UNDERCOVER LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

PART 25 BRETTONIO

Sylvie: (walking Julie to school) So, how are you feeling about everything, Julie?

Julie: (thoughtful) It's been tough, Mom. I know things between you and Dad are really complicated right now.

Sylvie: I appreciate your understanding, Julie. I know this hasn't been easy for you either.

Julie: I just want you both to be happy, whatever that means.

Sylvie: I want that too, sweetheart. And whatever happens, you'll always be my top priority.

Julie: I know, Mom. And you'll always be there for me, right?

Sylvie: (smiling) Always. No matter what.

Julie: What are you going to do about work, though? I've seen how tough it's been on you.

Sylvie: Well, I've been thinking about that. It might be a good idea to take on some lighter cases for a while, just until things settle down.

Julie: That sounds like a good plan. You need some time for yourself too.

Sylvie: Thanks, Julie. And I've also been thinking about maybe going to some counseling sessions. It might help me navigate through all of this.

Julie: That's a great idea, Mom. You should definitely do that.

Sylvie: (holding Julie's hand) I'm really lucky to have you, you know that?

Julie: I'm lucky to have you too, Mom.

(As they arrive at the school, Sylvie gives Julie a reassuring hug before she heads off to class. Sylvie takes a deep breath, realizing that she's taking steps to move forward, both personally and professionally.)

Erin: (whispering to Antonio and the others) Have you noticed Sylvie? She looks really upset.

Antonio: Yeah, something's definitely not right. I wonder what's going on.

Kim: (concerned) Should we go talk to her?

Antonio: Let's give her a little space for now. If she needs us, she'll let us know.

Erin: (nodding) Alright.

(Meanwhile, Sylvie steps into her office and closes the door before dialing Jake's number. The tension is palpable as they start talking.)

Sylvie: (voice trembling) Jake, I saw the custody request on the table. What's going on?

Jake: (defensive) Sylvie, we need to have a proper arrangement for Julie. With everything that's happened, we both need to think about what's best for her.

Sylvie: (frustrated) We're in the middle of a divorce, Jake. You can't just drop this bomb on me without even discussing it.

Jake: (firmly) I want to make sure Julie has stability, and I believe I can provide that.

Sylvie: (angry) Stability? You're barely even in her life! And now you want custody?

Jake: (raising his voice) I want to be more involved, Sylvie. She's my daughter too.

Sylvie: (voice shaking) We've been through so much, Jake. You can't just come in now and act like the concerned parent.

Jake: (calmer) Sylvie, we need to talk about this properly. It's time we figure out how to co-parent Julie.

Sylvie: (taking a deep breath) Fine, let's talk. But don't think I'm going to let you take her away from me.

Jake: (softening) Sylvie, I don't want to take her away from you. I just want what's best for her.

Sylvie: (frustrated) And what about what's best for me? What about what I want?

Jake: (sighs) We both need to find a way to move forward, Sylvie. Let's talk about this face-to-face.

Sylvie: (reluctantly) Fine, we'll talk. But don't expect me to just agree to whatever you want.

(As Sylvie and Jake continue their heated conversation, Sylvie's colleagues exchange concerned glances outside her office, sensing the tension and uncertainty in the air.)