Chapter 3

Relying on my memories, I booted up the computer in Joseph's study and began combing through the accounts.

Though Joseph had grown the business, he was never particularly savvy when it came to finances.

Or rather, he simply hadn't bothered to guard against his formerly sweet, naive wife.

The transaction records were appalling.

He had bought Naomi houses, cars, and designer bags. Even her daily personal expenses had been billed directly to the company.

I logged every single entry, calculating how many years behind bars this would buy him.

As the cursor drifted across the screen, I accidentally opened a private album of photos of him and Naomi.

The repulsive images of the cheating pair made my stomach turn.

So, I generously uploaded them to the internet for everyone to enjoy.

If they truly loved each other, why hide it in the shadows?

To my surprise, the police showed up at my door soon after. "Under the law, even spouses cannot violate each other's right to privacy. By sharing their private photos online without their consent, you've violated the law."

Listening to these ridiculous legal terms, I found it absurdly hilarious.

A legal wife exposing an affair was the natural order of things. How had it become a crime in this modern age?

Was the law protecting privacy or was it protecting shamelessness?

"I want to see my lawyer," I said coldly.

Unfortunately, my attorney, Albert Huff, was a greenhorn fresh out of law school, assigned by legal aid.

Joseph had already pulled every string in the city. No reputable firm in Selmont dared to take my case.

Three days later, the court summons arrived.

Joseph officially sued me for violating his privacy and defaming him, demanding 500 thousand dollars in damages and a public apology online.

In the courtroom, Joseph's lawyer spoke with eloquent grandiosity. He listed my series of atrocities, from pulling up to the company with a banner to leaking private photos online.

In his narrative, I became a twisted, vengeful madwoman driven insane by unrequited love.

Meanwhile, Naomi sat in the witness stand, her barely noticeable baby bump showing beneath her clothes as she cried her eyes out. "I really didn't mean to destroy Brenda's marriage… I just loved Joseph… She threatened me, saying she would kill my baby…"

A wave of sympathetic murmurs rippled through the gallery.

Albert tried to counter, protesting, "The plaintiff was the one who engaged in an extramarital affair first—"

"Objection!" The opposing attorney cut in immediately. "Mr. Huff, this case concerns violation of privacy and defamation, which are irrelevant to marital fidelity. Even if my client made a mistake, it does not give the defendant license to commit cyberbullying!"

The judge banged his gavel. "Objection sustained."

Sitting in the defendant's seat, I remained eerily calm, watching the shameless couple put on their little performance.

Indeed, logic was useless when the very rules were rigged.

Joseph's infidelity was a moral issue, while my exposure of him was a legal one.

During the recess, I bumped into Joseph in the hallway. "Brenda, for the sake of our marriage, if you get on your knees, admit your mistake, and sign the divorce papers right now, I'll drop the charges."

He leaned in, sneering softly, "That ancient matriarch act of yours doesn't work in the modern world. I have money, I have lawyers, and I have public opinion. What do you have to fight me with?"

Looking at his revolting face, I burst out laughing. "Joseph, you really think you've won?"

"Haven't I?" he scoffed.

I said nothing, only giving him one long, quiet look.

When court reconvened, the tide remained entirely against me, just as expected.

Albert was left utterly speechless by the defense, and every piece of evidence seemed to be stacked against me.

In everyone's eyes, I had already lost this battle.

Back home, I opened the bottommost compartment of the safe and pulled out a thick diary.