Chapter 5

It was already close to noon when Sheryl returned to the art gallery. She didn't even have time for lunch. She went straight into her office and immediately started browsing Starrism International's website.

The pen's registered owner was a social influencer named Selena Shaw.

Over three months ago, she had been found dead in her home after being stabbed in the abdomen. The case had made headlines everywhere, and two months ago, the police had arrested the murderer.

It was Selena's boyfriend, Vincent Holden.

Vincent was a well-known playboy in Nexville. Rather than calling what they had a relationship, it would be more accurate to say Selena was his kept woman.

The case had solid evidence. After he was caught, the case had quickly been wrapped up and was transferred to the prosecutor's office and the court.

Steven Peterson was now serving as his defense attorney.

The preliminary hearing for this case was taking place in a week's time. Steven needed this piece of evidence to prove Vincent's innocence, and there was very likely a third person present at the crime scene.

Sheryl had just gotten up. She was about to head out when her phone chimed with a text notification.

"Steven is at Nexville Men's Prison right now. There's no need to rush. Head to Peterson & Co. at 4 PM."

The anxious, unsettled feeling she'd been carrying around somehow dissipated after reading the message. Sheryl stared at the words. Her thoughts drifted. Whoever had sent the message not only knew everything, but they could seemingly predict the future.

It was kind of unbelievable.

-

At 4 o'clock, after giving Jonah a few instructions for work, she grabbed her bag and car keys and left the gallery, driving once again to Peterson & Co.

The same receptionist from that morning greeted her.

Recognizing her, the receptionist assumed Sheryl had made her decision. Smiling, she said, "Hello, we have a lot of other excellent attorneys at our firm."

Sheryl smiled politely. "Thank you, but I'd still like to speak with Mr. Peterson. Is he here now?"

The receptionist looked troubled. "Mr. Peterson is out on a case. His schedule's really packed. I'm afraid there's nothing we can-" She paused mid-sentence, her gaze shifting toward the entrance. She called out, "Mr. Peterson."

Sheryl instinctively followed her line of sight.

A tall figure entered her view. His frame was lean and well-proportioned, with broad shoulders and a slim waist beneath his blue suit. His facial features were well-defined, with almond-shaped eyes and a strong nose gave him a charming disposition.

He looked like a knight in shining armor.

He was elegant and aloof, yet completely untouchable. He looked even more handsome in person than in his photos online. However, he also seemed like he wasn't to be messed with.

Even just walking toward her, he exuded an aura that made her instinctively want to run away.

Steven nodded a little. His cold, clear gaze swept over her face with barely a pause before he looked away and continued walking.

Sheryl snapped out of her daze and quickly called, "Mr. Peterson."

Steven paused and turned back to look at her. His expression was unreadable.

The receptionist opened her mouth to explain, but Sheryl had already stepped forward. She stopped two feet away from him.

Her eyes were bright and clear as she looked at him. Her lips parted slightly. "I have something I'd like to show you. It's related to Selena."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for him to hear.

Steven's gaze locked onto her instantly. There was a flash of alertness in his eyes. His voice dropped to a deep, chilly tone. "Who are you to her?"

Sheryl answered honestly, "I didn't know her. I just came across this by chance. I thought it might help you."

Steven stared at her striking, assertive expression. He assessed her words. After a few seconds of silence, he seemed to realize this wasn't the place to talk.

"Come with me," he said flatly.

Sheryl smiled and gave the receptionist a polite nod of thanks before following Steven into the elevator.

The firm had five floors. Steven's office was clearly on the top floor.

Outside his office door, she saw a nameplate that read 'Steven Peterson', with 'Managing Partner's Office' written below.

When they walked in, Steven simply said, "Have a seat."

The office was spacious and bright. The cold color scheme made it seem grand yet orderly and professional.

Sheryl didn't bother to look around. She took her seat. Moments later, an assistant came in and served coffee. She took a sip. The rich fragrance filled her mouth.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Steven casually unfasten his coat. His long fingers rested on his leg as he took a seat to her right.

He looked at her directly. His voice was deep and steady. "How should I address you?"

"Sheryl with an 'S', and the last name's Moran."

She introduced herself and set down the cup. She didn't beat around the bush. She took the pen out of her bag.

"This is Starrism's Valentine's Day limited edition pen, released this year. I bought it from a pawn shop this morning."

Steven's gaze swept over the pen. His expression was unreadable. He didn't say anything and waited for her to continue.

"I checked it on Starrism International's website. It shows that the registered owner is Selena, and the purchase date was February the fourteenth, on Valentine's Day.

"The pawnbroker told me he received it about two weeks ago. There wasn't any signed acquisition contract."

After hearing that, Steven's eyes flickered. It was as if something clicked in his mind. He frowned slightly and picked up a tissue before taking the pen to examine closely. After a moment, he looked at the calm woman in front of him.

His voice grew colder. "Since this is evidence related to a homicide, why didn't you go to the police, Miss Moran?"

"The case has already been closed and passed to the courts," Sheryl replied with a smile. "And of course, let's just say this is a stepping stone. I have a divorce case I'd like you to take on."

Steven ran his fingers along the pen as his gaze shifted from it to her face.

Their eyes met. The large office fell into a silence so thick you could have heard a pin drop.

Sheryl didn't flinch. She quietly met his gaze.

After a moment of consideration, Steven set the pen down. "Why do you want a divorce?"

"He cheated."

Steven didn't react. He changed his sitting position. The earlier sternness in his demeanor was now gone. Leaning back into the chair, he crossed one leg over the other. "Any kids?"

"No."

Over the past two years, Elaine had subtly suggested several times that they should hurry up and have a child. It didn't matter if they had a boy or a girl.

Brandon's older brothers both had kids, but they avoided Elaine as much as possible. That only made her more desperate for a grandchild of her own.

Sheryl hadn't been in a rush. After her mother passed away in a car accident last year, she had taken over the Moran Art Gallery. She simply didn't have the energy to start a family.

Looking back now, it was actually a good thing they hadn't had kids. Otherwise, the ones who'd suffer through the divorce the most would've been the children.

"How long have you been married?"

"Three years."

"How's your relationship been, overall?" Steven asked. "Was your sex life good?"