Chapter 164
The next morning, Eleanor dropped Evelyn off at her in-laws’ house. Gina had been missing her granddaughter and greeted them at the door.
“Mom, I’ll have to trouble you to look after Evelyn for a few days,” Eleanor said.
Although Gina’s opinion of Eleanor had improved a little, she still wasn’t fond of her temperament.
“I’m flying out of the country on Friday,” Gina replied briskly. “Come by Thursday night to pick her up p>
Eleanor hesitated. “Is Grandma traveling with you too p>
“No, she’ll stay here. Serena will take care of her, but if you have time, you should come by and keep her company p>
“Of course,” Eleanor agreed with a nod.
Ten o’clock, late morning.
Eleanor was meeting with Joy at a quiet café to discuss the divorce. As they spoke, the entrance bell chimed, and a sharply dressed man strode inside. He looked to be twenty-eight or twenty-nine, tall-well over six feet-wearing a tailored suit that radiated confidence and competence.
“My mentor, Frazier Jeffries,” Joy said, standing to introduce him.
“And my friend, Eleanor,” she added.
Eleanor and Frazier exchanged a firm handshake before taking their seats.
Without wasting time, Frazier switched to business mode. He calmly analyzed Eleanor’s situation: even if she filed for divorce and was willing to leave with nothing, the progress would still depend on lan’s cooperation and how quickly he responded.
“Filing now is definitely in your favor for securing custody,” he explained. “Your daughter’s under five-courts nearly always lean toward granting mothers custody with such young children p>
Eleanor nodded. “Attorney Jeffries, I’m counting on you to help me win this case,” she said earnestly.
“You’re Joy’s friend, so I’ll do my best,” Frazier replied, flashing a dazzling smile.
He went on, “I’ve also heard of you, Miss Sutton-the first to develop the breakthrough medication, and the key witness in the Marlowe Village case. The medical field’s young prodigy-I’m truly impressed p>
Eleanor gave a modest smile. “You flatter me p>
Joy nudged Frazier with a sly grin. “Is there anything you’d like to compliment her on besides her career p>
Frazier chuckled. “Well, of course-Miss Sutton’s beauty is just as unforgettable p>
Eleanor shot Joy a look, but Joy only grinned wider and excused herself, saying she had to run and leaving them to talk in more depth.
“Miss Sutton, unless you have anything else to add to the divorce agreement, I can personally deliver it to your husband this afternoon and have him refer his lawyer to me,” Frazier offered.
Eleanor had been waiting for this day. She nodded. “Thank you for your hard work, Attorney Jeffries p>
He gave her a measured look. “You realize you’ll be walking away with nothing. I’l fight for you, of course. If Mr. Goodwin’s willing to offer compensation, I’ll make sure you get a fair deal p>
Eleanor thought to herself that if lan was willing to let her have custody and offer her something extra, she’d accept it.
“Money isn’t my priority,” Eleanor said. “What matters most is custody of my daughter. Please, Attorney Jeffries, do everything you can p>
Frazier paused. He’d seen plenty of high-profile divorces where the mother would trade custody for a bigger settlement.
“If the court doesn’t grant the divorce in the first hearing, be prepared for a year of separation,” he advised. “After that, a second hearing almost always results in a finalized divorce p>
Eleanor nodded. She was more than ready for a long battle.
Goodwin & Co.
As the workday neared its end, lan’s assistant Larry appeared at the door. “Mr. Goodwin, Attorney Jeffries is here for your five o’clock meeting p>
lan glanced at his watch. “Show him in p>
He’d heard of Frazier his reputation in legal circles was impressive. Ian assumed he was here to interview for a position; after all, his legal department was always on the lookout for top talent.
Frazier entered, every inch the consummate professional. He glanced at the tall, striking man seated on the sofa-lan’s presence was unmistakable.
“Mr. Goodwin,” Frazier greeted politely, “good afternoon p>