Beyond the Divorce

I scrutinized Grandma Rose beside me, my skepticism clear as I asked, "Did I hear that right? He said he was going to pick up Ivanna, right?" Grandma Rose nodded. "Yes, that's right."

I felt surprised. He was going to pick up Ivanna when Anson was here? What was going on? Had Jared already passed Anson's test?

I couldn't help but gulp nervously, feeling puzzled.

When Arnold saw my perplexed expression, he approached me and asked, "Hey! What's on your mind?"

"Oh, nothing," I replied uncertainly. "I was just wondering, since Jared's picking up Ivanna so openly, could it mean..."

"Don't overthink it. Nothing can stop Jared if he wants to do something." Arnold dismissed my concerns with a glance. That was true. Jared would handle everything properly.

I turned to Arnold, regaining my focus. "Are you heading back to Gerby tomorrow?"

Arnold nodded casually. "Yeah, I'm catching an early morning flight."

"Is it for Byron's trial?" I inquired. Arnold was dealing with that since Atlas wouldn't be around.

He glanced at me and nodded. "That's right. It's next Thursday."

Thursday?" I echoed. That was

and called Beatrice. She answered promptly, and I wasted no

was a hint of surprise in her

I confirmed. I got straight to the point. "Is the

paused briefly before

us. We both understood the weight of the situation. Whether the trial happened or not, the outcome would be the same. Those three were guilty of heinous crimes, including causing the death of several people. There was no doubt that they would receive the

reassured her. No matter what, I had to fulfill my promise to

wonderful that Beatrice had gotten a second chance

she said, "He... he's been trying to

who she meant by "he," of

"If you want to see him, I'll accompany you

to see him."

time, "How does he have the audacity to ask to

case, just let it go. I'll let you know before I come

made it. Please come

there with you," I said