Beyond the Divorce

Lauren's reaction was lightning-fast, pressing her ear against my phone.

I was at a loss for words.

Liora's voice rang out from the phone, seemingly carefree. She continued in a cryptic tone, "Surprised, huh? Well, it's not every day I call someone like you."

"Indeed! Considering I don't have much rapport with you, Ms. Liora, your call must have ulterior motives. So, spill it. What's the game plan?" I scoffed, dripping with sarcasm. "Haha... How about we meet?" She suggested, taking me off guard once again. This was truly bewildering. What kind of scheme was she cooking up?

"Meet? There's got to be a reason for that," I casually remarked, and Lauren gave me a thumbs up.

"Some things are better to be discussed face-to-face," Liora confidently asserted.

"I don't think it's necessary to talk with you. Is your bag of tricks running dry? It can't be, right?" I responded disdainfully.

"Chloe, what about Ardora? Don't you have anything to say?"

"I'm not interested." I declared firmly, wondering what game Liora and Melvern were playing. Why did they keep bringing up Ardora?

"Don't act so indifferent. After all this time, it's about time we had a face-to-face chat. Who knows, I may have something you want." Liora's tone remained ambiguous.

anything you have. Our tastes differ. But if you want to meet, get to the point. Don't beat around the

she quickly said, "Since you love going to the Vanderberg Palace so much, let's

she

stood up, looking at me. "What is

to discover what's in her bag of tricks. I got to go," I said, glancing

you," Lauren said. "I

mention it, it has been a while since I visited the Vanderberg Palace and saw Bella. Let's

held me back. "Hey, why the rush? The key figure usually makes a late entrance, you know? Don't go too early.

in a hurry. Didn't you say it's been a while since you saw Bella? We can go see

want to see Bella, it doesn't have to be today. Let her wait. If she takes the initiative to meet you, something

Lauren. "What if she's up to something

very likely. We

and Felix Lauren said

night,

I spent the