Beyond the Divorce

The next morning, Lauren's call woke me from my dreams.

After a night of exhaustion with Atlas, I had hoped to sleep a little more, but she had called early.

I groggily reached for the phone, answering without even looking, and heard Lauren's voice on the other end. "Why did it take you so long to answer?"

Yawning, I replied, half-asleep, "I slept late last night."

"I see you're getting very comfortable. Enjoying life a little too much, huh?" Lauren teased.

"You're so disrespectful. How can you say that?" I didn't hold back and ribbed her. "Looks like you're the one with too much free time."

Lauren laughed heartily on the other end, and this banter completely dispelled any lingering sleepiness.

"Hurry and get up. Ivanna's company is going to visit Bourdamun today. They're planning to shoot a special documentary there. Ivanna says it's a great opportunity for our project, since Bourdamun isn't a typical area of focus. They're doing a follow-up, and you know..."

My spirits lifted at the thought of free publicity. I couldn't pass up this chance.

"I'll get up right away. When are we leaving?" I quickly sat up, crawling to the edge of the bed.

"No rush. We don't have to go with them. We just have to get there before noon. Ivanna suggested grabbing a quick lunch together, and we can drive over ourselves later. It'll be like a road trip. After all, it's Saturday, and the traffic should be light. It'll also be a chance to relax."

"Okay, I might be a little late. Rose is coming to Pleca Park, and I want to see her before I leave," I informed Lauren.

"That's fine. Give me a call when you're ready, and I'll come over to meet you." Lauren agreed easily and hung up the phone.

I freshened up quickly. When I pulled the curtains back, I noticed that the sky outside was heavily overcast. It seemed like rain was on the way.NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.

I didn't see Atlas in the small dining room. I wondered where he had gone at this early hour.

Before I could finish breakfast, Nigel, the housekeeper, came to inform me that Rose had arrived.

I quickly put down my cutlery, wiped my mouth with a couple of tissues, and headed downstairs.

Rose had just sat down when I hurriedly descended.

"Have you had breakfast, Grandma?"

"I have. Old people don't need that much sleep. I woke up early for breakfast," she said, looking at me. "Why didn't you get more sleep?"

"I'm going to Bourdamun later," I said truthfully. "There are some things I want to discuss there."

"Is construction starting over there?" She had known that I had secured Bourdamun and was well-informed about what was happening. "Soon. Everything's ready, but there are some concerns about the design. Once that's settled, we'll start."

"This is crucial It's your first

landmark project. Be careful," she reminded me. "Don't overlook any details, and don't move too quickly. Take steady steps and do well in every aspect. Once this project succeeds, the road ahead will be

much smoother."

"I understand, Grandma." I nodded earnestly. "The preliminary review is very rigorous, with many layers of scrutiny. After everything has been confirmed, we'll have professional supervisors during the construction."

I knew that this project wouldn't just benefit me if it succeeded. Everyone understood this, but it was an unspoken agreement not to mention the underlying implications explicitly.

She looked at me. "Go ahead with your business. You don't have to accompany me."

As we were talking, my mom hurried downstairs. "You're here, Mrs. Rose. I've been looking forward to Saturday. How long are you staying this time?"

Rose gracefully put down her teacup and smiled at my mom. She pointed to a small suitcase behind the sofa. "I've brought my luggage. I've been wanting to stay for a few days. It's wonderful here."

Then she waved at me. "Go on! I don't need you to accompany me."

I smiled, stood up, and said, "Alright, Grandma, I'm leaving!"

But before I could leave, Atlas walked in. He had obviously gone out early.

I quickly told him I was going to

Bourdamun, and he looked a little concerned as he glanced at the gloomy Weather outside. "That doesn't look good. It looks like it might rain. I'll get a driver for you.

Or

we can postpone it to another day if you want."

"I've made an appointment, and Austier Agency is going today." I briefed him on Austier Agency's plans and said, "There's no need for a driver. I'll go with Lauren. It's not far. We'll take our time and make it there before noon."

"Will you be back in the evening?" He asked, frowning slightly. "If the weather turns bad, it might be better for you not to come back tonight. Safety first."

"Okay, I'll take care. I'll call you if I decide not to come back," I reassured him, not wanting him to worry.

He saw me to the car, watching as I drove away from Pleca Park. As I saw him standing in the rearview mirror, my heart fluttered.

The weather today did not look good, and I felt a little stifled.