Page 17 of Rejection Overruled

There was a slight pause before someone else’s voice came through the phone. “I Sara Brown am witness to the aforementioned agreement.”

Dennison spoke again, “We’ve been married for thirty-three years, it’s only fair you get what you deserve. Forget the damn prenupt and sign the papers.”

“Okay Richard, shall we shake on it?”

“Sure.”

There was a pause, then a shuffle. Footsteps also sounded and a door shut.

“Richard what are you doing?” Sheila asked

“You’re still my wife, at least give big Daddy a kiss, huh?” Richard crooned. “We shook on the deal, let’s just seal it with a little loving for old time’s sake.”

“You are incorrigible! What if Sara comes back?”

“She won’t.”

“No Richard.”

“Don’t be like that. Come to big daddy, one last time.”

Brooke quickly moved to the bench and took the phone where she switched off the recording. The room was still silent, as everyone must be wondering what happened next. I knew exactly what happened. Richard was a demanding man and he didn’t give away anything for nothing.

“You’re Honor,” Brooke began. “As you can clearly see, Mr. Dennison voided their previous agreement, a prenuptial agreement which was originally signed by my client while under the influence of alcohol. That old agreement has been voided by this new agreement. I have nothing further at this time Your Honor.”

“Very well,” Judge Morris said. “After considering all that was presented, I agree that the best course of action is to settle this matter through the courts. I move to void the original prenuptial agreement between Richard and Sheila Dennison.”

The judge beckoned to his judicial assistant, who joined him at the bench. They conversed in low tones while the judge covered the microphone with his hand. After some minutes, while the assistant rifle through the judge’s diary, the assistant returned to his post and Judge Morris cleared his throat.

The trial date was set for two weeks away when the court would decide how to split the assets between the two. After the adjournment, I advised my client that it was best he reached a settlement. However, he was not willing to part with half his business as Sheila was threatening to take 50% shares in it a compensation for the years of service she gave him.

“Offer 20% and let her keep the house, buy her a new car and some diamonds,” I suggested.

I learned a long time ago that women would agree to anything if they got a tennis bracelet or a diamond necklace. I was hoping that Richard would listen to me and reach an agreement before the court date. Not only was the case in his wife’s favor due to the conversation she recorded, he’d cheated on her after thirty years of marriage. That alone would work in her favor. In addition, Brooke Owens was her lawyer.

“Why do I have to buy her diamonds?” the daft man asked.

I almost rolled my eyes. “For a savvy businessman as yourself, you know nothing about dealing with women.” What I really wanted to say was, ‘you sure are dumb as ass’.

I didn’t make it a habit to call my clients dumb to their faces, therefore I restrained myself. This was the first time in my career I wanted my client to lose a case against his spouse. My MO had always been to settle. In cases where that became impossible, my clients would leave the courtroom satisfied with the court’s decision. On a few occasions, we lost the battle, but never once did I want my opponent to win ... until now.

14 - Brooke

I slipped from the courtroom as soon as Judge Morris adjourned. Not only was my behavior childish, it was also inappropriate. The truth was, I didn’t want to go to court and had been trying to get my client to settle with her husband. However, the man was a jerk and wanted to leave her with nothing.

Dennison claimed that he had built his fortune all by himself and his wife never made any contributions to his business. However, evidence clearly proved that she worked to support him while he struggled to get his business off the ground. The entertainment management company he owned was all due to her support.

“Brooke.”

The voice of my best friend startled me as I made my way to the staircase, trying to avoid the elevator – and Jamal. I pulled up short with a grimace as Sophia closed in on me. She knew me too well.

“I know what you’re doing,” she admonished. “You’re trying to avoid him.”

“No, I need the exercise,” I lied, making my way down the stairs.

“No, you aren’t.” She came after me. “You forget I’ve known you since we were kids?”

I tried ignoring her, but she caught up with me and grabbed my arm. I halted my steps but did not turn.

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