Beyond the Divorce

A Stroke of Luck I hesitated before telling him I’d rather not attend.

I also had Ava with me, so I couldn’t go.

He mentioned that he had already arranged for my mother–in–law to watch Ava and that she would be arriving at my house soon.

His attitude struck me as odd.

He had never been eager to take me to social events, but it turned out that ATL Empire organized it. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

During the afternoon’s meeting, Nick asked about the manager who had represented Tanum Corporation before.

Then he questioned my absence.

Matthew quickly arranged for me to attend the dinner and even gave me pointers on what to say.

1 Representatives from three other companies, all major players in Foswood, would join us.

Each company had strengths, but Tanum Corporation was outmatched and did not belong on the same level.

Tanum Corporation had stumbled upon a stroke of luck.

Among the representatives from ATL Empire was Atlas Seeing him again after only a few hours made me a bit nervous.

Although I had just seen him this morning, it felt like decades ago, He had returned to his aloof self.

He followed Nick without displaying much emotion, only offering me a casual greeting when he entered.

There was nothing exceptional about it, but it did put me at ease.

I didn’t feel comfortable saying too much with so many people around.

During the meal, Atlas asked me about the steel windows in front of everyone.

It was surprising that he asked me instead of Matthew.

Nick remained in charge, but something seemed off.

Atlas was his assistant, yet Nick appeared to have discussions with him.

This assistant was not to be underestimated.

Tanum Corporation’s thermally broken steel windows were something I had pushed for, but Matthew had consistently refused due to the high cost.

He had never been optimistic about it, because he believed the new metal plastic windows were more cost–effective and had higher profit margins.

was adamant about using thermally broken steel windows as a foundation for high–end projects.

At the recent ATL Empire meeting.

Tanum Corporation’s financial strength clearly lagged behind its competitors I strategically promoted the steel windows project as an alternative.

This move surprised the competition and set the company apart.

+15 BONUS Toasts were exchanged with the ATL Empire’s representatives.

Matthew quickly pulled me over to make a toast as well.

I felt incredibly uncomfortable.

I forced myself to make the rounds, and Nick took me aside to discuss the steel windows in detail.

This visibly boosted Matthew’s image.

Today, he seemed genuinely happy.

The opportunity to negotiate further with ATL Empire and be considered a key player lifted his spirits.

He practically floated on air.

I noticed him toasting Atlas, who appeared to be sober.

Nick asked me to prepare a report on the steel windows, focusing on its performance, design possibilities, and construction techniques After speaking with Nick, I had a plan in mind.

I kept calm and responded to Matthew’s inquiries.

The dinner concluded, and Matthew had arranged for a driver.

Matthew sat in the back seat, holding my hand.

He praised me as a visionary, remarking on my unique insights.

He kept calling me his “lucky star,” asking how I had known to push for the steel window project.

His overly enthusiastic demeanor made him seem like Foswood’s industry leader.

His boasting seemed to indicate that he had achieved his goals.

“Don’t celebrate too soon.

You weren’t particularly interested in the windows before.

Nick wants a detailed report, so research design options heavily.

Detail the benefits of thermally broken steel windows.

This difficult task will determine our success.” “Don’t worry about that.

I’ll have the manufacturer provide a detailed manual.” He reassured me.

“Your amazing husband will handle everything.

I hate seeing my dear wife work so hard!” He kissed my hand.

I appreciated his kind words, but why didn’t he care about my struggles when he insisted I attend the dinner? He knew I had been drinking the night before but still made me participate in the toasts.

This was all to avoid me getting involved in the project.

He was a master at dismissing people after they had served their purpose.

I remained silent.

I knew he would not listen to anything I said now.

I’ve been thinking about taking Ava to see my parents.

My father is getting better, but I want Ave to sen them.

I’m planning to make a quick trip,” I said, seizing the opportunity amidst his excitement Sure! Go ahead! Spend some time with your parents!” Matthew, readily agreed “In that case, I’ll arrange everything and leave tomorrow.

I’ll be back soon,” I continued. “There’s nothing you need to arrange.

Just tell Ava’s teachers that she’ll be absent.

We can keep in touch about company matters.

You don’t have any major projects on hand right now anyway.” Matthew seemed genuinely supportive.

“All right, then help me book the flight tickets,” I said absentmindedly.

In reality, a plan had already formed in my mind.