“Do you plan to get married? Have a family? Kids?”
A thinly veiled question asked only to a woman.
“While I do think women can have a familyanda career, that’s not a path I’m personally interested in.”
“Yes”—Richard glances at the other men, donning his politically correct smile—“we firmly believe that women can have it all. Women should be able to choose their path.” I nod, though I know he’s lying through his teeth. “So we’re trying to ascertain what ‘having it all’ means to you.”
“Having it all means becoming a partner involved in major decisions that will shape the future of this firm.”
“Being a partner means more responsibility and, at times, longer hours. If your attention is divided between, let’s say, ahome and your career, a partnership might not be the best avenue for you. There are other ways you can still help shape the future of this firm.”
“Richard, if you’re asking if I plan to get married and have kids, I can assure you that’s not part of my goals. My goal is to advance my career as an attorney. Being made a partner is the first step in achieving that. I’ve proved myself as a skilled lawyer, brought in lucrative clients, and have represented this firm’s reputation flawlessly.” My eyes narrow. “But if you gentlemen can’t see the value I bring, I’ll take my skills elsewhere.”
Richard and Jerry exchange smirks as Richard’s secretary discreetly walks into the room and hands him a note.
“Camila, you are exactly the firecracker this firm needs,” Jerry says. “I love a person who plays hardball.”
“Yeah, bring him in.” Richard waves to someone at the door. “Camila, we’re going to have to pause for a moment. It looks like you have a delivery.”
My brows skip up. “I do?”
A man holding a vase full of beautiful flowers steps into the room and looks directly at me. “Camila Jiménez?”
“Yes.” I can’t help the excitement bubbling in my chest from receiving such a beautiful array. I have no clue who it could be from, but they chose well. It’s a beautiful combination of sunflowers, gerbera daisies, and yellow roses. Some of my favorites.
He hands me the flowers.
“Who’s it from?” Jerry asks.
“I don’t know.” I fish through the bouquet for the card and open it up. “It’s blank.”
Then the deliveryman hands me an envelope. “Camila Jiménez, you’ve been served.” He doesn’t even hang around to see my reaction, which is complete astonishment.
Served?Why would I ever be served? There’s a definite blow to my ego from thinking someone sent me flowers to getting served legal papers.
Richard’s voice sounds stern. “What is the meaning of this?”
“I’m not sure.”
I set the vase on the side table so I can focus on opening the envelope and begin reading the letter inside.
Dear Mr. Harrison Taylor and Ms. Camila Jiménez,
This letter is to inform you that our client, Mr. Glen Lucas, has filed a petition with the Probate Court seeking a judicial declaration that your marriage is not valid and was not entered into in good faith.
Because this issue directly affects your eligibility to receive funds from the Glen Lucas Irrevocable Trust, the Trustee has been instructed to stop all remaining payments until the Court makes its decision.
If the Court rules that the marriage is invalid, Mr. Lucas will ask that any money already distributed be returned, along with related costs.
You will receive official notice from the Court once a hearing date is set. Until then, please do not attempt to access or request any additional trust funds.
Sincerely,
Hawthorne & Bell, LLP
Counsel for Mr. Glen Lucas
I gasp as I read the lines again that Glen Lucas is seeking a judicial declaration that my marriage is not valid and was not entered into in good faith.
