Spoiled by My Ex's Uncle

Chapter 3 She Was a Legend

Yes, four years ago, Viola was a legal powerhouse—a legend in the industry.

Every case she took on was a guaranteed win.

In her first year of practice, she only handled five cases, but each one became a textbook example in the legal world.

People lined up in droves to hire her, practically wearing out the doorstep of Crimson Tide Law Firm.

But Viola chose her cases based on her mood, and she had one unbreakable rule: no courtroom footage or photos would ever be leaked.

Even with these limitations, she created one legal miracle after another.

But three years ago, to protect Bruno's fragile ego, she retired from the spotlight.

"Ms. Abbott, are you even listening to me?" Bryce's voice snapped her back to reality.

Viola smiled faintly. "You're the rising star of the legal world now. You take it."

Bryce let out a long sigh. "You think I don't want to? They don't want me! Harel Group specifically requested you."

"Plus, you didn't take on enough cases back in the day. I've already learned everything I can. Can't you take a few more so I can tag along and pick up a few new tricks?"

Viola was left speechless.

It was hard to believe the man on the phone was now one of the most in-demand lawyers. Yet, in front of her, he sounded like an eager intern desperate for guidance.

'Harel Group? Isn't that run by Bruno's uncle Arthur?'

She had been toying with the idea of returning to her career after the divorce, but she had no interest in getting entangled with the Burton family again.

"You know I haven't taken a case in three years. I'm a little rusty. Let's talk about it later. By the way, I need a favor."

Bryce's tone immediately became playful. "It would be an honor to help the great Ms. Abbott."

"I have a case for you, but let's get one thing straight—you cannot lose."

Bryce blinked in disbelief, as if he hadn't heard her right. He gave his head a small shake. "Did I hear you correctly? You're the ace lawyer—what case could you possibly need help with?"

"It's my divorce. I can't represent myself." Her tone was calm, and matter-of-fact, leaving no room for argument. "And remember, I want 10% of Burton Group's shares."

"Holy—! You're getting divorced? Seriously? I thought you—"

Viola cut him off. "Are you taking the case or not?"

Suppressing his curiosity, Bryce sighed. "Viola, it's a done deal. Don't worry, not only will I get you 10% of the Burton Group, I'll get you the whole thing if you want."

"Just 10%. Not a penny more."

They exchanged a few more words before Viola hung up.

*****

An hour later, she arrived at her high-end apartment in the heart of Lagos City.

This apartment was her sanctuary, purchased before her marriage. Whenever she felt wronged by her family, she would escape here for a few days before heading back home to see Charity.

The place was over 220 square yards, but it felt empty, save for a few wedding photos scattered on the walls and tables.

Bruno had always complained about those photos, saying he didn't want them cluttering up their home and planned to toss them. But she couldn't bring herself to throw them away, so she moved them here.

In hindsight, it wasn't the photos he disliked—it was her.

Now, the once cherished wedding pictures only felt like a painful reminder.

Acting on impulse, she picked up the phone and called property management. "Hi, I'm the resident in 4401. I've got a pile of garbage I need cleared out. Could you send someone over?"

Twenty minutes later, the staff left, dragging away a pile of discarded photo albums.

As night fell, Viola lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.

For three years, she had worked herself to the bone, tending to Bruno like a servant.

Even though the Burton family had housekeepers, Bruno's temper was so foul that no one dared to go near him. She handled everything on her own.

He was a master at making her life miserable, often waking her in the middle of the night, complaining about his bad mood, and forcing her to stay up all night just to soothe him.

He even forbade her from wearing anything nice, accusing her of trying to attract other men if she did.

So, for three years, she hadn't bought a single new outfit.

And despite all this, Viola had accepted it.

Until tonight, she had believed this would be her life forever.

But now, she realized it had all been a lie.

Not only had she been living like a dog, she had been living like a fool.

But at least now, the lie had finally been exposed.

She was awake—clear-headed—and maybe it was time to start reclaiming her life.

Before she knew it, sleep overtook her. At around nine in the evening, she was startled awake by the ringing of her phone. It was her best friend, Kate Chang.

"Hello?" Viola answered, still half-asleep.

Kate's voice was frantic. "Viola, I just hit someone at Intoxicated Hue! They're threatening to call the police. You've got to come bail me out!"