The settlement conference had been rescheduled three times since Julius’s attorneys requested it. That morning, Demi received an email asking to change the meeting date and location again. Demi sent the following response: Meet today or we’ll see you in court.
Demi scribbled something on a pad of paper. “If he doesn’t, he doesn’t. That doesn’t change our plans.”
Standing, Paige stomped over to the window and peered outside. Strong Law had offices in a prime location on Wilshire Boulevard. She could see the Pure Talent Los Angeles office from the window and wondered if Andrew was back from Atlanta.
It had been a week since she’d talked to Vonda, and the talented junior agent had handled everything with the studio for her. She still hadn’t heard from Andrew, though. The two-word text he’d sent explaining that he was “very busy” didn’t count, in her opinion.
Paige crossed her arms over her chest. “Where is he?” she grumbled. But she wasn’t sure if she was referring to Julius or Andrew. Or both.
“We’re fine,” Demi said. “It’s a tactic that some attorneys use. They think it gives them the upper hand. It always givesmethe edge.”
Paige didn’t understand what Demi meant by that, and she didn’t really care. She had faith in her attorney. Tugging at her suit jacket, she leaned against the table.My feet hurt. She considered kicking her shoes off and slipping on the flats she’d packed in her bag.
As the only child of superstar multiplatinum recording artist and actress Tina Mills, she’d been thrust into the limelight at an early age. She’d lived the bulk of her early years on the road, touring the world with her mother. Even then, she hated to dress up, hated to feel uncomfortable in her clothes. That hadn’t changed, even now that she was a star in her own right.
Paige had been acting for years. She’d been dressed by top designers, made up by talented aestheticians, styled by brilliant hairstylists, but Paige was a jeans and T-shirts type of woman. Most days, she didn’t even wear makeup or even do her hair. She’d intended to show up to the settlement conference in a pair of slacks and a simple blouse, but her assistant had nixed that idea. Chastity had shown up at her house early with a new suit, four-inch pumps, and matching accessories.
Pulling both shoes off, she walked over to the table and opened her bag. By the time she’d switched to the more comfortable flats, Julius and his attorney arrived.
“Ladies,” the attorney said, strutting into the room like he owned it. He set his briefcase on the table. “I’m sorry we’re late.”
Demi didn’t respond, so Paige took the cue from her.
“Good morning, Paige.” Julius sat in the chair across from her and smirked. “You look tired.”
Paige stared at him but didn’t rise to the bait. Demi had warned her beforehand that Julius might try to piss her off, to get her to react in a negative way. And Paige didn’t want to give them any leverage.
“Gentleman, you called this meeting.” Demi shifted in her seat. “If you’re not prepared to discuss a potential settlement, you can go. If you are, I will ask that you refrain from antagonizing my client. I will not have you disrespect her in any way.”
Julius snickered. “Whatever.”
“Don’t try me,” Demi said. “Trust me, you don’t want to.” Julius’s attorney, Michael, slid a leather folder over to Demi. “We’ve reviewed your proposed settlement and made several notes.”
Demi made no move to pick up the folder. “I hope you realize there’s no real room for negotiation. Paige and Julius signed ironclad prenuptial agreements. It is a waste of the court’s time and my time to continue prolonging this, and it’s in your best interest to settle.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Julius glared at Demi, before turning hard eyes on Paige. “Since we’ve been married, your net worth has increased tenfold—because of me.” He pointed at his chest. “I made it possible for you to make the millions you did last year. I just want what’s mine.”
Paige’s stomach turned.How the hell did I marry this man? He’d proven more times than not that he was incapable of acting like a human being.
“Okay, we’re done.” Demi stood and shoved the folder back toward Julius and Michael.
Paige peered up at her attorney, making sure she kept her face devoid of the shock she felt at the abrupt change in direction. “Demi?”
“Wait,” Michael said. “Let’s calm down and talk about this.”
“I told you when you arrived—late—that I won’t allow my client to be disrespected,” Demi warned. “Eitheryoucontrolyourclient or get out.”
The other attorney whispered something in Julius’s ear before turning to them. “We’re good.”
Demi took her seat again. “That’s what I thought.”
“I just want what’s mine,” Julius muttered.
“What’s yours is what was agreed upon in the prenuptial agreementyousigned.” Demi leaned forward. “And let’s not forget the fact that you cheated on my client, you lied from day one, and more than likely, you will be going to jail soon. My suggestion? Sign the papers and focus on your criminal trials. Because I’m sure you’re going to need all the help you can get there.”
Instead of giving them the leather folder, Michael pulled out two documents and handed both to Demi. “Please, if you’ll look at the proposed settlement, I think you’ll find it fair.”
Paige took the offered copy from Demi and scanned the document. As she turned the pages, she wondered when the other shoe would drop. So far, nothing looked out of the ordinary. It basically read like the proposed agreement Demi had forwarded to Julius weeks ago. Except . . .
