Beyond the Divorce

I stopped, turning back to face him. "Is there something else? Aren't you busy?"

"Aren't your parents home yet?" Ryan inquired about the situation in the small town.

"Yeah, it's been almost a month. I guess they can't agree on the price. They don't want to compromise. Otherwise, I feel like it would have been settled by now," I said, frustrated. "I'm so used to having them around, and I'm getting uneasy not having them at home. Rose is always the one holding down the fort. We have plenty of maids, and the little girl doesn't even want to kiss me anymore."

I sighed. "But Rose is getting up there in age, and it worries me."

"I'll ask my dad about it," Ryan said. He pulled out his phone and dialed his father to inquire about our house.

As Ryan kept saying "uh-huh" on the phone, my eyes stayed fixed on him. By the time he hung up, I had a pretty good idea of what had transpired.

After a lengthy conversation, he finally ended the call. "Your speculation was right."

I thought for a moment. "How about this, Ryan? Your uncle can help us find a reputable real estate agency. They can negotiate the price according to their terms and take it slow. We can let your uncle handle it. That way, I can bring them back.

"I've had this idea for a while now. It'll be less of a hassle. Worst case, we'll finalize the deal and handle the paperwork when they come back. That way, everything can be done on the same day. It's a win-win," I suggested decisively.

Ryan grinned. "That sounds like a plan. Otherwise, these old folks won't be selling anything this winter."

"That's settled then! Tell your dad, and I'll give them a call tonight to let them know," I decided.

"Um... Your family wasn't originally from the small town, were they?" Ryan asked cautiously.

I looked at him. "How did you know?"

"Just a feeling," Ryan said casually.

"What do you mean?" I asked, curious.

"Have you noticed that your family doesn't have many relatives in that small town?" Ryan pointed out, looking at me with probing eyes.

"You know I had amnesia for some time. I don't remember anything before high school. Why are you asking?" I said frankly. "Why did it suddenly cross your mind?"

"It was just a casual question." Ryan quickly changed the subject. "Melvern has gone into seclusion again. About our previous design—"

"Don't worry about it. Even if he hasExclusive © material by Nô(/v)elDrama.Org.

disappeared other people are eyeing the follow-up projects in Rivendell. Everyone wants a piece of this lucrative opportunity. Besides, do

you think Atticus is so naive?net

He's

been subtly manipulating things behind the scenes all this time. He's the one reaping the real benefits," I assured Ryan.

Reluctantly, Ryan nodded. "Business can be very ruthless."

I chuckled. Ryan was right. I had long known that Atticus was a cunning fox.

"When are you heading back to Solaris? The initial draft of the designs should be ready soon," Ryan informed me. "Once they're out, you should come over and take a look."

"Soon, before the weather gets too cold. I need to make a trip to check on Archie's seasonal clothes. I have no idea how he managed before me. I want to make sure Archie

experiences the perks of having a daughter for a day since I'm around."

Ryan smiled. "You're an angel."

"Are you still calling me an angel? Speaking of which, I might just leave a bit early." I playfully flashed a smile at him. "Having you around really does brighten my day." "Hey! You say that, but you almost never visit me," he complained.

I laughed, my eyes sparkling. "Well, just be patient and wait. I came by myself today, you see."

"Why are you leaving early again?" he asked, displeased.

"I need to check on Archie. Since Trinity's not at home, I haven't visited him in a while," I declared confidently.

Ryan nodded resignedly.

"I'll be off then." I headed back to my office. I felt a little thirsty, so I picked up my water bottle, and as I

approached the pantry, the ongoing conversation inside took me by surprise.