Chapter 4 I stepped back , picked up the microphone again , and let my gaze sweep the entire courtroom . My voice wasn't loud , but every word hit like a hammer . " The real destroyer here isn't me . It's certain people who steal their wife's work while building up their mistress , standing before the law and passing off plagiarized material as their own genius creation . " " Mr. Sterling , " I looked right at him , smiling serenely , " who exactly do you think I'm talking about ?" Marcus's face went from dark red to ghostly pale . ] The courtroom chaos was like boiling water that wouldn't settle . ] The judge banged his gavel hard " Order ! " His stern gaze swept over us and finally landed on Marcus . " Expert consultant for plaintiff , are you indeed married to defense counsel ? " Marcus's Adam's apple bobbed as he gave a painful nod . " Yes . " ] ] The gallery erupted . " This constitutes a serious conflict of interest , " the judge said sternly . " Why didn't you disclose this before proceedings began ? " Marcus opened his mouth but couldn't get a single word out . [ ] What could he say ? That he was here to sabotage his own wife for his mistress ? ] Nora was whiter than paper , swaying on her feet , only staying upright because Marcus was holding her up . " Given this development that could seriously compromise judicial fairness .... " This court is now in recessi " ] ] The gavel fell again , marking my first victory . I packed up my things and walked calmly out of the courtroom under countless stares . Marcus didn't follow He had his own problems to deal with But I'd underestimated just how shameless he could be , and how fast he'd strike hack ] Less than three hours later , the internet exploded . An article titled " SHOCKING ! Prominent Female Attorney Stages " Husband trending on every social platform . Drama in Court to Win Case " was Written by some popular legal blogger . Sharp writing , but dripping with malice . The article painted me as an unhinged woman who'd lost her mind over a failed marriage [ ] A vindictive character who'd leak her ex husband's private business and attack colleagues just to win a case ] It included several photos ] One was a " vicious , expression they'd caught me making while questioning Marcus . ] Another showed Nora sheltered behind Marcus , tears streaming down her face , looking utterly pitiful . ] ] The third was Marcus facing the camera , eyes tired and full of " helplessness " and " heartbreak . " [ ] Below the article was an anonymous interview with Marcus . ] " Our relationship has been troubled for a long time . We've been separated for months . " ] " I never imagined she'd use such extreme methods for revenge . " " That so - called examination outline was just some rough ideas I had when we discussed cases at home , which she wrote down . " " She's twisting the facts to win , deliberately attacking my and Attorney Lopez's professionalism . " ] " Nora is an incredibly talented junior colleague . I don't want her slandered because of me . " [ ] Every sentence was designed to nail me to a pillar of shame as someone who'd use any means necessary , who couldn't separate personal from professional The comments were brutal . ] [ This Harper chick is terrifying . Really shows someone's character when relationships end . [ Feel so bad for Marcus , stuck with an ex - wife like that . ) Poor Nora , getting dragged into this mess . ] ] [ ] [ Using marital relationships to attack opponents ? Where's this lawyer's professional ethics ? || Public opinion cuts deeper than courtroom swords . ] My phone was ringing nonstop . Firm partners , clients , friends , even random internet trolls who'd somehow gotten my number . ] Vivian burst into my office , shoving her phone at me . " Look , Sterling & Associates just released a statement . " The statement said Marcus Sterling would be " stepping back from all duties for personal reasons " and " cooperating with investigations . " Sounded fair , but it was really just cutting him loose . [ ] " They're framing this as your personal vendetta , keeping the firm clean , " Vivian said bluntly . [ ] " Letting Marcus drag you down alone . " Huh , Marcus , you think you can destroy me with public opinion as your weapon ? You're seriously underestimating me . ] I picked up my phone and dialed the number Vivian had given me . ] " Hello , is this Reporter Zane ? " ] " This is Harper . " " I have some of Attorney Lopez's private diary entries . I think you'd find them very interesting . "