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.

fine. Give me a call when you're ready, and I'll come over to meet you." Lauren agreed

that the sky outside was heavily

small dining room. I

housekeeper, came to

mouth with a couple of tissues, and

down when I hurriedly

you had breakfast,

much sleep. I woke up early

Bourdamun later," I said truthfully. "There

construction starting over there?" She had known that I had secured Bourdamun and was well-informed about what was

is crucial It's your

too quickly. Take steady steps and do well in every aspect. Once this project succeeds, the road ahead

much smoother."

review is very rigorous, with many layers of scrutiny. After everything has been confirmed, we'll have

understood this, but it

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

Mrs. Rose. I've been looking

a small suitcase behind the sofa. "I've brought my luggage. I've been wanting to stay for

"Go on! I don't need you