Eugene glanced at her , a dry chuckle escaping . " Ms. Johansen , I thought you were above material concerns . Just wanted out , clean and fast . " " What's mine is mine , " Rosalind countered . " Mr. Benitez , since you're so invested in this divorce , the asset split is your responsibility . If I don't get sixty percent , it's on your lack of effort . " " Reverse psychology ? " Eugene scoffed . " Any other demands ? Lay them out . I'll draft it all . " Rosalind was silent for a moment . " I want custody . " Eugene's fingers froze over the keyboard . " You have a child ? " His gaze dropped involuntarily to her abdomen . Rosalind pulled her coat tighter , obscuring her stomach . " Our dog . He comes with me , " she murmured . It dated back to their passionate early days . On their first Valentine's Day together , while others gave roses , Christopher gave her a Westie puppy . The tiny , white fluffball had just been weaned back then . Now , he was a fifteen - year - old senior dog . " He's fifteen . That's senior in a dog's life . He has health issues . He's blind . This house will have a new woman soon . I won't trust anyone else to care for him properly . I have to take him . " Eugene was quiet for a beat , his tone softening slightly . " And if Christopher uses your attachment to the dog against you ? If he fights for custody just to make you choose ? Do you leave without him ? Or stay trapped here until the dog passes ? " Rosalind considered it . " I'd give up every penny . Just for the dog . " Eugene stared at her for a long moment , lost in thought . Rosalind prompted him, a faint smile playing on her lips . " Mr. Benitez , draft it . The dog is non - negotiable . " Eugene snapped back . " You don't need to give up the assets . If you want the dog , my advice is to move him out . Now . " Rosalind frowned . " Snowball's too old , has too many health problems . Boarding him at a kennel isn't safe . Friends are busy . They can't handle daily care . " Eugene responded instantly . " Bring him to me . I'm light on cases . I can take care of him . " Rosalind eyed him skeptically . " Thought you were chasing your lady ? Got time for a dog ? " Eugene turned to face her . " The woman I care for ? She loves dogs . " Buzz ! Rosalind's phone vibrated . She picked it up . Surprisingly , it was a WhatsApp message from Latoya . 19:52 12.5 %% < Chapter 14 . " Ms. Johansen ! We just got stunning new pieces in ! Truly unique designs . See anything you like A cascade of jewelry photos followed , seemingly endless , Eugene raised an eyebrow . " Thought you hated jewelry . Why the sales pitch ? " Rosalind ignored him , typing a reply to Latoya , " Working this late ? No date with your boyfriend ?" Latoya texted , " Haha , gotta hustle ! Men can wait . " " Dedicated . I admire that . " " Haha , well , my boyfriend does complain I never have time ! But since you didn't come in today , Ms. Johansen , I got off early ! Spending the evening with him . " " So my frequent visits got in the way ? " " No ! Not at all ! Please don't think that ! You're our Platinum VIP ! If anything in those pics catches your eye , know anytime ! I'm available 24/7 for you ! " A mischievous impulse struck Rosalind . " Perfect . I'll come by the store now to try some on . See what suits me . Can you meet me there ? " " Date ? I'll throw a wrench into Christopher's plans , " she thought coldly . < Chapter 15 .