DIVORCE

Chapter 22-

Tyrson tried not to dwell on Meryl's words, telling himself that she would come around eventually. But as the day wore on, he found it difficult to push the conversation out of his mind.

Later, he called everyone to the balcony to discuss business.

"I've been in touch with Ludovic Hans," he announced, "and he's agreed to meet with us at his company to discuss the details of the deal."

"That's great news," Iris said, and everyone else nodded in agreement. "If he agrees to help us, we'll have a much better chance of winning the deal."

Meryl sat silently, not saying a word. Anytime Tyrson glanced in her direction, she looked away.

"Julia, how are you feeling?" Tyrson asked.

Julia smiled, though she looked a bit sheepish. "Much better, thank you," she replied.

Meryl's glare was palpable, but Tyrson ignored it too.

"You should get some rest and prepare for tomorrow's meeting."

"Are there any objections?" he asked, and everyone shook their heads, indicating their agreement.

"In that case, this meeting is adjourned. The chauffeurs will be here at 8:00 AM tomorrow, so make sure you're all dressed appropriately." With that, everyone began to disperse.

*

Chicago...

"That's enough for today, Michelle. Let's go home," Cassie said to Michelle, who seemed transfixed by the street dancers.

"Five more minutes, please," Michelle whined.

Cassie glared at her and folded her arms across her chest. "You promised we'd leave after the movie, and remember, you haven't done your assignment. You know your mother wouldn't be happy if she found out."

Michelle looked down at her feet, abashed. "Okay, I'll go.

"I just want to have some fun," Michelle pouted, looking sad. Cassie sighed, frustrated by her stubbornness.

"No, Michelle. We have to go home. It's getting late, and you haven't done your homework." Even though Cassie was firm, she could see that Michelle wasn't convinced.

She squatted down in front of Michelle. "Okay, we'll come back tomorrow." Her expression changed, and she beamed with excitement.

"Really? You promise?" Michelle asked, her eyes wide and full of hope.

""Pinky promise," Cassie replied, running a hand affectionately through Michelle's hair.

"Okay. Let's go," Michelle said.

As they were about to leave, Cassie bumped into a hard body and stumbled backwards, almost falling.

But just as she was about to fall, two strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her firmly in place.

"Get off me!" Cassie exclaimed, shoving the stranger away from her.

"Are you all right?" the stranger asked, his voice sounding strangely familiar.

She looked up and saw the man she had bumped into in the elevator the last time she had visited the company.

"It's you?" she said at the same time as he said, "You?"

They both stared at each other, surprise and confusion evident on their faces.

"Scaredy cat!" Michelle called out, recognizing his face.

Manson shook his head and said, "Have you been stalking me?"

Cassie raised an eyebrow, her tone surprisingly calm. "I think that's the wrong way around. You're the one who's been following me around."