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 easily

noticed that the sky outside was heavily overcast.

I wondered

housekeeper, came to inform me that

wiped my mouth with a couple

had just sat down

had

early for breakfast," she said,

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

had known that I had secured Bourdamun and was well-informed about what was

crucial

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

much smoother."

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

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

ahead with your business. You don't have to accompany

Mrs. Rose. I've been looking forward to Saturday. How long are you

small suitcase behind the sofa.

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