Alexis would take her law firm and the Exceed Group, while Leonel would retain his company.
She didnât claim all the real estate purchased post-marriage, only the current home and their two children.
Leonel lit up a cigarette, contemplating their end through the wisps of smoke.
But, this conclusion was Alexisâ choice, not his.
He was not on board.
Leonel reached for his phone and called Alexis.
She picked up promptly, her tone calm.
âYouâre back from your trip?â
Ironically, he detected a hint of warmth in her voice.
Leonel cut to the chase.
âIâm not agreeing to the divorce.
â
Following a brief silence, Alexis queried, âWhat do you propose?â
âs BunnyBookery
âIâll sign if I can have the kids.
If not, forget about it.
â
Leonel was aware Alexis wouldnât part with the kids yet still laid out this term, clearly not ready to let her go.
âTry propose something realistic,â Alexis suggested quietly.
Leonel scoffed, âWhat does âârealisticâ even mean to you? Alexis, really, youâre okay with me walking away
with just a dog? Is that ârealisticâ to you? Am I just like that dog we have at home?â
Alexis felt he was anything but calm.
âLetâs discuss this once youâve calmed down,â she suggested.
Leonel ended the call abruptly and extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray.
Yet, he soon lit another.
His phone rang again.
Assuming it was Alexis, he answered immediately, âListen, no divorce unless I get the kids.
Mrs.
Douglas⦠Just drop it.
â
But the voice he anticipated didnât come.
Rather, a gentle, cautious voice replied, âMr.
Douglas, Iâm sorry.
Itâs me.
â
Leonel glanced at his phone in surprise.
It was Anika.
Leonelâs voice chilled as he heard Anikaâs voice on the other end of the line.
âMiss Cohen, why the hell do you have my number?â
Anika attempted to play innocent.
âI paid for it.
Mr.
Douglas, I didnât mean to intrude.
I⦠Did I cause trouble with your family? I swear I didnât mean to.
If Mrs.
Douglas is upset because of me, Iâll come with you and explain everything.
â
Leonel saw right through Anikaâs manipulative act.