‘So, Lawrence, I’m asking you to reconsider. I want a new start. My lawyers have prepared documents: one dissolving the family trust, and another in which we jointly agree that I will be Daisy’s primary parent.’ She took the papers from her bag and put them on the table in front of him. ‘As you know, if we submit reasonable, signed parenting consent orders, there is no need for us to go to court. But if you’d rather go to court, really, it’s fine by me – because when they hear that you abandoned a son for fifteen years or more, it’ll be pretty clear you don’t really care about your kids. They’re just weapons to you, pawns in your great scheme of making yourself number one.’ She leaned back, suddenly feeling drained.

Lawrence was not one to cave in. ‘Don’t fight me, Grace. I always win,’ he said smoothly. ‘I am sure we can come to a compromise.’

Grace’s flagging mood lifted. Although she wasn’t across the line yet, this was a concession. He hadn’t walked off arrogantly as he normally did. He was trying to negotiate. She felt a flush of triumph that, finally, she’d hit a nerve. She took aim at another one.

‘By the way, Lawrence, speaking of your former family, Beatrice said to tell you that your father is very frail. She knows you’ve had your differences, but she was wondering if you were man enough to reach out before he dies.’ Seeing this stab home, Grace looked away. ‘Just passing on a message.’

‘Enough of this. What do you want, Grace?’ he asked calmly, if coldly.

Grace looked Lawrence straight in the eyes. ‘I want to be left alone. I’m not asking for money. And I won’t unfairly prevent Daisy from seeing you, but you cannot have full custody of her. You drop your threat of taking her from me, and I will not pursue you. We will come to an arrangement where you will help me financially with her support, and I will not be unreasonable.’ Grace paused and breathed in. ‘I will not tell anyone about your name change or the son you left behind. As you say, that is your business, not mine . . . although it might not look good to your friend Alicia Feng and her family. I probably won’t say anything to the insurance people either.’ She stopped and looked at him.

‘That’s it?’