Beyond the Divorce

He ate quickly and seemed to enjoy the meal. He smiled at me and said, "Yum! This is the best lunch I've had so far. Thank you, Ms. Chloe."

I smiled without saying anything, feeling like this man was beating around the bush too much.

After finishing the meal, he checked the time and stood up. "It looks like it's time for your meeting soon. I won't disturb you any longer, Ms. Chloe. Thanks for the lunch. How about we have dinner together another day?"

I nodded. "Sure, provided I have the time."

"Great! I can wait until you're free," he said confidently. "I'll take my leave now. I believe we'll become friends, Ms. Chloe."

He strode out of the small meeting room and left my office.

Watching his departure, I couldn't help but mutter, "Who gave you such confidence?"

Carol rushed in, reaching out to tidy up the utensils and curiously asking, "Is he gone?"

"Yeah," I absentmindedly responded.

I was pondering Melvern's purpose in coming here. I reviewed our conversation, contemplating his questions.

"Why do I feel like he came here to test me?"

"Test you? What do you mean?" Carol asked curiously.

I shook my head and looked at Carol. "Forget it. Let him be. He's gone, and that's good news. He came here and left without any issues."

"Should I get someone to stop him?" Carol asked.

"You can't stop someone like him." I shrugged.

"Was there anything serious today?" Carol seemed annoyed.

"For us, absolutely not."

I returned to my office, thought for a moment, and decided it was time to make a call to Atticus. We hadn't been in touch for a few days.

He answered quickly. "Ms. Chloe."

"Are you still in Operose?" I asked.

"No, I'm back," he replied directly. "Anything wrong?"

"You're back? Then, why didn't you call me?" I sounded unusually excited.

He chuckled. "What? Were you eagerly waiting to see me?"

"You seem to be in a good mood. Did you settle the follow-up projects in Operose?" I inquired.

"No, they fell into Melvern's hands," Atticus said casually.

"Ah?" I was somewhat surprised.

It seemed Melvern was quite cunning, quickly achieving success. This indicated he had some strength, unlike what I superficially perceived, lounging around with nothing to do but sit in my office.

A sense of dissatisfaction lingered in my heart. I couldn't shake the feeling that his visit had a purpose beyond what he claimed.

"What's wrong? Was it unexpected?" Atticus asked.

"I think Melvern's ability to get what he wants should not be underestimated. He just left my office," I told Atticus.

"Oh?"Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

"Yeah! He's mysterious and tricky.

He looks idle, but that's not the case.

I have a feeling he's here to find

some answers," I casually remarked. "He waited for half a day, asked a few questions, and left."

"What did he ask?" Atticus pursued.

I gave Atticus a detailed account of Melvern's visit and questions.

Atticus chuckled after hearing it. "He was testing you. The real meaning is not in the words, but in the hidden questions about Liora."

My mind raced, and I slammed the table. "I got it! No wonder he asked, 'If the other party isn't Matthew, will you have taken action against her?' He was clearly asking about Liora." Atticus laughed heartily. "Ms. Chloe, you're sharp."

"He's trying to test me, whether revenge on Liora has another purpose," I told Atticus. "And the other purpose would be for you."

"Exactly," Atticus affirmed. "He's trying to figure out the new connections in Foswood."

"But how did he think I could be related to you?" I asked, puzzled, "Isn't he overthinking?"

"No, something must have made him suspicious," Atticus said.

"Well, in that case, it all makes sense. The first time, he used cooperation to test me. He claimed he already had the project in the city under control, then wanted to see my reaction.

"The second time, he used Ardora's

shares to tempt me, to check if I genuinely wanted Ardora or if it was just targeting Liora. Both times, he didn't get the real answers. He came to me again today, but how did he know I would be aware that you're going for the follow-up projects in Operose?"

I fell into contemplation. This man didn't overlook anything, even following such subtle clues.

"What do you think?" I asked Atticus.