After his phone call to Lindsay, Lucas had continued to shower Brooke with love and attention for the rest of the evening. They finally decided to spend the night at the hotel so as not to shock Brooke's mother in the middle of the night... And like last time, Lucas had left her at dawn to be there when Sawyer woke up on Sunday morning. They agreed to meet up later since Brooke would be coming back to his place tonight. In the meantime, Brooke had suggested to Chris to come over to her place... Just to explain about the evening of the Gala.
CHRIS : So this is where your genius is expressed!?
BROOKE : In any case, this is where I try to create pieces that stand out and that resemble me!
CHRIS : I hope that the success of the other night will have proven to you that you clearly stood out! Besides, I am still waiting for your explanations on your unexpected and completely incoherent disappearance!
BROOKE : Let me explain all this to you over a coffee ... Let's go up to the kitchen ... By the way, do you prefer tea perhaps!?
CHRIS : Normally, yes. But with what Peyton made me work on yesterday ... Put me on intravenous caffein!
BROOKE : Oh yeah!? On a Saturday?
CHRIS : That's not what stops her but yesterday was even worse than usual... I thought I was going to leave her there!
Brooke was obviously all ears and very curious to know Peyton's state of mind. She pushed him to tell her more.
BROOKE : Tell me...
CHRIS : I only arrived early in the afternoon but she had just seen her lawyer if I understood correctly... I don't know what they discussed but she had a face on the floor and bulging eyes! I guess she let off steam by making us do anything and everything... Like an outlet! Unless she was still upset after the incident at the Gala, who knows! It was hard though...
BROOKE : For her or for us!?
CHRIS : Both! Hard kind of enjoyable and well done for her ... Hard kind of shocking for us, finally for you especially ...
BROOKE : It's precisely because of her reaction that I preferred to leave the party ...
Brooke was about to lie to her ... Or at least to hide part of the truth from her and she didn't like that.
BROOKE : It was too much for me ... It was either that, or I would have resigned on the spot!
CHRIS : I admit that in the heat of the moment, I could have done the same ...
And while Brooke sighed inwardly, happy and reassured to see that he seemed to be content with that ...
CHRIS : But if I remember correctly, you had a discussion with Lucas, just before ... What did he tell you!?
Her memories were unfortunately intact. Brooke thinks in third gear to get out of there.
BROOKE : He wanted to tell me that his offer to photograph our next collection still stood... And that he didn't condone the behavior of his wife... Or rather ex-wife...
CHRIS : Huh!? You mean he's going to leave her for real, like really, really!?
Brooke may have blundered a little to cover herself but she wasn't unhappy to keep him away from the other subject.
BROOKE : I witnessed a big fight on Friday... It seems so. He wants to file for divorce.
CHRIS : And you're only telling me this now!?
BROOKE : I'm not going to shout it from the rooftops either, am I!?
CHRIS : I understand better his terrible mood yesterday! She must be so furious... But you, who lived almost at their house, do you think Lucas will really go through with it?
BROOKE : I heard him, he was clear!
CHRIS : I know that, you just said it...
Brooke felt herself losing her composure a little. There was no logical reason to invoke, only long-awaited feelings.
CHRIS : If I say that, it's because it's not the first time he's talked about leaving her. I've already told you that...
BROOKE : I think this time, it's the right one... Especially since their lawyers are already on the case...
CHRIS : Not wrong! Well, pray that I survive the next few months next to the incarnation of the demon!
BROOKE : Pray for me too, then... I remind you that we both work for her!
CHRIS : Yes, but you have Lucas who won't let her treat you like the last of the scapegoats!
Chris didn't know how right he was... Because Lucas will probably do even more than that.
BROOKE : We'll be able to support each other?
CHRIS : I'm counting on it! And tell each other the juicy stuff...! At least we'll have a front row seat...
Chris and Brooke spent the rest of the day working on what would be their first collection as a duo. Because even if Peyton wouldn't finance it, they weren't going to let her trample on their dreams and ambitions.
Late in the afternoon and while Brooke is on her way to the Scott house, her cell phone vibrates. A bad feeling invaded him...
LUCAS'S MESSAGE : Our lawyers are coming to the house ... If you are not yet on your way, it is better that you come only tomorrow.
No hello, no sweet word ... Just facts and a suggestion that twisted her heart a little. In any case, it was out of the question for her to turn around and not know what was happening.
BROOKE'S MESSAGE : I'm already on my way and more than halfway there... I'm coming unless you clearly tell me otherwise...
LUCAS'S MESSAGE : Come then ... I do not know when we will be finished though!
A little perplexed, Brooke answered him "ok" with a smiling smiley ... But her message remained unanswered.
LUCAS: Thank you for coming on a Sunday, Master...
LAWYER CHOLAIS : The seriousness of the situation seemed like it couldn't wait until tomorrow morning... My client isn't here yet?
LUCAS : Oh yes! Peyton probably heard you ring, that should make her decide to leave her workshop... But I'd better warn you first... We're not talking to each other anymore, it's better for everyone...
LAWYER CHOLAIS : Don't worry, that's why we're here... We'd rather avoid a murder too!
Peyton entered the living room and used an overly enthusiastic tone.
PEYTON : Ah, there you are, Master... Praise God! Your presence finally makes the air more breathable around here!
LAWYER CHOLAIS : Hello Mrs. Scott, nice to see you again too, even if I can't say it's been a long time... We're just waiting for my colleague and we can start... Who represents you, Mr. Scott?
Then the doorbell rang.
