn't she?"

Susan caught the sting in Mrs. Hunter's words-she was mocking her for marrying into wealth only to face bankruptcy right after the wedding.

She'd endured enough ridicule from the ladies' circle over the past three years.

But there was nothing she could do. Mrs. Hunter's husband was someone she couldn't afford to offend.

Susan forced another smile. "Haha, she's nothing but a jinx. Three years into the marriage, and she still hasn't produced a single egg. If this keeps up, don't blame me for making Neil divorce her!"

Mrs. Hunter and Mrs. Everett exchanged a knowing glance and dropped the subject.

Both women harbored scornful thoughts. Back when the Caffrey family had tried to climb the social ladder by aligning with the Woods family, they had praised Christine to the skies.

"By the way, I heard the Watson family is hosting a private banquet at Sky Castle. The Robinson family will be attending too," Mrs. Hunter said with a smile.

Mrs. Everett perked up. "Really? The Robinson family from Los Angeles?"

Susan's eyes lit up. "Who from the Robinson family is coming?"

She'd recently heard from her husband that the Southern City project wasn't progressing smoothly. If she could connect with the Robinson family, that would be perfect.

Mrs. Hunter observed the eager expressions on both ladies' faces and gave a mysterious smile.

"Edward Robinson."

Hearing this, both women sucked in a sharp breath.

They never imagined the guest would be Edward Robinson.

Edward, the third son of the Robinson family, was the late-in-life child of Mr. Robinson. Among the three sons, he was the most reckless and unconventional.

While the eldest and second sons worked at Vision Group, Edward refused to join the company after returning from overseas. He even declared Vision Group a sunset industry and promptly founded NexGen Tech Group.

Everyone had anticipated Edward's downfall. Yet within just five years, NexGen Tech Group's assets surpassed Vision's. The most influential voice in the Robinson family now belonged to this arrogant son.

Edward was barely thirty. Unmarried, yet his admirers stretched beyond the city limits.

Socialite circles were clamoring to get their hands on this aloof, aristocratic iceberg.

Susan beamed with delight. Her daughter, Sofia, was no longer a child-this opportunity had come at just the right time.

"How delightful! I never imagined Mr. Robinson would visit New York City. I must make preparations."

"Invitations to private banquets aren't so easily obtained," Mrs. Hunter remarked softly, a fleeting sneer crossing her lips.

Susan remained undeterred. Invitations? She'd find a way to secure one.

******

When Gavin and Neil returned home together, Susan couldn't wait to share the news.

Gavin frowned. "I heard Edward is coming too. I had someone check with the Watson family today, but they dodged the question, saying it's a private dinner and outsiders aren't invited."

Susan looked utterly disheartened. "Then what are we supposed to do?"

Gavin stroked his chin. "There's still Christine. Neil, bring Sofia along. You two can go together. I recall Matthew Watson had quite good relations with the Woods family. If you can establish a connection with Edward while you're there, that Southern City project would be settled with just one word from him."

Susan interjected eagerly, "And Sofia! Bring Sofia along too!"

Her Sofia was exceptional. If Edward took a liking to her, the Caffrey family could ascend to even greater heights.

Neil recalled the phone call from that morning. His lips parted, hesitation flickering in his eyes-yet in the end, he agreed.

"Alright."

Susan hadn't forgotten Christine's wild talk earlier that day. She followed her son into the study.

"Neil, what's wrong with your wife? She actually said she wanted a divorce today? Has she lost her mind?"

Mentioning this stirred a wave of irritation in Neil. The message he'd sent Christine earlier had gone unanswered. In their three years of marriage, they had never encountered a situation like today's.

He also wanted to know whether she had lost her mind.

Seeing his silence, Susan continued her tirade. "Once this banquet is over, you should just divorce her. Three years, and there's no movement in her stomach-what good is a wife like that?"

"Mom, mind your own business when it comes to Christine and me," Neil said impatiently.

Susan pursed her lips. "Do you think I want to meddle? You're twenty-six-not exactly young! Mrs. Everett already has two grandchildren!"

