Beyond the Divorce

When Poppy heard those words, she didn't look pleased, but she couldn't refute it.

But even if she felt that way, I didn't think she regretted coming out with us. After all, she had tried to get close to me just to meet Atlas.

But Arnold didn't care whether she felt awkward or not and continued, "If you've been an actress for a long time, you end up acting both on and offstage. I'm sure you're no exception, Ms. Poppy." Arnold looked at Poppy with a playful smile. "Come over to my side. I'm better for you than him. Why bother chasing a married man?"

I chuckled, leaning into Atlas's embrace. "That's enough, Arnold. Ms. Poppy is my friend. Don't cross the line."© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"Are you really so naive or are you just pretending, Chlo? She's your friend? If she really is your friend, why is she still interested in your husband?" Arnold continued bluntly. "There's a saying that goes, never dip your pen in company ink. If she's your friend, why is she pining after your husband? Isn't that just courting disaster?"

Lauren was clearly trying to hold back her laughter. Her eyes fixed on me with a triumphant expression.

"It would be a wise choice to come to me, Miss. Why embarrass yourself further? I'm richer than him. You won't get another chance like this. I'm the key to the upper class. Choose wisely."

Just as Arnold finished speaking, the door opened again, revealing Oliver.

Surprised, I immediately looked at Lauren. She had been laughing moments ago, but froze instantly, turning into a statue.

Arnold obviously knew that Oliver would be here, or he wouldn't have said what he did.

"Are you here to pay the bill, Oli?" Arnold teased.

Oliver didn't hold back either. "That's right! I'll pay your bills for a year. Then everyone can see how the Beringer family's youngest son freeloads."

This was the first time I had heard Oliver speak so casually and crack jokes.

"Haha... Are you threatening me? Is freeloading a skill? You're the one who's always eating for free!" Arnold scoffed.

Oliver looked at Lauren, his lips curling up slightly. He took the initiative to stand next to her.

Arnold said snidely, "Looks like we're all freeloaders."

Lauren immediately retorted, "You said you would pay today. Don't be shameless now and go back on your word!"

Arnold laughed. "Are you feeling the pain in your husband's wallet? You've chosen sides pretty quickly. We're all one big happy family, aren't we?" Everyone looked at Lauren, including the clueless Poppy.

Lauren belatedly realized her

mistake and turned red. She clucked her tongue. "Did... Did we order any food? I need to go back to sleep after we eat."

She tried to change the topic.

Arnold looked at Lauren. "You're the one paying, Lauren. You should order."

That sentence made Oliver very pleased. He looked at Lauren and softly said, "It's already been ordered. It'll be here soon."

Lauren looked at Arnold. "I'm telling

you, you'd better keep your mouth shut. Too much talk leads to

mistakes. Be careful, or I'll get your sister to discipline you."

Arnold disdainfully leaned back on the sofa behind him. He casually remarked, "My sister dotes on me. Don't try to pick a fight with me. you de

el?

don't treat Oli as the main course, I might have to ask him to retreat. Can't you see it? It's right in front of you!"

Oliver immediately looked at Lauren and said, "I won't do that!"