LUCAS : I think he can introduce himself... I'll open the door for him.
A few seconds later, Lucas returned with his lawyer. The two lawyers assessed each other and seemed, in addition to recognizing each other, to know each other well.
LAWYER CHOLAIS : Maître Lethier, well!
LAWYER LETHIER : Good evening to you too, Maître Cholais ... I see that our clients know how to surround themselves well ...
LAWYER CHOLAIS : It would seem so, indeed. That promises us a nice deal, dear colleague!
LAWYER LETHIER : Let's start the game then ... I can't wait.
The four of them sat down, each next to the lawyer who represented him ... Lucas avoided looking at his wife.
LAWYER CHOLAIS : Well, if you allow me to introduce this interview, it seemed that certain disputes were insurmountable... We are already aware of Mr. Scott's unilateral request for divorce... We agree that you have not reversed your decision, sir?
LUCAS : Absolutely. I will not go back on it.
Peyton gave him a look filled with rage and malicious intent. Her lawyer looked at her and she nodded.
LAWYER CHOLAIS : My client, completely stunned and devastated by this request, wishes to assert some of her rights ... I therefore propose that we try, tonight, to find a temporary agreement on the most delicate terms ... Otherwise, we will inevitably have to appeal to the Family Court Judge for an urgent procedure ...
LAWYER LETHIER : That is a good conclusion, Counsel. An urgent procedure that your client would do well to avoid ... If my information is correct, my client only wants to find a quick solution concerning the custody of Sawyer ...
LAWYER CHOLAIS : A temporary solution, I want to make that clear ... Until the divorce is pronounced ...
LAWYER LETHIER : A temporary solution, certainly. But my client will fight for his daughter until the end of the procedure...
LAWYER CHOLAIS : My client also wants to find the most appropriate solution for her daughter...!
Lucas huffed and clenched his fists but he still tried to stay calm.
LAWYER LETHIER : Except that he says he's ready to concede several things as long as he gets what he thinks is best for Sawyer.
PEYTON : And I also want custody of Sawyer! Including before the divorce is pronounced!
LAWYER CHOLAIS : I know, Mrs. Scott. That's why we're here... To find common ground.
PEYTON : I'm her mother... There's no compromise to be found!
LUCAS : You're only her progenitor and you only want her to hurt me... Say it, own up to it!
The two lawyers didn't fail to turn to Peyton... She tried to get out of it as best she could.
PEYTON : I may have spoken a little incoherently in the heat of the moment, it's true... But I love my daughter!
Then to play the role of the grieving mother... And it was clear that she faked it wonderfully.
PEYTON : I can't imagine the pain I would feel if they took away my flesh from my flesh... And besides, she's not even six years old yet... She needs me as much as I need her...
LUCAS : You disgust me, you monster!
LAWYER CHOLAIS : Mr. Scott, watch your words please...
LAWYER LETHIER : She's right, Lucas... Getting angry will only make the situation worse.
Lucas' lawyer spoke in a low voice to talk to his client. Lucas answered him in the same way.
LUCAS : But since I'm telling you, these are only lies... Manipulation to get revenge for my decision!
LAWYER LETHIER : It doesn't matter, no one, not even the Judge, can read people... It will have to be proven and that will take time!
Lucas' lawyer then put his hand sideways near his mouth to further cover the noise of his words.
LAWYER LETHIER : And time, we don't have any right now... Remember why we're here...
LUCAS : I wanted to find the best solution for Sawyer...
LAWYER LETHIER : We'll have to settle for the least bad, Lucas. I'm afraid...
LUCAS : What if I ask the Judge for an expedited procedure so that he decides quickly?
LAWYER LETHIER : You will certainly not obtain sole custody at this stage... Your daughter is so young and needs...
Lucas imitated the lawyer and placed his hand as well, all the more shock and irritation assailed him more and more.
LUCAS : She only needs me. You can even go ask her! The Judge too!
LAWYER LETHIER : He will do it later... But what evidence do you have at the moment to tip the balance?
LUCAS : That Peyton is almost never at home, that she never plays or takes care of Sawyer...
LAWYER LETHIER : And can someone confirm this quickly?
LUCAS : Yes! My driver, my housekeeper and the babysitter can confirm this!
LAWYER LETHIER : But these same people would then risk losing their jobs... The stakes are high for them, right?
Lucas hadn't thought of that... How could he ask them that overnight...? How could he force them to work with Peyton that he was leaving the house as he was ready to do... Because even though he agreed to go live elsewhere, he won't need them in his small temporary apartment. Well, Brooke eventually... But the consequences for her were still holding him back.
LUCAS : Not immediately, no...
LAWYER LETHIER : So, we have to find a compromise... Joint custody seems to me the wisest solution at this stage.
LUCAS : But I want to start the accelerated procedure with the Judge... And I will have elements to convince him by then!
LAWYER LETHIER : Are you sure? It could backfire on you if your arguments are not strong enough...
LUCAS : Certain. I will not let him have Sawyer a single day longer than necessary!
LAWYER LETHIER : Good. Let's go in that direction, then. Now let me speak, Lucas. Okay?
LUCAS : Okay.
LAWYER LETHIER : And we will send a request to initiate the procedure tomorrow ... But it will still take several days.
Lucas was really not sure of his move but he could not imagine his daughter without him beyond a few weeks. He had had to choose between the plague and cholera ... And he had chosen. But the balls of nerves in his body were torturing him ... He was going to have to launch the offensive, and quickly ... Faster than he thought at first ...