Chapter 341
Beyond the Divorce
A Strong Support Lauren insisted on driving me back home as I left the Vanderberg Palace. I grabbed a couple of fresh outfits and asked her to take me to the airport.
During the ride, I made calls to both Ryan and Grayson.
Grayson offered, âI can accompany you, you know. Are you sure you want to go alone?â
âYour mission is more crucial. Finding evidence is the key to victory. Iâll be fine on my own. Trust me, I earnestly advised Grayson.
The remorse in Ryanâs voice was clear.
I was not worried about the company with Ryan in charge, but he was not good at complicated relationships. His time abroad had dulled his understanding of complex interpersonal dynamics.
Teasingly, I said to Lauren, âYour ideas are truly classic. Why do I feel like youâre such a smooth operator?â
She glanced at me and retorted, âWhoâs the smooth operator here? Youâre just too close to the situation.
Your brain is leagues ahead of the rest of us.
âIn my opinion, youâve let the company stagnate in the years Matthew ran it. Iâm certain that Tanum Corporation wouldâve been much better off if you managed it the entire time.â
âWell, thatâs not necessarily true. Matthew has his own strengths. He prioritizes profit, which is something Iâm not as adept at. Sometimes, I place too much emphasis on loyalty and trust, and Iâm not as flexible in negotiations.â
I reflected on my shortcomings. In truth, the lesson I received from Atticus today helped me recognize these weaknesses more clearly.
âIt seems you can still improve!â Lauren teased me with a smile. âNext time, I might just have to charge you for my advice!â
My eyes lit up. âWhy not become a shareholder in Tanum Corporation? You can handle public relations!â
âHah. Youâre quite the entrepreneur, arenât you?â She scoffed. âIs this a communal company? You were just boating about your loyalty just now. What you see is what you get.â
chuckled, âIsnât it a good idea for everyone to work together?â
Alright, sort out the immediate situation first,â She said in concern, âIf you need help, donât hesitate to Donât try to tough it out alone. It takes a village, you know.
âI understand,â I assured her. She had already parked the car at the entrance of the airport terminal.
âAll the best!â Lauren said as I got out of the car.
I hurried inside. A few steps later, I stopped and looked at Lauren.
âCould youâ¦find a way to ask about Atlas?â It was difficult to bring up, but I needed to know.
1 know, I know!â Lauren grumbled. âIâm already trying to figure something out. Go! Be safe! Let me know when youâve landed.â
I waved to Lauren with a triumphant smile and boarded the plane to Solaris.
By the time I arrived in Solaris, it was already late evening. I wasted no time in finding the location of the address.
Once I had my bearings, I set up camp nearby. First, I grabbed a bite to eat. Then I went to check out the address. Surprisingly, it was a quaint cottage. In this area, such houses were becoming increasingly rare.
Dominic Welsh. I wondered what kind of old man he was.
I spotted a small hair salon across the street and walked in. After inquiring about prices, I decided to treat myself to a hair treatment. The best part was that it took some time, giving me the chance to chat a little longer.
The shop owner was a stylish middleâaged woman.
When she heard I wanted a treatment, her face lit up. She knew that this lucrative service.
was the on Her enthusiasm knew no bounds, and she hardly took a breath.
I took the opportunity to quickly ask her about the people in the cottage.
âHey! Why are you asking about that old fossil? That old couple living in that cottage⦠Theyâre quite the odd pair!â