Stella stood at the reception desk, her heart racing as she tried to navigate the unfamiliar environment.
"Ma'am, Caleb needs to make an appointment a week in advance. If you don't have an appointment, you can only do it another day."
"Are there any other lawyers who specialize in divorce cases available today? I'm...very anxious."
The receptionist hesitated, clearly conflicted. “Well, there's Lawyer Oliver, but he's currently attending an industry event. If you can wait, he might be back, but it could be after eleven.”
"That's fine," Stella replied, forcing a smile under her mask. "I'll wait for him in the lounge area, thank you."
As she moved to the sofa, the two young women at the front desk exchanged curious glances. It was no surprise; Stella's choice of long sleeves and sunglasses made her stand out, almost conspicuously so.
"Did you see her? She looks like she's hiding something,"one girl whispered, her voice tinged with sympathy.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you think she's a victim of domestic violence?"
"Maybe," her colleague mused. "Ordinary people don't usually show up without an appointment, especially someone who looks like that. She must be trying to cover up signs of domestic violence.”
"Ah? I think it's possible! I'll ask Mr. Oliver when he can come back as soon as possible?"
Just as the girls at the front desk felt strong sympathy for Stella, a tall figure strode into the office. His presence commanded attention instantly. "Which office is Caleb in?" His voice was smooth, yet authoritative, echoing across the reception area.
The girl at the front desk raised her eyes and said, "Lawyer Caleb needs to make an appointment a week in advance. Without an appointment, it's impossible..."
She began to explain the appointment policy, but her words trailed off as she caught a glimpse of his chiseled jaw and piercing eyes. The black suit highlights his broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was undeniably handsome, exuding an aura that made the two receptionists blush.
With a slight turn of his head, the man dismissed their presence, fixing his gaze toward the sofa area. "Tell him my name is Asher."
The receptionist, momentarily speechless, nodded nervously. "Of course."
Stella felt an inexplicable warmth enveloping her, as if a burning gaze had penetrated her carefully constructed facade. It was going to burn through her skin, and the glands in the back of her neck also seemed to be slightly hot. The moment was fleeting; when she turned to see, all that remained was the broad back of the man walking away. Shaking her head slightly, she chastised herself for the irrational sensation.
Soon, the previously dismissive receptionist was leading Asher into a back office with newfound respect, leaving Stella to contemplate the unfolding drama. She chuckled quietly to herself; this was clearly the man with the appointment.
Of course, she could have hired a reputable lawyer easily, but the one she knew, Nathan was also familiar with. She had come to this firm, recommended by her friend Ava, who had insisted they were exceptional. It had just opened a branch in Cyberpolis, and she believed in her friend.
Stella had been prepared for a long wait to meet Lawyer Oliver. However, just fifteen minutes later, the receptionist approached her, wearing a bright smile. "Miss Stella, Lawyer Caleb can see you now. If you'd like to follow me to the negotiation room?"
"Of course, thank you!" Stella raised her beautiful eyes and smiled slightly as she followed the girl down the hall.
Pushing the door open, she was greeted by the sight of a man with a gentle face and warm demeanor. "Miss Stella, please have a seat. I apologize for the wait."
The man pushed the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose and stretched out his hand without any airs. "I just heard from our colleagues that you want to consult about the divorce case today, right?"
Stella took off her sunglasses for the first time today, and she didn't miss the amazing look in Caleb's eyes. "Yes, Lawyer Caleb. I want a divorce, the sooner the better!"
Caleb nodded and continued, "I understand. What has prompted your decision?"
"My husband has cheated on me," she confessed, her voice steady but filled with an underlying tremor. "I'm not sure about the physical aspect, but the emotional betrayal is undeniable."
"Oh?" Caleb was a little surprised. Stella's appearance and figure are among the best in the entire upper class. He didn't expect that her husband could cheat on her.
"Do you have any evidence? Text messages, photos, or something that could substantiate your claims?"
Stella retrieved her phone, scrolling through messages and social media posts, she handed it over. As Caleb reviewed the materials, his frown deepened. "Miss Stella, these don't conclusively prove infidelity."
"The chat records merely show interactions with this woman at that time; your husband's sister's posts could serve as supporting evidence, but we need something stronger.”
Frustration bubbled within Stella. "How can we prove his betrayal?"
Lawyer Caleb returned Stella's phone to her, "The most direct evidence would be an admission from him, like a handwritten apology or photographic proof of his inappropriate behavior. Without that, we face challenges,” Caleb explained, his tone professional yet empathetic.
Stella felt the weight of despair. An apology letter? She couldn't even fathom Nathan acknowledging wrong doing; Even if she really divorced him, he would likely insist she was the one at fault. "I don't have any photos or admissions," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Noticing her distress, Caleb continued, "Society favors Omegas. In divorce cases, especially in situations involving Alpha and Omega dynamics, if you can prove that your husband unilaterally violated your marital contract, the court is likely to favor you. However, if your request involves him leaving the house with nothing but himself, that may pose difficulties.”
"Typically, infidelity does not alter the division of property unless there's evidence that he concealed or mishandled shared assets," he explained. "That said, the court will likely award you compensation based on his infidelity, but we need more direct proof to substantiate your claims."