Beyond the Divorce

He walked in and said, "Chlo..."

He paused, noticing the guest in my office, but then continued walking in.

Melvern, who was seated on the sofa, glanced at him, smiling as he spoke, "So it's you, Mr. Arnold. Long time no see."

Arnold looked at him and smiled back. "Mr. Melvern! It's been a while. You're still alive?"

It was clear that they were very familiar with each other.

Arnold, with his usual lack of formality, asked Melvern, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to talk to Ms. Chloe about something," Melvern replied, maintaining a polite demeanor and shifting in his seat.

Arnold walked over confidently and took a seat on the sofa. He looked at Melvern and asked, "What business do you have with my sister? She's engaged in legitimate business, and you're a person of questionable integrity. What legitimate business could you discuss? Stop messing around."

I heard what Arnold said. It looked like my younger brother was the true expert in straight

if you do business with him. Stay clean." Arnold looked at me earnestly, offering his advice. Before I could respond, Melvern

is my sister and my father's precious little girl. You'd better not be getting any ideas about her, Melvern. Stop right now, or I'll make sure your dream of emigrating shatters in Foswood. Mark my words." Arnold's words

at

There was a faint smile

You'll say just anything," Melvern said. "I didn't know about the deep

we done talking? If we are, then get lost.

issued the dismissal without hesitation and turned to me, saying, "Chlo, I need

all, we were all adults, and I had to offer him

We've known each

I'm used to his mischief," Melvern

consider what we just discussed. If you're interested, I'll certainly offer my

continue this discussion with you if I need to." I left