Chapter 165
“Please, have a seat, Mr. Jeffries.” lan gestured toward the chair and glanced at his watch. “Let’s keep this brief. I have another appointment in ten minutes p>
Frazier hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “Mr. Goodwin, there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m not here to apply for a position at your firm p>
Joining Goodwin & Co.’s legal department was every attorney’s dream, but Frazier had always valued his independence—and he had no intention of becoming someone else’s pawn.
lan cut straight to the point. “What brings you here, Mr. Jeffries p>
Frazier opened his briefcase and placed a divorce agreement on the table. “I’m here as your wife Eleanor’s representative, to discuss the terms of your divorce p>
lan’s expression shifted. He stared at the papers, unmoving.
“You’re telling me my wife wants a divorce?” He looked up, his gaze sharp and unyielding.
“She personally asked me to draw up the agreement,” Frazier replied, sliding the contract across the table. “Miss Sutton has already signed. You’re welcome to look it over p>
lan finally took the document, scanned the pages, then tossed it back toward Frazier.
“I’ll discuss this with my wife before making any decisions,” lan said coldly, clearly signaling the meeting was over.
“Of course. I’ll wait to hear from your attorney.” Frazier calmly picked up the contract and left the office.
He’d expected as much. With someone like lan Goodwin-a billionaire of his stature-this wouldn’t be a simple divorce. It would take time and effort to resolve.
lan stood and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, bracing his hands against the glass. His knuckles whitened. Outside, the city shimmered in the late afternoon light, but his reflection was hard and cold, like winter frost-calm on the surface, a storm underneath.
A few minutes later, he’d regained his composure. Ian grabbed his phone and car keys, ready to head home.
On the drive, his mother called, asking if he’d be joining them for dinner at Goodwin Manor. Evelyn was there.
He declined.
Eleanor had given Joslyn-their housekeeper-a three-day break.
A storm was brewing in this house, and everyone seemed to sense it.
At six o’clock, lan stepped through the front door, his silhouette tall and composed. Early July’s heat clung to his white dress shirt and dark slacks, his presence as crisp and severe as ever.
He entered with that familiar, stern look, eyes landing on the woman waiting for him on the sofa. Without a word, he crossed the room to her.
Eleanor set aside her tablet, meeting his gaze head-on. She could tell he’d spoken to Frazier.
“So, you only want custody of our daughter? That’s your one condition for the divorce?” lan sat across from her.
Eleanor lifted her chin. Gone was the caution and uncertainty of the past years; in their place, a steely resolve.
“Yes. I want full custody, and nothing else. Please sign the papers as soon as possible,” she replied, her voice steady.
“Why would you make this decision without even talking to me?” lan’s eyes narrowed.
“I didn’t think it was necessary,” Eleanor said quietly.
“We need to talk.” Rubbing his brow, lan looked exhausted, the red in his eyes betraying a sleepless night.
Eleanor noticed. She knew he’d spent last night at Vanessa’s bedside again.
“There’s nothing left to discuss.” Her tone was unwavering. “I’m getting this divorce p>
lan was taken aback. He looked at Eleanor, his own tone just as resolute. “I don’t agree to a divorce p>