Chapter 48

Chapter 48

◎If an illusion could be perpetually sustained, perhaps, with enough time and pretense, one might even come to believe it oneself.◎

When Cheng Yan clearly saw the business card in her palm, a torrent of memories instantly flooded her mind. She finally understood why Shen Ruzhen had seemed so familiar. "It’s you!" she gasped, stunned.

Shen Ruzhen appeared unsurprised to be recognized. She nodded gently, her eyes conveying encouragement.

Yet, an inexplicable wave of shame washed over Cheng Yan.

She knew of Shen Ruzhen—knew her dedication to assisting women who had suffered harm in legal battles. But… did she truly want a divorce?

She recalled her best friend’s earlier words, laced with sarcasm yet painfully true. Even if she did divorce, what then?

Women possessed no property rights. At home, she had depended on her father and brothers; after marriage, she relied on her husband.

At this thought, the light in Cheng Yan’s eyes dimmed.

Shen Ruzhen seemed to perceive her hesitation. Instead of showing impatience, she said softly, "You can take your time to consider it. There’s no need to rush your answer to me."

Cheng Yan nodded and departed, the business card still in hand.

The system queried Shen Ruzhen, "Why are you helping the supporting female character get a divorce? She isn’t the female lead of this world. The male lead won’t regret losing her."

Shen Ruzhen let out a cold laugh. "What makes you think a domineering CEO only cares about love?"

The system remained puzzled.

Shen Ruzhen elaborated, "Even in romance novels, domineering CEOs don’t solely care about love. The very reason they become domineering CEOs is because they possess wealth and power."

The system grasped her meaning. "So you’re going to…"

Shen Ruzhen: "Divorce isn’t that simple; it involves the division of assets. Think about it: if you were a domineering CEO and lost over half your fortune in a divorce simply because you were caught in the act, wouldn’t you regret it?"

The system was utterly convinced. "That would be a huge regret!"

Shen Ruzhen returned to her bedroom and found Xiao Ya waiting for her. Though alone in the room, Xiao Ya sat perfectly upright, her gaze steady, like a well-behaved student.

For a fleeting moment, Shen Ruzhen saw her younger self in Xiao Ya.

"Attorney Shen," Xiao Ya greeted her with a polite smile.

Shen Ruzhen sat before her and, after a moment’s thought, asked, "What are your thoughts on today’s incident?"

Xiao Ya indignantly blurted, "Men are all pigs!"

Shen Ruzhen cleared her throat, sighing helplessly. "From a legal perspective."

Xiao Ya’s heart quickened—this was a test of her legal acumen. She carefully replayed the day’s events in her mind, then stated, "If the husband is unfaithful, the innocent party can seek damages in a divorce."

Shen Ruzhen inquired, "Can damages be claimed for every type of infidelity?"

Xiao Ya pondered for a long time, then, studying Shen Ruzhen’s expression, nervously ventured, "No?"

Shen Ruzhen: "Only if the infidelity constitutes cohabitation or bigamy can divorce damages be claimed."

Xiao Ya’s face flushed. After a moment, she indignantly exclaimed, "Then, in that case, that lady wouldn’t be able to claim compensation?"

Shen Ruzhen smiled. "You forgot the final catch-all clause."

Xiao Ya: "What?"

Shen Ruzhen: "'Other significant misconduct.'"

Xiao Ya’s eyes lit up.

After all, Meng Yi had been caught red-handed—not only was it infidelity, but it had also severely damaged their family’s reputation and the company’s stock price.

With the stock price plummeting, hundreds of millions in market value could evaporate in minutes.

Xiao Ya: "That’s wonderful! So, if she files for divorce…"

She stopped mid-sentence, suddenly remembering something, her excited expression morphing into worry. "I just recalled—Attorney Gao once represented Meng Yi in a case."

She bit her lip, looking deeply conflicted, before finally confiding in Shen Ruzhen, "I can’t disclose the details of that case; it involves client confidentiality. But I once heard Attorney Gao say that Meng Yi is incredibly formidable. He seems to have entangled interests in many fields. Even when he’s clearly responsible for many wrongdoings, he often manages to escape unscathed."

Shen Ruzhen mused for a moment. "I will be careful."

She turned to the worried Xiao Ya, offering a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry. Right now, there’s nothing we can do. Everything depends on that lady’s choice."

Cheng Yan did not return to the room she shared with Meng Yi. The irony was palpable: just hours ago, she had considered it their intimate home, but now, everything had been turned upside down.

Hiding in a secluded corner, she wiped away her tears, agonizing over when her husband’s heart had truly strayed.

As she reflected, she realized there had been telltale signs all along—from Meng Yi’s frequent late-night work and missed dinners to his growing coldness in bed. In fact, even Cui Wei’s hiring as their housekeeper had been arranged through a "friend" of Meng Yi’s.

No—what friend?

Cheng Yan remembered the night Meng Yi had lost his temper with their long-time housekeeper during dinner, then told her that a "friend" had recommended a new housekeeper who was both responsible and diligent.

Cheng Yan had expected a middle-aged woman, not a young university student.

A flicker of unease had stirred within her. She glanced at Meng Yi. "Did you add her contact?"

Meng Yi chuckled, deftly peeling a shrimp and placing it in her bowl, then playfully tapped her nose. "How could I? Isn’t that always your decision? Keep her if you wish, dismiss her if you don’t."

Cheng Yan had then nestled into her husband’s arms, her earlier doubts dissipating. Now, she realized that person’s fate had never been hers to decide. Even if the housekeeper role failed, Meng Yi would have found another means.

Yet, for all this time, Cheng Yan had not uncovered the truth, primarily because Meng Yi had continued to treat her well.

At least on the surface.

Cheng Yan hesitated. Did she truly want a divorce?

If an illusion could be perpetually sustained, perhaps, with enough time and pretense, one might even come to believe it oneself.