David Harrow is already inside, silver-haired and calm in the way only expensive divorce attorneys can be calm. Across from him sits Rodrigo’s lawyer, a young man named Fabian Crane, stiff and nervous behind a stack of documents.
Rodrigo sits at the far end of the table in a charcoal suit, looking at his phone.
And beside him, with her legs crossed and a glass of water in front of her, is Renata Vale.
You stop for only half a second.
You did not expect her to be there.
Rodrigo looks up.
First at you.
Then down at the baby carrier.
Mateo sleeps deeply, his mouth slightly open, his newborn face soft and unaware.
Rodrigo Castellan, a man who has negotiated billion-dollar acquisitions without sweating, goes completely still.
Renata looks at the baby.
Then at Rodrigo.
Something breaks across her perfect face.
“Good morning,” you say.
You sit down, adjust Mateo gently, and open your folder.
For four seconds, nobody speaks.
“If everyone is present,” David Harrow says, “we can begin reviewing the settlement agreement.”
Rodrigo does not move.
Renata speaks first.
“That baby…”
She does not finish.
You answer without raising your voice.
“His name is Mateo. He is eleven days old.”
Renata turns slowly toward Rodrigo.
“You didn’t tell me.”
Rodrigo’s jaw tightens.
“Renata—”
