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.

I'll come

I noticed that the sky outside was heavily overcast. It seemed like rain was on

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

Nigel, the housekeeper, came to inform

put down my cutlery, wiped my mouth

down when

you had

need that much sleep. I woke up early for breakfast," she said, looking at

"There are some things I want to discuss

had known that I had secured Bourdamun and was well-informed about what was happening. "Soon. Everything's ready, but there are some

is crucial It's

and don't move too quickly. Take

much smoother."

"The preliminary review is very rigorous, with many layers of scrutiny. After

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

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

"You're here, Mrs. Rose. I've been looking forward to Saturday.

at my mom. She pointed to a small suitcase behind the sofa. "I've brought my luggage. I've

she waved at me. "Go on! I