Page 41 of Drop the Mitts

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From: Grace Fairbanks [email protected]

To: Neel Patel [email protected]

Date: Wednesday, March 03, 11:09 a.m.

Mr. Patel,

I’ll be candid: my preference is to avoid escalating this unnecessarily. A contested hearing will be difficult on all parties—your client included. If this is about unresolved feelings or new circumstances, I’m willing to explore alternative solutions. But I can’t do that if I’m kept entirely in the dark.

This isn’t a tactic. It’s a genuine attempt to understand what changed. Your client signed the necessary paperwork, was provided with counseling options, and never expressed concerns during the process. Something shifted. I’d like to know what.

Would you be willing to ask Ms. W to authorize a limited disclosure? A conversation with her caseworker or support team, in confidence, could clarify whether this is a legal concern—or something better resolved through support and discussion.

Best,

Grace Fairbanks

Partner, Fairbanks & Associates

[email protected]

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From: Neel Patel [email protected]

To: Grace Fairbanks [email protected]

Date: Monday, March 03, 12:17 p.m.

Ms. Fairbanks,

I understand your concerns, and I respect your desire to resolve this amicably. That said, I must reiterate: my client is not currently prepared to authorize disclosure of any personal communications or counseling records.

She has asserted, in writing, that she felt undue pressure and was not adequately informed of the implications of her consent. If you believe that claim lacks merit, then I’m sure your clients will be confident moving forward in court.

I will advise my client of your request, but at this time, she has expressed no desire to engage further outside of formal proceedings.

Best regards,

Neel Patel

Patel Law Group

[email protected]

Chapter

Seventeen

Grace

Grace hadn’t even steppedout of her car and already regretted her outfit.

The silk blouse felt like overkill. The tailored slacks, too tight? Her boots had a heel, for heaven’s sake. She was going to scare Elodie off or at the very least, make her clam up.

But there was a reason she hadn’t worn jeans and a T-shirt, wasn’t there? Because every time André saw her like this, his eyes communicated exactly what he was thinking. She flushed thinking about him standing nude in the locker room.

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