Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

I knew several of the Murphy family's properties had been sealed, and Matthew was homeless.

John understood what I was asking and immediately responded, "He's been renting a small house for now. He says he doesn't care about any other property. He just wants to reclaim the small house you two used to live in."

A wry smile twitched at the corner of my mouth. I silently sighed at his realization that had come too late.

"I'm hanging up." I told John.

Laurie realized it was John on the phone, so she turned to me and asked, "What's going on?"

"Let's go back to the company. We'll talk in the car," I said. In truth, I felt uneasy.

Matthew had regained his freedom, but seeing him in a predicament like this worried me.

I was concerned that Matthew would have a hard time in the future. He was like a giant baby who refused to grow up. Once he calmed down, he would regret this if he still had a conscience.

I explained John's intentions to Laurie. She glanced at me, and I could tell what she was about to say. I spoke first. "I won't get involved! Do you think I have nothing better to do?"

Laurie chuckled and said, "I'm not saying you shouldn't get involved, but you need to weigh the pros and cons. I explained the logic to you at the very start. If you keep meddling, he'll only become more dependent on you. Eventually, it will affect your relationship with Atlas. Think about it!"

Laurie's words were straightforward but reasonable.

I nodded. I know that this was the kind of thing a real friend worried about.

I believed that this wouldn't come between me and Atlas, but I couldn't take advantage of the situation.

Laurie suddenly looked at me and asked, "What if Ardora can't sustain itself?"

"They'll have to deal with that themselves!" I said decisively.

"Don't you want to acquire it?" Laurie asked tentatively.

"I used to think about that just to vent my anger. But I don't want to anymore. It doesn't benefit or help Tanum Corporation in any way, and I won't act impulsively. I'm sure that acquiring Ardora Construction would only be a burden! What do I need it for?" I replied.

Laurie relaxed into her seat, gave me a thumbs up, and said, "Keep that mindset. Stay calm!"

It was a decision I had made today. I could handle the follow-up work for Matthew, but it would take too much energy, and the benefits would not outweigh the costs!

Back at the company, Carol handed me two invitations. I glanced at them casually. They were invitations to a business networking event in the second half of the year. I placed them on the table. In reality, events like that didn't really benefit us.

"Will you go back to Amethyst Apartments after work tonight? It's just the right time to visit that lady. Didn't you buy her some clothes?" Laurie looked at me and asked.

I knew she was talking about Ivanna,

so I grinned and said, "I need to go back to Pleca Park early. We dealt with something important today. The two old folks at home will want to know what happened. If we don't go back, they'll get anxious!

"That's true. After all, this has been causing a stir for so long." Laurie nodded. "You're all set! I'll find something to do too."

I quickly suggested, "How about you

visit the market area, Laurie? Eleanor

has been discussing some door-related business these days, and don't know how it's going. Could you check it out for me?"

She immediately nodded. "Okay. I'll go right away."

Throughout the afternoon, I thought about Matthew's situation. I told Laurie that wouldn't involve myself in Matthew's business, but deep down, knew that was to reassure

her and stop her from worryin SLIKE

about me. Too many things were related to me. I couldn't just let them go.

When Atticus called, I composed myself and quickly answered. "Hello, Atticus."

"Where are you?" Atticus asked.

"In the office," I replied. "Are you still in Foswood?"

"I'll come over," he said without answering my question.

"Alright. I'll wait for you." I replied.

After that, we hung up.

It had been a while since I had last seen Atticus. I hadn't had time to see him since he mentioned he had returned to Foswood.

He soon made his way to my office as he was close by.