During the grand auction in England, Jason was actually sitting behind Stanley and Iris. Because the bidding was done with a device, Iris was unaware that the person competing with Stanley was seated right behind her. She also had no idea that Jason was at the auction.Iris' eyes widened in shock once more. "How do you know that, Mr. Just?""...I heard it from Professor Sandler," Jason replied, his hands tucked behind his back. He felt awkward because he was not very adept at lying. He did not know where to place his hands."I never told Professor Sandler," Iris said, her mind racing. Upon reflection, she was sure she had never mentioned it to Professor Sandler. She didn't even see him while she was married to Stanley. Besides, she would never tell Professor Sandler about her fondness for a pink diamond necklace. It wasn't something that they would talk about. Their conversations mostly centered around legal matters."I don't know how Professor Sandler knew," Jason said, clea
The person who came to see her was Professor Aston, which took Iris completely by surprise."Can I help you, Professor Aston?" she asked.Jason's expression was gloomy. There must be a reason Professor Aston had suddenly come to see Iris, and Jason did not think it was something good."There is indeed something I'd like your help with," Professor Aston said cheerfully. "Can we go somewhere to talk?"Iris suggested, "How about the coffee shop downstairs?"After a moment of hesitation, Professor Aston replied, "That works."Iris turned to Jason. "Mr. Just, I'll see you later.""Sure, give me a call if you need anything," Jason responded.Iris nodded. Then, she turned to Professor Aston and said, "Let's go."Once at the coffee shop, Iris politely asked, "What would you like to order?"Professor Aston hadn't even taken a seat before he waved his hand. "I'm actually here on someone's request. I truly feel that your divorce is too regretful. Stanley wants to remarry you, so give
Stanley had always viewed Iris as just a housewife who was supposed to do laundry and cook at home. He realized now that he had neglected her for so long that he no longer knew or understood her. Rushing after her, he called out, "Iris, after seven years together, do you really have no love for me anymore?"Iris stopped and turned to face him, coldly snorting, "Love? Given the choice, I wish I'd never met you."Stanley gripped the book tightly, frustration bubbling inside him. "Do you really think Jason Just cares about you? To him, you're just a recently-divorced woman who is emotionally vulnerable, so he finds it fun to toy with you. Do you think he really loves you? Don't be so naive..."Jason anticipated that Professor Aston was up to no good, so he had come down to check on Iris.Good thing he did, or he wouldn't have heard someone slandering him."Not everyone's a scumbag like you." He approached and placed a protective arm around Iris' shoulders. "She's not a promiscuou
This would be the second time Iris and Stanley faced each other in court. The first time, she had occupied the defendant's seat while he sat opposite her as the plaintiff's lawyer. This time, she was there as her client's defense lawyer.She was dressed in a dark blue jacket with a lapel collar and a matching top. The jacket's waist-cinching design showed off her slim figure. She complimented that with straight trousers and black high heels. Her clean-cut short hair framed her face, enhancing her serious and sharp aura. She stood with her back straight, feeling like she was six feet tall.Since she entered the courtroom, she hadn't once looked directly at Stanley, who, on the other hand, could not stop looking at her.Even now, he still thought that Iris was overestimating her own abilities. He had had years of practice as a lawyer, during which he had handled hundreds of cases. Moreover, the odds were heavily stacked against Iris' client in this case.How could Iris win?"Order in t
"What you're saying is..." Stanley began, but Iris cut him off."Mr. Stein, if your wife were to humiliate you by cheating, wouldn't you be furious?!" she pressed forcefully, not giving him a chance to argue.Stanley stared at her, momentarily dazed by her fierceness. Although the plaintiff was the victim, Iris' cunning argument had created a deadlock in the case. But Stanley didn't care; he only took on the case to oppose her and show her that she couldn't win. He wanted her to realize that after being a housewife for so long, she was not suited for a job as demanding as being a lawyer. He wanted her to understand that working was hard, so she should just return to being his wife. He wanted her to realize how good she had it being a housewife who did not have to worry about a thing.However, it seemed he had underestimated her. Iris did not look out of place at all. She was logical and quick-witted, always ready to counter his points."Are you really resorting to personal attacks?"
