Lost In Translation

CHAPTER 7

Howard Calvert stared open-mouthed at Olivia's graceful and calm exit out of his office. His eyebrows arched acrobatically. He shook his head and tried to find his voice, as he turned his head in Fedor's direction.

'You have been my client for many years Fedor. I have never seen you allow anybody to walk all over you! And people have labelled me by some choice words like cantankerous, bad-tempered, granite prick, but Ms. Chadwick was immune to shall I say our lack of charm!'

Fedor chuckled as he stood up and walked to Howard's drinks cabinet and poured out two equal measures of scotch into glasses. He handed one to Howard, indifferent to the early hour of the day to be having drinks, but then he'd been up at his computer since five in the morning. His day had started many hours ago.

'Glad you have a sense of humour this morning Fedor!'

'She's feisty, is she not? And so damn beautiful.' Fedor swallowed his drink in one gulp.

'Feisty and beautiful she might be,' Howard conceded. 'I was blind-sided by this email Fedor, but we can still win in court. We can have her tied up in ongoing litigation, until she eventually caves in.'

'There will be no court case,' Fedor brought the bottle to the table and poured himself another drink.

Howard directed a surprised look towards his client and watched as Fedor finished his second drink, in the same manner as the first.

'You heard Ms. Chadwick. She is not going to allow you access! Her words are you are an unsteady influence! She is going to convince the court your globe-trotting will affect the stability of any relations with your child and the court will conclude that, that is not in the best interest of your child. I must caution you, your response to her was scathing. We have to do damage control. Care to inform me, what possessed you to issue that reply to her.'

Fedor inhaled heavily. 'I didn't believe she was really pregnant. I foolishly drew the wrong conclusion as to why she emailed me. Let's just say my conscience and my ego were doing battle and my conscience did not win on that day.'

'Perhaps the baby is not yours. You should do a paternity test!'

Fedor shook his head. 'Rebecca is mine. When I look at her, I see myself at three years old in photo albums back home.'

'Then you have to draw up a legal agreement Fedor. I have handled many a case where there were regrets in hindsight.'

Fedor stood up. 'Draw up the agreement,' he scribbled an amount to pay to Olivia.

Howard nodded. 'That is a fair amount to pay annually.'

'No, monthly.'

Howard balked. His eyes widened to saucer size.

'That is my child. Money is not an object, and I am a billionaire,' Fedor grinned.

'That ___ That is excessive!' Howard gasped.

Fedor shrugged. 'Olivia has not once asked me for any financial assistance, not even when she went into labour, nor has she requested me to procure private health care.'

Howard continued to stare at Fedor.

'Have that delivered to me. I shall take it to Olivia myself.'

'You seem to gleefully relish the task!' Howard stated uncomprehendingly.

'I'm going to marry Olivia.'

'Fedor! I insist you first have a prenuptial contract in place!'

'Sure,' Fedor grinned. He picked up his belongings and departed.