Purple Summers felt Marcel Jeffersonâs questions were too gentle.
His gentleness was a kind of gentlemanly demeanor, but at this moment, gentleness was of no help in rehearsal.
Once it came to the day of actual combat, if the opposing lawyer showed even a hint of aggression in language and demeanor, Riley Montgomery would crumble.
Negotiations are mostly a psychological battle; whoeverâs mental defense falls first is the one who loses!
âWhich kindergarten do you plan to send your child to? How far is your residence from the kindergarten? How will you take your child there and back? Once you start working, will you be able to cope with the high intensity and stress of a nursing job? If the child falls ill, will you have time to take care of them? How many years can your savings support? Have you arranged accident and medical insurance for the child?ââ
Purple Summers unleashed a barrage of questions, overwhelming Riley Montgomery and astonishing Marcel Jefferson.
Marcel Jefferson looked at Purple Summers in surprise, wanting to gently remind her not to scare Riley Montgomeryâ¦
But Purple Summers clearly did not pick up on his signal and, frowning, continued to question, âYouâre only thirty-three years old, and thereâs a high possibility of remarrying after the divorce. Once you remarry, will you have another child? Can you treat two children with equal affection? With your low education and salary, your social circle is relatively simple, and the cultural level of the men you meet will probably not be very high. Will he willingly care for someone elseâs child? When life does not go as expected, will he vent his frustrations on the child? Is there a hidden danger of domestic violence in the childâs future?â
Riley Montgomery shook her head anxiously, âNo⦠I wonât, I wonât remarry; I just want to take good care of my childâ¦â
âNot remarrying means being a single mother. Do you know how difficult the life of a single mother is? Under the pressure of life, can you ensure that you take good care of the child and provide her with the best living conditions and educational resources? Can you do all these?â
Purple Summersâs questioning grew more urgent with each sentence; she stared fiercely at Riley Montgomery, demanding, âYour child will grow up one day. When she does and realizes she could have lived a princess-like life of luxury but instead, because of your selfish and shallow love, she had to live in a humble home, attend a cheap school, and couldnât see a future, do you think sheâll hate you?â
Riley Montgomeryâs eyes suddenly reddened.
She was at a loss for words.
She even⦠began to doubt her own decision.
Would the child really be happier with her? The things that Norman Douglas could offer the child were forever beyond her reach.
Just as Purple Summers said, she was just a single mother, dependent on others even for a place to live. Even if she could barely bring up the child, she couldnât provide a comfortable life or an elite educationâall of which she couldnât give!
Riley Montgomery began to falterâ¦n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Marcel Jefferson timely intervened to ease the atmosphere, smiling and saying, âA motherâs companionship during a childâs growth cannot be measured with moneyâ¦â
âSo better not to divorce,â Purple Summers smiled, âA child needs a complete family, doesnât she? Ms. Montgomery, Mr. Douglas wonât mistreat you or the child, as long as you are willing to come back, you will always be the respected lady of the Douglas Family.â
Riley Montgomery was somewhat stunned, looking at Purple Summers unsure of her meaning.
âOn the day you meet, there will probably be three people from the other side: Norman Douglas, his lawyer, and a paralegal,â Purple Summers explained, âTheyâll crush you into the dust just like I did just now, then show mercy and reach out a helping hand. Not only will you lose your stance, but youâll also feel indebted to them.â
Marcel Jefferson nodded emphatically on the side, âCorrect, theyâll play good cop, bad cop, and confuse you. Ms. Montgomery, you must not be fooled!â
Riley Montgomery nervously twisted her fingers, asking helplessly, âThen, what should I do?â