CHAPTER 25: CHAPTER 25: AN ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER AT THE RESTAURANT, JULIAN PANICS

That is definitely not some obscure little lawyer, it’s Dominic Scott!

Even in Kenton, he is a renowned lawyer.

Not to mention Victoria Monroe, even he has never had any dealings or interactions with this lawyer.

The most ridiculous thing is that she contacted Dylan Quincy earlier today, which means she contacted Dominic Scott after Dylan Quincy.

Is Dominic Scott just a cabbage in the market that she can find whenever she wants to go?

This is suspicious.

Assistant Prescott has been with Julian Fordham for many years, especially in recent years, he has seen very few things aside from Victoria Monroe that can change Julian Fordham’s expression.

And now Julian Fordham’s expression has changed dramatically, his originally flawless plan is gradually showing cracks.

Assistant Prescott swallowed hard, further deepening the blow to his heavy heart: "I’ve checked, Lawyer Scott has just landed, coming directly from Portoros."

This top lawyer who earns eight figures per case, his schedule is busier than that of a first-tier actress.

Don’t even mention hiring him to handle a lawsuit; those just seeking consultation are queued until France.

And not to mention how Victoria Monroe, who knew nothing about him, got his contact information, but even if she had it, would he drop everything for one phone call from a washed-up star and fly to Kenton?

Ever since Victoria Monroe visited Portoros, it seems like something has slowly started to change.

Could it be that the person she met in Portoros wasn’t Ryan Zane?

Julian Fordham furrowed his brow and instructed, "Remove the trending search and find out why Dominic Scott is really here."

"Okay."

He rubbed his weary forehead, with the Willis couple about to arrive, he couldn’t afford to think about anything else.

The personal assistant brought Rachel Hayes, she was about to move out of the villa, but didn’t expect such a turn of events.

The wound on her face had been treated, fortunately, Julian Fordham only gave her a warning, rather than using heavy hands, the wound wasn’t too deep.

Julian Fordham had specially invited a makeup team to cover her scars.

She was wearing a haute couture dress, and jewelry on her neck and ears.

Her pale complexion took on some brightness with the addition of blush.

However, the way she looked at Julian Fordham had none of the previous pretenses, clearly somewhat fearful.

The man standing in front of her was a madman.

She knew very well that if it weren’t for the child she was carrying, he would really kill her.

His gaze back then, filled with hostility, was like a demon crawling out of hell!

Although she wanted to replace Victoria Monroe, money and life were still more important compared to life.

"Mr. Fordham." She dared not look him in the eyes, lowering her head and softly said.

Julian Fordham’s voice was cold, without a trace of emotion.

"My assistant should have told you, tonight you only need to perform as my wife, say what should be said and keep in mind what shouldn’t, you’re an actress, it shouldn’t be difficult for you."

Rachel Hayes hurriedly nodded, "Yes, I’ve memorized your preferences in the car."

"Remember your role, today’s matter if my wife were to find out..."

His threat hadn’t even been voiced when Rachel Hayes quickly lowered her head, "I understand, I will not dare to covet anything again."

A voice came through Assistant Prescott’s Bluetooth earpiece, reminding him: "Boss, the Willis couple will arrive in five minutes."

Julian Fordham inhaled deeply, it wasn’t his first time dining with the Willises, not long ago they talked about collaboration in Northern Europe for three days.

The two had a pleasant conversation, Willis held him in high regard as a junior, even taking him on a yacht party for the world’s top millionaires, welcoming him into this circle of capital.

He was nervous about bringing a fake to meet Willis, partly feeling guilty towards Victoria Monroe, partly fearful of being exposed.

His situation is like an arrow on a bowstring, now there’s no way back.

It’s just a meal, it shouldn’t be enough to get caught.

This place is extremely private, very few people know Victoria Monroe as his wife, even if seen, it wouldn’t reach Victoria Monroe’s ears.

"Come with me to greet them." He strode ahead without looking back at Rachel Hayes.

Looking at his upright silhouette, Rachel Hayes couldn’t hide her admiration.

The heart that had died was slowly reigniting.

*

Victoria Monroe’s sense of restraint from meeting Dominic Scott lingered until she got in the car.

Aside from the previous Maybach, there was also an additional black sedan.

Dominic Scott seemed to want to greet Rhys Hawthorne, Assistant Woods raised his hand to guide him to the sedan: "Lawyer Scott, thank you for your hard work."

He answered smoothly, "I just happened to have some business in Kenton, it was on the way."

Victoria Monroe followed into the sedan, "I understand Lawyer Scott’s time is precious, on the way, I can share my situation with him."

Assistant Woods didn’t say much, nodded respectfully, "Okay."

He got into the Maybach, carefully conveyed Victoria Monroe’s original words to Rhys Hawthorne.

Without Victoria Monroe in the car, even though Rhys Hawthorne didn’t utter a word, the car was filled with an invisible pressure.

The man’s fingers rubbing prayer beads noticeably moved faster than usual, a low voice sounded: "Let’s go."

Assistant Woods instinctively glanced at the rearview mirror, meeting the icy eyes of the man reflected.

Even after following him for so many years, Assistant Woods still felt a chill up his back, he stepped on the gas, starting the car.

Victoria Monroe hadn’t expected the person helping her would be such a high-profile figure, no wonder Rhys Hawthorne was certain she could divorce.

If she loses the lawsuit, it will be a significant blemish on someone’s perfect winning record.

