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

She answered

was a hint of surprise in her voice.

I got straight to the point. "Is the

paused briefly before saying,

was a moment of silence between 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,

matter what, I had to fulfill my

had gotten a

she said,

she meant by "he," of course. After all, he was

a moment, then said, "If

see him." Beatrice sounded

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

go. I'll let you know before I come over." I comforted her. We didn't need to say much to each

made it. Please come and be by my

course. I'll be there with you," I