He had only represented the ball-less man simply to get to Iris. He had achieved his goal now. Iris' resolve was wavering. He had her attention again.He shot a provocative glance at Jason in the audience, as if he was silently conveying, 'You will never surpass me because you will always be the latecomer.'Iris noticed that Stanley was looking at the audience. Following his gaze, she realized he was looking at Jason. A hint of coldness flickered in her eyes.The judge struck the gavel. "Plaintiff, please make your statement."Stanley withdrew his gaze and stood up, his tall figure commanding attention. While he may be a terrible lover, his external attributes as a man were undeniably appealing. He was tall and had pleasing facial features. When he put on a serious look, he had a commanding presence.However, right now, he lacked the sharp, powerful aura he always had in court.With a look at Iris, he stated, "Earlier, the defense attorney said that adultery should be conside
"My client deeply regrets her actions. She's mired in self-blame," Iris continued passionately. "But my client has also developed depression due to the hurt from her husband's infidelity. Isn't that a form of trauma too? We all know that severe depression can lead to severe consequences, even suicide. In a way, my client has been hurt even more than the victim has. Your Honor, I implore you to take my client's situation into consideration."Iris' defensive tactic was to paint her client as a victim of the marriage.She concluded, "Your Honor, while the victim's trauma is physical, my client's trauma is emotional. Mental illnesses are hard to recover from. Therefore, I urge you to consider the implications this case may have for women everywhere, so that they may not fear marriage and childbirth."Her final statement resonated with the current societal landscape, where more individuals are choosing not to marry or have children. Meanwhile, divorce rates keep rising, and the populatio
Iris' client glared at her fuming husband. "You cheated on me, so you're not innocent either!""Stop pointing at my client. This is a courtroom. Do you always lose your temper this easily?" Iris said, nudging her client lightly as she spoke.The client was confused at first, but quickly understood Iris' intent. "You always yell at me at home, but we're not at home anymore. How can you act this way in court too? Do you have no respect for the judge?"The ball-less man was bewildered. "You... you..." His anger flared. "Did your lawyer tell you to say that?""How would she know that you would lose your temper in court? Could she foresee the future and tell me in advance?" the client shot back.Iris gave her a thumbs up. It was a well-spoken retort.The client smiled. She was only able to perform so admirably because she was influenced by Iris' energy."You're all in cahoots, aren't you? Including you! You're all working together to set a trap for me!" the ball-less man accused, poi
Cassie smiled upon hearing that. "I'll tidy up your room for you."She walked away with light steps, every cell in her body leaping with joy, indicating her good mood.Dennis watched his wife with love and indulgence in his eyes. "Look how happy she is."Iris noticed the affection in her father's eyes. She was deeply moved by his love for her mother.In the old days, there were a lot of men who couldn't accept not having a son, so her father's equal regard for daughters was refreshing. It showed how much he loved his wife."My career is on the rise now. In a couple of years, once my career stabilizes, I'll take on fewer cases, and I'll have more time to spend with you," Iris said."Okay," Dennis replied.Iris spent the evening watching TV and chatting with her parents. She listened to Cassie gossip about their relatives.Cassie and Dennis usually went to bed early, but they stayed up late that day because Iris was there. The three of them conversed and enjoyed each other's comp
Cassie failed to understand her husband's intentions and remarked, "It's not easy for our daughter to earn money. Do we really need to go on vacation? Since when are you so extravagant?""I..."Before Dennis could explain, Iris set down her cutlery and addressed her mother earnestly. "Mom, I'm happy to spend money on you. Your happiness is what matters to me. If I earn money but don't use it, what's the point? Since Dad wants to go, you should go with him. You both have worked hard all your lives; it's time to enjoy yourselves. Don't worry about money; I'm doing well."She retrieved a bank card from her bag. "There's $150,000 in here."Cassie's eyes widened. "So much?"Iris continued, "I'm an official lawyer now and can earn commissions from cases. You both should spend some money and enjoy yourselves. Don't hold back."Cassie took the card, but didn't put it in her pocket. Despite her love for money, Cassie was reluctant to spend the money that her daughter earned. She returned
Iris chuckled upon hearing that. "Why do you sound like a clingy girlfriend?""Just think of me as your clingy girlfriend then," he replied with a grin.Iris looked at the time."What's the matter? Do you have a date?" Brad asked.She shook her head. "I have an appointment with a witness.""Do you want to go there directly or do you want to go to the law firm first?" he asked.Iris decided they should stop by the law firm first to pick up some stuff. Brad nodded, and they headed to the firm before meeting the witness.The case Iris was handling was complex and couldn't be resolved quickly; it involved multiple parties and factors. Iris was also juggling another case simultaneously. A month later, one case was resolved while another entered its final critical stage, keeping her extremely busy.During this time, Cassie had called her, telling Iris she missed her and asking Iris to visit, but Iris simply didn't have the time. This hectic pace continued for another two months.Sum
