Chapter 26
“Hello, this is the divorce law firm. Who’s calling?” Simon didn’t even bother stating his firm’s name. Just throwing out the word “divorce” hit Brian right where it hurt.
“You’re Simon Bennett?” Brian could feel the blatant hostility from the other end. He introduced himself and asked to meet Simon in person.
“Sure. Let’s meet at the café Jessi and I went to last time in half an hour.” Simon hung up, still staring at the number on his screen like he could see Brian through it.
Back when Jessica suddenly got married, she’d cut off all contact with them and hadn’t been home in seven years.
Now, after all these years, she was willing to walk away with nothing just to get a divorce even though she had once bet everything she had on Brian. Simon was more than curious to see what kind of man Brian really was,
Half an hour later, Simon showed up more than ten minutes late. Brian was already seated and waiting. It was probably the first time Brian had ever waited on someone, and his gloomy face showed it.
“You’re Brian?” Simon asked.
He was dressed in a full suit. Just by his presence alone, he looked like the sharp, no–nonsense lawyer type. Brian, on the other hand, had an air of power and restraint–more like a CEO used to being on top.
The moment they laid eyes on each other, neither of them liked what they saw.
Simon looked up at the spot where he and Jessica used to sit. “Mr. Atkinson, you probably don’t know this, but Jessi and I specifically reserved this table. She really likes the coffee here. I’ll grab her a cup to go on my way back.”
Every time Simon said “Jessi“, Brian’s brows twitched slightly.
Brian thought, ‘He’s just a lawyer. How long could he have known Jessica to already be calling her that?‘
He then said, “Mr. Bennett, I’ll get straight to the point.”
Half an hour had been enough for Brian to size Simon up. He already knew this was a man whose cases almost never failed.
“I want you to drop Jessica’s divorce case.” Brian tapped the table lightly with his fingers. Normally, with his personality, he would’ve taken a harder stance, but even he knew Simon wasn’t someone easy to deal with.
Simon didn’t respond. His eyes, cool and charming, fixed on Brian with a hint of a smile.
Brian continued, “Name your price. Whatever Jessica’s offering you, I’ll double it.”
Simon let out an agitated laugh. “You really live up to your name as the CEO of Atkinson Group. That’s quite the offer.”
“But…” He paused, his smile deepening. “I think you misunderstood. What I have with Jessi isn’t something you can measure in money.”
He spoke with layered meaning, “So, Mr. Atkinson, I’m afraid there’s no chance I’ll be earning your money.”
Brian’s gaze turned cold. If looks could kill, Simon would’ve died several times over.
But he had clearly misunderstood Simon’s words. Brian’s tone dropped lower. “Mr. Bennett, have you considered the consequences of interfering in a married man’s relationship?”
Simon gave a cold laugh, like he’d just heard something ridiculous. He thought, ‘Married man? So Brian does know he’s a married man!
Brian continued with his warning, “Mr. Bennett, as a well–known attorney, I assume you still care about your reputation. Being a homewrecker isn’t exactly a good look, is it?”
“You’re right–being a homewrecker is pretty disgraceful,” Simon dropped the smile and shot back. “And so is the one cheating, Mr. Atkinson.”
Brian frowned. He suspected Simon was referring to him.
“Just mind your own business, okay?” Simon said, getting up to leave. He thought, ‘Jessi’s divorce is happening for sure.
Once he got into the car parked by the curb, Simon hesitated for a second but decided to call Jessica and give her a heads–up. After all, he hadn’t shown Brian even the slightest courtesy.
Back in the cafe, Brian was still trying to figure out what exactly Jessica’s relationship with Simon was.
Then his phone rang. It was Madeline calling. “Mr. Atkinson, Jake suddenly disappeared. I just stepped away for a minute to get him some fruit, and
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5:59 AM
Chapter 26.
when I came back, he was gone,” she said.
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