Chapter 5
Reporter Zane went silent for a full five seconds.
He was the industry’s most famous investigative journalist, known for uncovering truth and fearlessly taking on powerful interests.]
“Ms. Jenkins, do you realize what you’re saying?” His voice carried excitement.
“I do.” I replied. “I’ll send you the address. Meet me in thirty minutes.“]
After hanging up, I looked at Vivian.]
“Need you to do something.”
*Send this diary anonymously to the Bar Association’s disciplinary committee.“]
*Say it’s from someone inside Sterling & Associates who had a crisis of conscience.”
Vivian’s eyes lit up.
“Double–barrel approach?”
“Exactly.” I nodded. “Let public opinion burn hotter.”
“And let professional discipline fall at the same time.”
Thirty minutes later, I met Reporter Zane at a quiet cafe.]
He was a scholarly–looking middle–aged man with black–rimmed glasses.]
No small talk–I slid a flash drive across the table.]
“The contents are explosive enough.”
“Photos, dates, text–all pointing to one thing.”
“Marcus and Nora aren’t just having an affair. They’re involved in long term professional collusion.”
Zane took the drive, eyes sharp.
“How do I know you didn’t fake this?”
I smiled.]]
“There’s a photo in the diary taken in our bedroom.”
“Nora’s wearing my silk robe.”
“That robe is from an Italian artisan brand, limited edition from last year. I only wore it once.”
“You can check the purchase records–paid for with mine and Marcus’s joint card.”
“And that fountain pen with the engraved initials–the German workshop keeps records.“]}]
“The evidence is even stronger than you’d imagine.”
Zane looked at me with newfound respect and scrutiny.]
“Ms. Jenkins, you’re remarkably composed.“[]
“People who’ve been betrayed can’t afford not to be.” I sipped my coffee, tone flat.]]
After Zane left, I returned to the firm.
Marcus called again.]]
I hung up immediately.[]
He quickly sent a text]
[Harper, let it go. Don’t make this ugly for everyone.]]
[What’s the point of destroying me?!
[We were married. Do you have to be this heartless?||||
Looking at “married,” I felt sick to my stomach.]
I sent him back a photo.
The one of Nora in my silk robe, taken in our bedroom.]
Then I blocked all his contact methods.
The next morning, before dawn, news alerts woke me up.
Zane’s efficiency was stunning.
“EXCLUSIVE! Inside the Sterling & Associates ‘Affair Scandal: Behind the Genius Lawyer Persona–Plagiarism or Conspiracy?”
The headline was even more explosive than yesterday’s hit piece.
The content had photos and receipts.[]
Key excerpts from Nora’s diary were all published.
Close–up of the pen engraved with “ILJ. & M.S.”
The bedroom photo with my silk robe
That explicit “The sunshine is mine alone.“]
Every word was like a slap across Marcus and Nora’s faces.]
The article included the robe purchase records and pen customization certificates I’d provided.
Perfect evidence chain.
Public opinion completely flipped.]
Yesterday’s sympathy for Marcus turned into today’s rage.
[Holy shit! Plot twist! It was adultery + workplace abuse all along!]]
[Marcus is such a scumbag! Stealing his wife’s work for his side piece, then playing victim?]]
[That Nora’s no saint either, taking selfies in the wife’s robe on their bed, what kind of next–level homewrecker move is that?
Team Harpert Destroy these cheating bastards!]]
Almost simultaneously, the Bar Association’s internal notice came down.[]
‘Regarding the recent ‘Sterling & Associates Incident‘ that sparked major public controversy, the disciplinary committee has received key evidence and formally opened investigations into attorneys Marcus Sterling and Nora Lopez.”
Two swords drawn at once.]
Marcus, Nora–can you handle this?
