To secure Claire Kinsley's perfect record, my husband, Dylan Sherman, stole my legal documents, causing me to suffer a crushing defeat in the most important case of my life.
Without a shred of guilt, he tossed a credit card my way, and said indifferently, "One top female lawyer is enough. Claire’s career can’t afford any losses. So, Amira, leave the legal field. I’ll take care of you from now on.”
Under his orders, I was blacklisted across the entire industry.
The next time I appeared in court, it was for a divorce case.
I was both the lawyer and the plaintiff.
Standing in the courtroom once again, I felt a moment of surreal disorientation.
Dressed sharply in her professional suit, Claire stood across from me and sneered, "Amira, you've got no lawyer? I guess you’re still overconfident. I defeated you once, and I can do it again. You must have gone through a lot of trouble just to get Dylan’s attention."
On the other hand, Dylan was standing beside her with a grim expression, staring at me silently.
Compared to their imposing entourage, I appeared quite solitary as I took my seat. Sorting through my materials, I composed myself and gave Claire a faint smile. "Attorney Kinsley, shall I remind everyone here how you won the case last time?"
Her arrogance froze instantly.
Ignoring her, I closed my eyes, preparing to immerse myself in the upcoming trial. Ever since I began practicing law, I had developed a habit of arriving early to mentally simulate court proceedings. As I breathed in the familiar scent of polished wood from the courtroom furniture, a deep sense of calm settled over me.
But my moment of focus was rudely interrupted.
Dylan crossed the courtroom swiftly, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me to my feet. His lips pressed into a thin line, he maintained his usual haughty demeanor. "Withdraw your case and come home with me. I’ll pretend none of this ever happened."
His hand, warm against my skin, betrayed the faintest tremor.
I slapped his hand away. “Defendant, please respect the plaintiff.”
He stared at me, unyielding, for what felt like an eternity. Finally, a self-mocking smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Amira, don’t regret this.”
Known in the business world for his decisive and ruthless methods, Dylan was uncharacteristically laconic in court. Claire handled his defense entirely, launching a barrage of aggressive questioning. Seeing my silence, she seemed certain of victory and delivered her conclusion with a heavy note of disdain, “Still as incompetent as ever.”
When it was my turn to speak, I offered no lengthy explanation, instead submitting the evidence directly.
“The defendant committed adultery during the marriage, constituting fault. According to Article 1091 of the Civil Code, I hereby request a divorce with immediate effect.”
My statement sent murmurs rippling through the courtroom. On the defense bench, both Dylan and Claire lost their composure.
Dylan scrambled to explain, "I only lived with Claire to take care of her and the child. We didn’t have a relationship. This doesn’t count as evidence. I object to the divorce!"
Calmly, I pointed out, “The defendant has already admitted to cohabiting with another person during the marriage.”
...
The judge’s gavel fell, and the divorce was granted.
As I stepped out of the courthouse, Claire blocked my path. Having practiced law for over a decade, this was likely her first loss. Gritting her teeth, she snarled, “You can only handle your own divorce cases. After what happened before, who in Houston’s legal world would dare hire you?”
“I would.”
A voice rang out, preceding steady footsteps. A figure appeared, positioning himself between me and Claire.
It was Landon Jacobs, his smiling presence, a stark contrast to the tension in the air.
Claire recognized him immediately. In Houston’s legal circles, no one didn’t know the man who had founded ten law firms single-handedly.
“Attorney Kinsley,” Landon said, his tone light but cutting, “first, let me warmly congratulate you on your defeat. Second, I’ve formally invited Amira Peyton to join me. Starting tomorrow, she’ll be my star lawyer and partner.”
