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."

echoed.

Beatrice. She answered promptly, and

hint of surprise in her

in Foswood," I confirmed. I got straight to the point. "Is the

paused briefly

outcome would be the same. Those three

you," I reassured her. No matter what, I had to

Beatrice had gotten

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

meant by "he," of

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

want to see

but angrily this time, "How does he have the audacity to ask to meet me? He killed my

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

I wouldn't have made it. Please come and be by my

be there with you," I