Maggie recognized the pose. She recalled the bite of his fingers into her skin, an admonition to do as she was told. It felt good to be free of him.
Once again, she was surprised. He no longer scared her. Lee seemed smaller, slighter than she remembered. His skin was pasty, and his hair had been carefully slicked back over the beginnings of a bald patch that he must curse every morning.
Compared to Jake, her ex definitely came up short.
“You look terrible, Margaret.” He cast a pitying look over her. “Your hair, that suit. Positively middle-aged.”
What a jerk. Instead of shriveling inside, Maggie restrained her urge to laugh. His opinion couldn’t have mattered less. “Shall we get on with the meeting?”
His eyes narrowed. “We’ll start when I’m ready.”
“Well, get a move on.” Maggie tapped her watch. “I have a plane to catch.”
He clenched his jaw. “How dare—”
“Lee has to get back to the training ground, too,” Patty interceded quickly. “He has a big game on Saturday.”
“Ah, yes.” Maggie couldn’t resist tweaking the tiger’s tail. Especially now she knew his teeth couldn’t harm her. “You’re hoping to impress the England manager. Good luck with that.”
Lee glared at her, then sat.
“Before you both sign, I’ll outline the terms of the agreement so there is absolutely no misunderstanding,” Samantha said smoothly. “Maggie retains full custody and is free to take Emily to the U.S. permanently. Lee’s visitation rights remain unchanged.”
Maggie and Patty exchanged knowing looks. Those visits would never happen.
“Child support continues until Emily is nineteen. Finally, any future attempts to challenge this agreement will be dealt with under New Jersey state law. If that’s clear, you may sign the papers.” Samantha passed Maggie her Montblanc fountain pen and showed her where to sign.
Lee pulled out a gold Cross Townsend.
Maggie held her breath. She wouldn’t rest easy until the ink was dry.
He touched the pen to the paper, then stopped. He smiled maliciously as he put the pen down. “I won’t pay child support for a child I have nothing to do with.”
Samantha didn’t blink. “By law, you have no choice.”
“Then chase me for payment through the New Jersey courts.”
“It doesn’t work that way.”
“Lee, darling...” Patty began, but stopped when he speared her with a blazing glare.
Maggie didn’t care about the money, but she was fed up with Lee’s silly games. She wouldn’t let him mess her around again. “Stop being childish and sign the damn papers.”
Lee surged to his feet, fist clenched. “You stupid bitch.”
Samantha leaped up, throwing her arm protectively in front of Maggie.
Lee’s solicitor sputtered as Patty pleaded for calm.
Maggie’s heart pounded but she wasn’t scared of him anymore. “Sit down and shut up.”
“How dare you speak to me like that?”
Maggie rolled her eyes. “Quite easily. Your bullyboy tactics bore me. Now, either you sign those papers or I’m calling a press conference. I don’t think your team will be too impressed when they hear my story.”
Patty gasped. “But you promised.”
Samantha sat, a smile playing around her lips.
“I’ll keep my end of the bargain if Lee does.” Maggie laid her phone on the table, then crossed her arms. “He has two minutes, or my first call will be to the Daily Mail.”
Lee’s solicitor murmured furiously. After a couple of tense moments, Lee slashed his signature across the papers, then tossed them across the table.
“Patty, we’re leaving. Now.” He stormed out.
Patty jumped up and rushed after him, shooting an annoyed look at Maggie over her shoulder. Lee’s solicitor gathered his papers and followed, closing the door behind him.
Maggie slumped back in her chair, letting out a heavy breath.
“Well done.” Samantha laughed. “I think you’ve seen the last of Lee.”
“I hope Patty will be okay. This deal wouldn’t have happened without her. I hate to think she’ll bear the brunt of his fury.”
“She’s made her bed—it’s up to her to choose if she really wants to lie in it.” Samantha touched Maggie’s arm before putting the folders in her briefcase. “Go home, hug Emily for me and enjoy your new life.”
Giddy with happiness and relief, Maggie grinned. “Thank you. I will.”
Adrenaline kept Maggie going until she got onto the plane. As she got to her seat, her knees suddenly went weak and she sank into the seat.