Sensing her unease and anxiety, Dominic Scott opened his mouth and said, "Ms. Monroe, there’s no need to be nervous, you can carefully tell me your demands."

Victoria Monroe instinctively asked, "Your lawyer fee shouldn’t be cheap, right?"

She had just over twenty thousand left in her account.

If Julian Fordham didn’t give her money, let alone paying the lawyer, even eating would become a problem.

The unsmiling man seemed not to have expected that the first words from this goddess-level national actress would be about money.

He explained with patience, "It’s not so bad; it should be less than Ms. Monroe’s fee for one drama."

That was all in the past; Victoria found it difficult to say she was currently strapped for cash.

Thinking that this person’s fee wasn’t cheap and time was tight, she decided not to waste any more time and explained the current situation in the car.

Dominic Scott was more gentle than she had imagined, without the aggressive courtroom aura.

He seemed like a gentle older brother, patiently guiding her, "So, Ms. Monroe, you mean to take away three-quarters of the assets without infringing on the other party’s interests?"

"Yes."

"I’m sorry, but that may be difficult. From what you’ve described, your husband may not agree to the divorce, Ms. Monroe. Divorce is not as simple as having a meal and breaking up. At least in all the divorce cases I’ve come into contact with, whether ordinary people or top-rich folk, reaching the point of divorce always involves tearing faces apart, and enduring mental and emotional financial strain. If it could be a peaceful parting, then we lawyers wouldn’t be needed."

He spoke tactfully, and Victoria Monroe bowed her head, knowing full well he wasn’t wrong.

"So, Ms. Monroe, more important than asset division, I want to know if you are truly willing to let go of this marriage."

In her mind, the scene of Julian Fordham holding her appeared again, "Victoria, don’t leave me, you promised to stay with me forever."

Seeing her silence, Dominic Scott continued, "When you made the choice of divorce, in fact, you had already assessed that this relationship could not continue in your heart."

"Yes."

"I don’t deny that you once, or maybe still love each other, but the harm is an established fact. You’ve seen through this man’s nature, his character, at least he has hurt you, which is why you choose divorce. Once you show any wavering in thought or action, and he perceives it, that becomes your weakness. In the future, he will be able to hurt you at will because he knows that it costs him very little or nothing to hurt you."

"Women are often softer and more emotional than men. It’s normal to be trapped in memories at the time of divorce, but today is not about arguing and sulking with him."

"If I may speak frankly, from now on, you need to be prepared to sever not only the property but from every aspect of emotions and life with this man."

Perhaps feeling that his tone was too harsh, Dominic Scott added, "Ms. Monroe, you don’t have to rush to answer me. Take your time during this meal to think. If you’re not ready for divorce, today, we can just make friends, without any psychological burden."

"Once you’ve decided you are ready for divorce, I will push you onto the battlefield in my way. He will no longer be your former lover but your enemy. As long as it’s a war, there will be loss. I know this is very cruel, but you have no choice, and neither do I."

Dominic Scott’s words cut sharply, like heavy stones pressing down on Victoria Monroe’s heart.

"Thank you for your advice, I will think it over carefully." She looked at the scenery outside the car window.

The person had walked too difficultly over the years, and Lawyer Scott’s intervention would certainly leave him severely depleted.

She didn’t want it, but she had no other choice.

Just as Dominic Scott said, there has to be a loser on the battlefield.

The car wound down a quiet path, drove a few more kilometers, and finally saw an ancient, elegant private garden residence.

This private restaurant is for members only, catering to high-end custom clients, serving less than five tables a day.

She accidentally met the owner while filming, who, being her fan, had given her this privilege, allowing her to book a spot today temporarily.

The car door slowly opened, Victoria Monroe got out, intending to wait for Dominic Scott, and then she saw that familiar figure not far away.

Julian Fordham was dressed very formally today.

A double-breasted hackle lapel suit, matched with a waistcoat of the same color inside.

The suit was pressed neatly without a single crease.

In the past, she loved how he looked in suits, complementing his tall and slender figure, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs, fulfilling all her fantasies of a man.

So she dedicated herself to buying him custom suits of various styles.

All his ready-made clothes were handled by her, including today’s outfit, which she had paired before.

But he was wearing the suit she selected, standing next to another woman.

Rachel Hayes had also obviously been meticulously dressed tonight.

Unlike her previously glamorous style, from clothes to jewelry and makeup, highlighting the word "noble."

She held Julian Fordham’s arm, her lips smiling softly.

So there was another woman by his side, and they matched so well.

She never imagined that the thought of Julian Fordham matching with someone else would cross her mind.

The next second, Rachel Hayes adjusted his tie.

Julian Fordham’s eyes looking at her were so gentle.

That gaze, it’s like a knife stabbing deeply into Victoria Monroe’s heart.

She heard Julian Fordham introducing Rachel Hayes, "Mr. Willis, this is my wife, Rachel Hayes."

Upon hearing this, Victoria Monroe felt disconnected from both her breathing and temperature as if her body had fallen into a wilderness, with only the whistling wind blowing through her numb heart.

Someone had taken a hammer and hit her over the head, rendering her unconscious.

She stood there, dumbfounded, not even noticing Dominic Scott getting out of the car.

Her mind was filled only with Julian Fordham’s voice.

He said Rachel Hayes was his wife, then who was Victoria Monroe?

After introducing, Julian Fordham looked up, eyes landing on the woman standing in front of the business car.

His heart skipped a beat, and the smile on his lips froze.