Page 77 of Ruined By Protection
"Maria, it's Hazel Taylor."
"Hazel, good morning. I was planning to call you later today." Papers rustle in the background. "I have some updates for you."
My stomach tightens. "Good news or bad news?"
"A bit of both, I'm afraid." She pauses. "The good news is that I've filed the emergency restraining order. The judge granted it based on the photos of your injuries and your statement."
Relief washes through me. "And the bad news?"
"Your husband has hired Stanley Blackwell."
The name means nothing to me. "Who is that?"
"Only one of the most ruthless divorce attorneys in New York," Maria says, her voice grim. "He specializes in high-profile divorces where the wealthy spouse wants to pay as littleas possible. He's known for aggressive tactics and character assassination."
My throat tightens. "So Elliott is going to try to make me look bad."
"It appears so. Blackwell has already filed a response to our petition, claiming you're mentally unstable and that you've been having an affair."
A bitter laugh escapes me. "That's rich, coming from him."
"We have a preliminary hearing scheduled for next week. In the meantime, stay where you are."
"Thank you." I say and end the call.
I stand at the window for a moment, watching a gardener trim the hedges that line the expansive Feretti property. The normality of it strikes me as surreal against the chaos of my life.
My stomach growls, reminding me I haven't eaten in hours. Coffee. I need coffee and maybe something to eat.
I slip my feet into the cozy slippers Lucrezia lent me and head downstairs. The mansion is quiet this morning. I follow the faint scent of coffee, letting it guide me to the kitchen.
As I push open the swing door, I find Zoe sitting at the island counter, baby Sofia cradled in one arm while she sips from the coffee cup in her free hand. She looks up and smiles when she sees me.
"Good morning," she says, her voice soft, probably to avoid disturbing Sofia.
"Morning," I reply, heading straight for the coffee pot. "Is it okay if I...?"
"Help yourself. Mugs are in the cabinet to the right."
I pour myself a cup, the rich aroma making my mouth water. The first sip burns slightly but tastes heavenly.
"Did you sleep well?" Zoe asks, a knowing glint in her eye that makes me wonder if she's heard about Matteo spending the night in my room.
"Fine, thanks," I say, trying to keep my voice neutral. I take another sip of coffee to hide any telling expression.
Sofia makes a tiny sound, somewhere between a coo and a sigh. I can't help but smile at the little bundle in Zoe's arms.
"Is everything okay?" Zoe asks, her tone gentle but direct. "You seem a bit... distracted this morning."
I consider brushing it off but something about Zoe's open expression makes me want to be honest. "Just got off the phone with my lawyer. Elliott's hired some hotshot attorney who's apparently going to try to make me seem crazy."
Zoe nods, unsurprised. "Stanley Blackwell?"
"How did you know?"
She shrugs one shoulder, careful not to disturb Sofia. "It's what I would do if I were him. Blackwell's reputation precedes him."
"You know him?"
