Beyond the Divorce

I responded with a distant smile, acknowledging that his sources were well-informed.

Without delving into the specifics of how he knew about my success in Bourdamun, I casually said, "The decision to hold on or let go depends on what aligns with your own interests. I always choose a path that better suits my personal development." Matthew seemed somewhat disgruntled at my response. "It looks like you still have reservations about me, Chlo." I asked, "What do you mean?" I understood what he was implying. He had been unsettled by my smooth journey.

He chuckled awkwardly. "I don't think I could have endured being overshadowed by a woman if you were as helpful as you are now during our ttogether. Sometimes, I really don't understand how everything happened the way it did. We were a good match, and you're still important to me. When we were building the company together back then..." "Let's remain focused on the matter at hand, Matthew," I interrupted, avoiding any reminiscing about the past. I hated it when he did this.

"I do have a real problem, Chlo. You have to help me. I'm in a bind right now. Otherwise, I wouldn't have cto you!" Matthew tried to grab me, but I dodged.

"Tell me, then. How can I help?" I started with a hint of impatience. "Don't expect too much from me. My abilities are limited. Just get straight to the point." Matthew looked frustrated and said, "Did you know about Liora's plan to withdraw her investment?" I feigned ignorance and inquired, "She wants to withdraw? Weren't you two having a great collaboration? Why would she want to withdraw? I didn't know about that. I'm not interested in other people's affairs." "You're talking as if this is someone else's problem," he remarked with a wry smile.

I couldn't be bothered with him. "I really don't care about your affairs. I've been avoiding them to stop your wife and her allies from coming after me. I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat." Matthew's face reddened when he heard my response. "Don't be so quick to judge, Chlo. She's not that bad. She's just a little willful." "Willful?" I stared at him sternly. "Pfft." "No, really, I'm keeping an eye on her," Matthew said nonchalantly.

"Don't givethose hollow assurances. Don't forget that your mother is the one who got beaten, and she's still hiding in my house to this day Have you ever heard of an ex-mother-in-law recuperating at her former daughter-in-law's place? That's quite the act of willfulness." I seized the opportunity to express my disdain. People like him really disgusted me. "I've been busy lately, otherwise I would have gone to pick her up. Besides, I trust my mom with you. I know you won't mistreat her, and she really wants to stay with you," Matthew said confidently.

I cursed internally. I couldn't believe that this had suddenly turned into something I had to handle. I didn't know what sins I had committed in my past life to be troubled by their family so much in this one. When he saw my silence, Matthew continued, "Since my mom is at your place..." "Let's get back to the real issue. I told you I didn't chere to reminisce about the past with you. I know how to handle your mother," I interjected in a low tone, putting an end to his rambling.

"Alright, let's talk business." Matthew adjusted his posture and leaned in. "I need your help to network. I want to secure Avalon Hills for myself, so that woman won't botherabout it! "She's insatiable! She's arrogant and overbearing. I'll have to find a way to deal with her, or she'll keep taking advantage of me!" Matthew's frustration was evident.

I sat upright and addressed him sternly. "You won't be able to solve this problem if you keep this attitude up. Use your brain. Do you currently have the resources and capability to handle the Avalon Hills project if you take over now?" I looked at Matthew, posing the question seriously. He glanced back at me, hesitating. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"And do you think it's realistically possible for you to try to establish connections and relationships right now just to seize Avalon Hills?" I challenged him with another question.