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.

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

I pulled the curtains back, I noticed that the

Atlas in the small dining room. I wondered where he had gone at this early

the housekeeper,

quickly put down my cutlery, wiped my mouth with a couple of tissues, and

sat down

you had breakfast,

sleep. I woke up early for breakfast," she said, looking

to Bourdamun later," I said truthfully. "There are some things I want

had secured Bourdamun and was well-informed about what

is crucial It's your

don't move too quickly. Take steady steps and

much smoother."

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

if it succeeded. Everyone understood this, but it was an unspoken agreement not to mention the underlying

looked at me. "Go ahead with your

my mom hurried downstairs. "You're here, Mrs. Rose. I've been looking forward to

small suitcase behind the sofa. "I've brought my luggage.

"Go on! I