Brad arrived at Iris' house precisely at ten past seven. Holding the lunchbox, he rang the doorbell. Iris had just woken up, still in her pajamas, and wondered who could possibly be at the door this early. Sometimes, if she weren't driving, Brad would pick her up at around ten to eight. He wouldn't come this early.When she opened the door, she found him dressed in smart casual attire — a suit jacket, trousers, and white sneakers. In the past, he would wear cool attires like casual pants with a hoodie or a leather jacket, but after accompanying Iris to court on formal occasions, he had adapted his wardrobe considerably. Although he still felt uncomfortable in formal wear, he looked much more mature than before."You're here so early?" Iris asked, surprised."When you're busy, you never eat properly," Brad replied, entering without hesitation. He knew the passcode to her house anyway, so he made himself at home. He walked directly to the dining table. "Go freshen up and change yo
"Are you really going to take on that case, by the way?" Brad asked Iris.Iris asked him back, "Why shouldn't I?""This kind of case could go viral online and attract public scrutiny. I'm worried you'll face backlash. Many people these days lack critical thinking and just follow the crowd," Brad expressed.Iris responded firmly, "I'm a lawyer. I just need to fulfill my duties and do my job well. If I have to weigh the pros and cons before taking on every case..." she turned to him, adding, "What would be the point of doing this job?"Brad fell silent for a moment, then conceded, "Yes, you're right. Don't worry, I'll be at your side."Iris poured cold water on his enthusiasm. "I don't need you to be at my side. You need to go independent.""I don't want to," Brad said, sticking close to her, as if afraid of being left behind."What? Are you just going to cling to me?" she asked."Yes, I am," he chuckled."By the way, I need some fruits but I don't have time to go to the superma
Brad was right, Fiora knew that now. Yet her personality made it difficult for her to apologize and admit her mistakes. When Brad tried to take a sip of water, she snatched the glass from him.Brad looked at her, speechless. Fiora lifted her chin defiantly. "Whether he cares about me or not is none of your business."Brad wanted to ask her if her head had been kicked by a donkey. Instead, he said, "Alright, think what you want. I'm not your brother; I'm not gonna worry about you."Unintentionally, his words elicited a silent reaction from Iris, who lowered her gaze."My brother is overseas dealing with his heartbreak; he doesn't have time to worry about me," Fiora lamented. "I wonder if all the luck in our family has gone to the financial side. Is that why we're so unlucky in everything else? Half a year ago, my brother announced that he had a girlfriend. My mom had even met her and apparently really liked her, but then it all fell apart. My love life is rocky, and my brother's is
Iris said, "Just shut up and order."Brad obediently picked up the menu.Fiora watched the exchange, somewhat shocked at how readily Brad complied with Iris' command.Before this, she and Brad had looked down on each other, and their mutual disdain was evident. She had always thought Brad was too wild and could not be easily controlled, yet here he was, completely under Iris' command. She wondered how Iris had managed to subdue such a wilful young man, especially given Brad's less-than-ideal character.Having spent considerable time with Iris, Brad knew her preferences in food. He ordered the dishes he knew she liked, along with some of his own favorites, before turning to Fiora. "What would you like?""Anything," Fiora replied, prompting Brad to place a random order for her.While they waited for the food, Fiora broached the topic that lingered between them. "About what happened before...""Let's not dwell on the past," Iris interjected. To her, an apology from Fiora held littl
Iris didn't stop. She felt that they weren't acquainted so there was nothing to talk about.Fiora chased after her, tugging on Brad's arm as she ran past him. "Help me out."Brad thus followed behind her, saying, "If she doesn't want to talk to you, don't force her..."Fiora shot him an annoyed glare. Brad was speechless. Why did she glare at him? She was still the same spoiled brat."Wait, I'm not here to be your enemy," Fiora called as she caught up with Iris.Iris had to cross the street, but the continuous flow of traffic forced her to stop, giving Fiora a chance to catch up to her."I just want to apologize," Fiora said.Iris turned back in surprise. Those unexpected words caught her off guard. She did not expect it from Fiora at all.Why would Fiora suddenly apologize to her?"I know Stanley's married now. He married that evil woman," Fiora continued.Learning that Stanley had married Wendy had changed Fiora's opinion of Iris, but it wasn't until last night that she t
When Iris opened the door, she was shocked to see that it was Samuel. "What are you doing here?" she asked, puzzled.Samuel replied, "Mr. Just is not in the country. He asked me to check on you. Do you need anything?"Jason had seen Iris' message, but she had deleted it before he could listen to it. Concerned about her, had sent Samuel to check if everything was alright since he was abroad.Iris tightened her grip on the doorknob. Something stirred in the bottom of her heart. She tried to sound calm as she said, "I'm fine.""I'll be in the country all month. If you need anything, feel free to call me," Samuel said, handing her his business card. "Here's my contact."Iris hesitated for a moment before taking it."Are you sure you're fine?" Samuel asked, noticing her pale complexion.Though Iris had forgotten about her stomach pain because she was preoccupied with her thoughts, her complexion gave away her condition. She forced a nod. "I'm fine. Really."Samuel studied her for a