I had a knot in my stomach as I watched the huge man who’d greeted me at my car, punch in a code for the elevator.
“This will take you directly to the top floor to Mr. Townsend’s office.”
I nodded and stepped on the elevator. The papers I’d been served with were in my left hand. I wondered if I should’ve spoken with a lawyer before showing up here. Aaron hadn’t given me much more than twelve hours between the time I was served and the time I was supposed to meet him in his office. I hadn’t had time to even contact a lawyer, not that I knew of any family law attorneys in Williamsport. I rubbed my forehead again, refusing to allow myself to feel overwhelmed by everything.
“Ms. Thiers. Mr. Townsend’s office is right this way,” another man welcomed me as soon as I stepped off the elevator.
I followed him through the glass doors and down a hallway to the only corner office that rested on the right side. The sign on the door announcing where we were,Aaron Townsend, CEO,the shiny placard read. The man knocked.
“Enter.”
He pushed the door open and stepped to the side to allow me to walk in. I did so, but jumped when the door slammed behind me. I turned from the door and glared at Aaron who stood in front of his huge office window, arms folded over his chest. He looked like the definition of a power broker, a man on top of the world, in his spacious office. He said nothing. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement and turned to see another man. He was inches shorter than Aaron, and a little stockier.
“Ms. Thiers,” the man said, “Michael Cavalleri.” He held out his hand for me to shake.
I narrowed my eyes, gaze trained on his hand then back up to his face. “You’re the lawyer.” He was the attorney who was listed on the custody forms.
He withdrew his hand. “I am.”
I turned to Aaron who still hadn’t spoken. “What is this about?”
“Ms. Thiers, let me explain.”
“Why can’t he explain?” I asked sharply, still staring at Aaron who remained silent.
“Mr. Townsend has instructed me to do the talking on his behalf.”
“So, you’re his puppet?”
Michael Cavalleri’s face tightened, lips forming into a thin line. “No need to throw insults, Ms. Thiers.”
“I shouldn’t be too surprised. Your client has a habit of letting other people speak for him where I’m concerned.” I shot Aaron another look, and although he remained silent, his eyes flickered, frown deepening as he glared at me.
“Ms. Thiers, please. There is no need for the hostility.”
“No need?” I snapped my neck back to the lawyer. “You’re trying to steal my children!”
“Legal custody is not stealing. As the father of the children, Mr. Townsend is due his parental rights.”
“I’ve read every word in this envelope.” I held up the envelope in question. “Three times. He’s not petitioning for sharing of parental rights. He wantsfullcustody.”
“Ms. Theirs, Mr. Townsend has considerable wealth and resources, and as such, he believes the children should be raised with the full advantages of their birthright.”
“Birthri–” I laughed a humorless laugh. “You’re kidding me, right?”
Michael Cavalleri turned his gaze toward Aaron, who hadn’t moved from his spot by the window. I let my eyes roll over to Aaron as well. He nodded at Michael.
“Mr. Townsend is willing to come to a compromise.”
“Oh, how generous of him,” I scoffed, folding my arms.
Michael hesitated for a moment and then shot another look in Aaron’s direction. “My client is more than willing to drop this custody lawsuit under one condition.”
A feeling of foreboding ran through my entire body. I knew I wasn’t going to like this condition. But I had to ask. “And what condition is that?”
“You marry him.”
A laugh burst from my lips. “No, really, what doesyour clientwant in exchange for dropping this ridiculous lawsuit?”
