Chapter 18
“Gemma, someone’s looking for you downstairs.”
Menu
The coffee shop below the studio. Julianna sat in a corner booth, her sunglasses obscuring her eyes.
I wore a light apricot dress, a pink plush coat draped over my shoulders. My hair flowed freely. I looked…. quiet, gentle, delicate, even a little cold. Not strikingly beautiful, but possessing a soft, understated beauty.
She stood as I approached, offering a gentle smile. “Ms. Copeland, please sit.”
I didn’t. A private meeting wasn’t necessary.“Ms. Dawson, speak freely.”
She removed her sunglasses. “You dislike me, Ms. Copeland. I understand. I only learned today that Joshua deceived you, too. He did it for my sake. I hope you won’t blame him.”
I tugged at my lip.“I don’t blame anyone. My arrangement with Joshua was consensual. Kevin is your child. You have every right to see him.”
“Ms. Copeland, do you truly believe that?”
My brow furrowed, my patience wearing thin.“Ms. Dawson, is this meeting just to hear my opinion?”
She looked at me, surprised. I was more composed than she’d expected. Five years with Joshua… a sense of unease was inevitable. But now she was back, my departure was expected.
She took a divorce agreement from her bag, sliding it across the table.
“This is Joshua’s idea. Oakmont Mansion. Eight million dollars. A gift for your five years of hard work. Sign here if you agree.”
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