Beyond the Divorce

As their displeasure grew, I maintained my composure. "What's wrong? Did I say something inappropriate?"

Martin's face darkened. He was quite unpredictable.

Jeremiah felt compelled to intervene. "Ms. Chloe, this is Bourdamun, not Foswood. Don't—"

Before he could finish, Martin slammed the table. He yelled at Jeremiah, "Who do you think you are? Do you have the right to speak here? Don't pretend to be something you're not!"

I shivered at his sudden outburst and involuntarily looked at Martin. I could tell that his words were actually aimed at me. Martin was quite arrogant.

The room fell silent. The other three dared not breathe, and my heart raced.

I chuckled, breaking the tension. Leaning back in my chair, I glanced casually at Martin and remarked, "Looks like you have quite the temper, Mr. Martin."

He raised an eyebrow and looked at me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. He's short-tempered."

I forced a strained smile. "It seems dinner isn't coming."

The unidentified man immediately gestured to lower the tension. "Martin, don't be so angry. Ms. Chloe is a young lady, and you might scare her off. Jeremiah, hurry and check on dinner!"

Then he turned to me. "Ms. Chloe, please don't mind him. Mr. Martin's temper isn't great, especially today. Grandpa was upset, and he was a bit agitated. I can see that you are from a big city. You've got composure."

name is Jake Lawson.

Martin's partner in this play, with one playing the good cop while the other played the

about the development of the new district. Ms. Chloe, you're

like a smooth talker, and he had clearly handled

"Bourdamun has been lagging

to

hard to change this. Finally,

but this comes with increased scrutiny.

has big plans. All Bourdamun residents, particularly Martin, share the desire to see their hometown develop. So

that

was about to reveal the actual situation and

when he saw I didn't object, he glanced at Martin.

want to take on

so?" I asked as if I were genuinely curious. "Mr. Jake, you're right. I'm new to the city and don't understand the

you must be kidding. There are no set customs! It's just that you might need