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."

almost laughed when I heard what Arnold said. It looked like my younger brother was the true expert

clean." Arnold looked at me earnestly, offering his advice. Before I could respond, Melvern said, "You don't need to worry. Ms. Chloe is

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 were blunt, and almost made me feel a little

at Melvern

trying hard to remain composed. There was a faint smile

say just anything," Melvern said. "I didn't know about the deep connection between Ms. Chloe and

talking? If we are, then get lost. My sister and I have

turned to me, saying, "Chlo, I need to talk to you

to give him a way out. After all, we were all adults, and I had

We've known

to his mischief,"

discussed. If you're

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