"I know, Mom. I still have work to attend to."

After dismissing his mother, Neil massaged his temples. Little did he know, the study door was knocked on once more.

Sofia peeked her head in. "Bro, are you busy?"

Neil's tone was less than pleasant. "Yeah. What is it?"

"Where's Christine?" Sofia probed.

The post she'd shared on her social feed last night had been deliberately meant for Christine to see.

How could Christine ever compare to Vivian? In her heart, there was only one sister-in-law-Vivian.

Sofia was determined to drive her crazy.

"At the hospital." Everyone kept asking the same question, and Neil was thoroughly annoyed.

Sofia blinked innocently. "Oh. Bro, now that Vivian is back, aren't you considering divorcing Christine?"

"Nonsense!" Neil frowned.

Had he ever considered divorce? Not until Christine brought it up. Even with Vivian back, divorce hadn't crossed his mind.

Though he had loved Vivian for many years, he had to admit that in the role of wife, she might not necessarily be better than Christine.

Vivian needed to be cherished and pampered, while Christine was more inclined to give.

His face tightened as he lectured her. "I know you like Vivian, but don't say things like that in front of Christine."

"Oh," Sofia replied reluctantly.

Once the room was completely quiet, Neil pressed the call button again.

In the past, whenever he called Christine, she would answer by the third ring. But today, by the sixth ring, the line went dead.

Had she not seen it?

******

Christine had just finished eating. Seeing the name flashing on her screen, she pressed reject without hesitation.

The doctor had advised her to eat light meals and chew slowly. She wasn't about to let anyone disturb her peace while dining.

After deciding to divorce, she realized that living solely for herself felt the most liberating.

When the missed call count reached five, she wiped her lips and answered slowly.

"Christine, didn't you see my calls?"

"I saw them," Christine sneered coldly. "If not, do you think it's a ghost answering your phone?"

The words struck Neil like a blow to the chest. He lowered his voice. "The private dinner at the Watson family this weekend-you're accompanying me."

Christine couldn't help but laugh. "Neil, have you lost your memory? I told you yesterday-we're getting divorced. Divorce. Do you even understand what that means?"

"You really want a divorce? You don't care about your brother or your mother anymore?" Neil snapped.

Her mother lived in an apartment still registered under his name, and her brother's annual tuition at the international school wasn't cheap either.

"Is this your way of threatening me?" Christine laughed softly. "Neil, when I married you, my father fed you those projects. They weren't worth just a few years of James's tuition, were they?"

"Let's part ways amicably. If we tear each other apart, it won't be pretty."

Neil took a deep breath. "What will it take for you to go?"

Christine's lips curved slightly. "I'll send you an account number shortly. Transfer five hundred thousand dollars, clearly marked as a voluntary gift."

Neil gritted his teeth. "Fine."

When the transaction confirmation text arrived, Christine smiled faintly.

She wasn't sure how much security she could secure, but for now, every little bit counted.

What she demanded was only fair. After she and Neil got together, her father had provided substantial support to the Caffrey family. Otherwise, the Caffreys would have remained little more than nouveau riche in New York.

Besides, she still needed to gather more damning evidence.

When Christine realized her deep affection had been wasted, her pride wouldn't let her linger in this mess.

After the divorce, she would return to the workforce. She believed her best days were yet to come.

*****

Stone and Sterling Law Firm

Henry was at a loss for words. "Mr. Robinson, what brings you here again?"

Ever since that day, the man had been showing up at his office daily.

Edward curved his lips. "Can't I even sit down?"

Henry set down his pen and shot him a disapproving look. "Don't tell me you're not here to pry into whether Miss Woods came to the firm that day?"

Edward raised an eyebrow. "I dare. So-did she come or not?"

"No, she didn't. It's only been a few days. We have to give her time to gather evidence."

"Oh." Edward stood up and smoothed his collar. "Then I'll come back tomorrow."

"Wait," Henry interjected. "The day after tomorrow is the Watson family's private banquet. Will you be attending?"

Edward's narrowed eyes crinkled slightly. "Depends on my mood. If I'm feeling good, I might go."