Chapter 4

Three days before the charity gala, Adrian called me.

"Sophia, you're coming to the gala, right?" His tone carried a hint of barely detectable pleading. "The company is at a critical juncture right now. Many clients will be there. If we attend together as husband and wife, it'll help stabilize things."

"Stabilize things?" I sneered. "Adrian, do you think talking about this still has any meaning?"

"Sophia, for the sake of our seven years together, accompany me in one last performance." His voice softened, even carrying a hint of vulnerability. "Afterward, we'll discuss the divorce properly. Whatever you want, as long as I can do it, I'll give it to you."

"A performance?" I looked out the window. "Adrian, what do you think marriage is? A show that can end anytime?"

"I know I've wronged you." He sighed. "But I have no choice. If news of our divorce gets out now, the company's stock price will definitely plummet. All our previous efforts will be wasted. Sophia, you're a smart person. You should know that 'win-win' is better than 'lose-lose.'"

Win-win?

He actually dared to talk to me about win-win?

"What if I don't agree?" I asked.

His tone changed instantly, turning cold. "Sophia Hart, don't force me. Several of your law firm's big clients were introduced by me. If I don't look good, your career might not stay unscathed either. I advise you not to be too willful."

I'd expected him to say this all along.

"Fine, I'll go." I said calmly.

Adrian paused, probably not expecting me to agree so easily. "Really?"

"Of course."

On the night of the gala, the venue was filled with elegantly dressed guests and celebrities.

Adrian and I walked into the venue side by side.

We looked like a loving couple, accepting everyone's blessings and attention.

"Keep smiling." Adrian whispered in my ear, his tone carrying a warning. "When you go up to accept the award later, you know what to say."

Tonight, Adrian would receive the "Person of the Year" award.

This was an honor he'd long anticipated, an important step in maintaining his "successful person" image.

I turned my head to look at him, my eyes holding depths he couldn't read: "Of course. I've prepared the most spectacular speech for you."

He paused, not understanding my meaning, just assuming I'd compromised. He nodded with satisfaction.

Halfway through the gala, the award ceremony began.

When the host called Adrian's name, applause filled the room.

He straightened his suit and walked onto the stage with his head held high.

"Thank you all for your support and recognition." He picked up the microphone and began his acceptance speech. "This award is not only an affirmation of me personally, but also an encouragement to all the employees of our company. I want to thank my team, thank my family, especially my wife, Ms. Sophia Hart."

His gaze fell on me affectionately. "She has always been my strongest support. During my entrepreneurial period, she supported me. When I encountered difficulties, she encouraged me. Without her, there would be no me today."

Applause filled the room again. Everyone looked at me with envious eyes.

The host took the opportunity to invite me on stage. "Let's give a warm round of applause to welcome Ms. Sophia Hart on stage to share this honor with Mr. Clark!"

Adrian looked at me, his eyes carrying a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

He probably thought I would go on stage and say some routine words about our loving marriage, as usual.

I smoothed my evening gown and walked onto the stage gracefully.

Taking the microphone, my gaze slowly swept across the audience below, finally settling on Adrian's face.

The whole room fell silent. Everyone was waiting for my speech.

"Thank you for Mr. Clark's praise." I began, my voice transmitted clearly through the high-end sound system to every corner. "As his legal wife, I have indeed done a lot for him. But now, I also need to do something for myself."

"For example, attend my own divorce proceedings in my capacity as a divorce lawyer."