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."
