Contents
Chapter 15
Overview
Naomi learns Jeremy has pre-retained top local divorce lawyers, preventing her from hiring them. Shocked and short on funds, she receives a referral to Ezra Fletcher from Stefanie Gorman, who pledges personal support. The chapter escalates Jeremy’s aggression and arms Naomi with a new legal path forward.
Summary
Naomi arrives at divorce attorney Stefanie Gorman’s office, determined to protect herself despite mixed feelings about making the split official. She tries to present herself professionally and is immediately impressed by Stefanie’s competence and warmth.
Stefanie quickly reveals a conflict of interest: Jeremy has already retained her. When Naomi insists Jeremy already hired Leonard Hardwick, Stefanie confirms it and then phones another top lawyer, Carrie Moynihan—only to discover Jeremy retained Carrie as well.
Stefanie explains that Jeremy pre-retained the best local divorce attorneys to block Naomi from using them, bluntly calling his tactic cruel. Naomi, shaken and low on funds after Jeremy emptied their accounts, asks what to do.
Stefanie recommends Ezra Fletcher, a skilled generalist, amending his outdated contact number and promising to call him personally to explain Naomi’s financial constraints. She encourages Naomi to fight back, expressing solidarity and support.
Who Appears
- Naomi RothProtagonist seeking legal help; learns Jeremy pre-retained top lawyers; accepts referral to Ezra due to low funds.
- Stefanie GormanHigh-powered divorce attorney; conflicted out by Jeremy; confirms his tactic; refers Naomi to Ezra and offers support.
- Jeremy RothAntagonistic husband; pre-retains multiple top divorce lawyers and emptied accounts to disadvantage Naomi.
- Carrie MoynihanRenowned divorce lawyer; confirmed by phone to have been pre-retained by Jeremy, blocking Naomi.
- Ezra FletcherRecommended generalist attorney; potential advocate for Naomi after others are conflicted out.