Leaps and landings

29

It was funny how Odette's worry about what Henri would say or do at the notaries had switched to worry of something so simple as being able to keep her food down. The morning sickness hadn't been as terrible each day but still, slight waves of nausea swept over her several times a day. Thankfully, when they arrived at the majestic checkerboard marble floored waiting hall at the notary, it's halls echoing eerily in their emptiness, the coolness of the building calmed her significantly. Jess had wanted to be there this time, though willing to wait outside, but in case anything went wrong, he knew he needed to be close to Odette.

Natalie arrived a minute later, dressed in a black pencil dress, her brown hair cut jaw-length. Next to her, Odette seemed almost dressed too softly in a beige pleated skirt along with a simple white t-shirt and matching ¾ length sleeve suit over it - quite strategically, wanting Henri to underestimate her a little.

Odette introduced Jess to Natalie and whispered to her ear, letting her know she'd not been feeling too great these past few days, in case she did have to run for the nearest bathroom, charting her options as they spoke. They both knew that if possible, this information was better kept to themselves, Natalie making the logical conclusion without Odette having to spell it out for her.

It wasn't long until the four, Natalie's PA included, saw Henri along with his legal team approaching, choosing a stand 20 feet from them to continue whatever they were talking about.

"Monsieur et Madam Aubertin," the short round man in his 60's invited them to the conference room, holding the heavy double-doors open for them.

Odette squeezed Jess' hand assuringly, not really sure who of them needed to be assured more at this point, just before they entered, leaving Jess in the hall, waiting, walking back and forth his hands tucked into his pockets. He'd prepared himself for a lengthy wait, but was surprised when the heavy doors were heaved open only 15 minutes later, Natalie and Odette stepping over to Jess, inviting him along to one of the smaller conference rooms nearby, while Jess could see from the corner of his eye Henri speaking irritatedly to his two lawyers.

"What's going on?" he asked, confusedly, as the conference room door closed behind them. The room was grand, bordered with antique filing cabinets.

"He wasn't very happy with our counter agreements. His lawyers are looking them through as we speak. We're meeting them again in an hour," Odette explained, as Natalie began going through the non-disclosure agreement Henri's legal team had prepared. They'd proposed a non-disclosure agreement in regards to Odette's whereabouts, new name and any other related details. Additionally they'd made a proposal for a settlement, which would be applied into action in case Henri himself had any future claims to Odette, making him pay back the entire inheritage she was now prepared to donate. They were a little proud of themselves for thinking of that, but clearly that was not something Henri had appreciated, but they'd figured as much.

"Most likely he'll want to add something from his side, we'll just have to hope they can come up with their counter offer soon, not delay the process much longer," Odette added.

"His part of the contract looks fairly standard though - basically stating that you cannot use the family name anymore, not for yourself or your children, you are to deny any connection if say press were to approach you. You cannot publish any memoirs or anything of the kind," Natalie explained a moment later, continuing to list a few more details.

"So I guess I'll have to delete the draft I wrote, huh?" Jess chuckled, nervously.

"Well technically he doesn't mention anything about someone else writing anything, and if it is non-distinct as in doesn't mention any names, specific places or cannot be linked through confirmable situations, he'd only have a weak case, but I do recommend you refrain from playing with fire if possible. He's not the kind of guy you want to end up in a courtroom with - he's got money and time to delay it for a very long time," Natalie lectured.