Contents
Chapter 20
Overview
Naomi arrives for mediation and catches Jeremy kissing Veronica, who pointedly inserts herself into plans for Teddy’s birthday. In the session, Ezra undercuts Jeremy by proving he shifted and restored joint funds and dismantles the prenup’s terms. The chapter ends with Jeremy escalating the conflict by demanding full custody of Teddy.
Summary
Naomi prepares carefully for the first mediation, only to see Jeremy and Veronica sharing an intimate moment in the parking lot. Veronica pointedly mentions meeting Teddy and proposes hosting his sixth birthday, implying Naomi would merely be a guest, which infuriates Naomi before she heads inside.
Upstairs, Naomi meets Ezra, who offers reassurance and accepts a clear quartz for “luck.” In the conference room, mediator Alana Ocasio convenes the session with Jeremy, his lawyer Leonard (Lenny) Hardwick, Naomi, and Ezra present. Ezra immediately challenges Jeremy’s bad faith by raising the vanished joint funds.
When Hardwick invites Naomi to check the account, the money has been restored, making her seem mistaken—until Ezra produces a printout showing a $25 balance five days earlier. Ocasio admonishes Jeremy for acting in bad faith, and Hardwick pointedly reins him in.
Attention turns to the prenuptial agreement. Ezra highlights multiple problematic clauses, needling Jeremy to the point of visible embarrassment and forcing Hardwick to concede there is room to negotiate. Naomi, previously panicked about the prenup’s limits, feels protected for the first time.
Finally, custody is raised. Naomi expects to negotiate generous time with Jeremy while retaining primary custody. Instead, Jeremy abruptly demands full custody of Teddy, detonating the discussion and dramatically raising the stakes of the divorce.
Who Appears
- Naomi RothProtagonist; prepares for mediation, endures Veronica’s taunts, and relies on Ezra as Jeremy escalates to seeking full custody.
- Jeremy RothHusband; arrives with Veronica, restores withdrawn funds before mediation, defends the prenup, then demands full custody of Teddy.
- Ezra FletcherNaomi’s attorney; presents proof of missing funds, undermines the prenup, and steadies Naomi throughout mediation.
- VeronicaJeremy’s new partner; seen kissing Jeremy and presumptuously proposes hosting Teddy’s birthday, provoking Naomi.
- Alana OcasioMediator; runs the session and admonishes Jeremy for bad faith after funds reappear.
- Leonard (Lenny) HardwickJeremy’s attorney; challenges Naomi’s claims, is checked by Ezra’s evidence, and concedes prenup terms are negotiable.