Beyond the Divorce

Liora greeted Oliver with a radiant smile, then pulled the beautiful woman over. The woman positioned herself beside Oliver, her back still turned to me.

I signaled a waiter, grabbed a glass of wine, and strolled toward them. I needed to get a closer look at this woman who seemed to be getting close to Oliver with some hidden intentions. Just then, Atticus approached me.

I smiled at Atticus and remarked, "It seems she has a purpose for being here today."

"Hmm," Atticus said nonchalantly.

After a moment, he added, "Looks like she's here for money."

I raised an eyebrow, looking at Atticus. That woman certainly had his attention.

At that moment, the mysterious woman laughed while talking to Oliver. Then, she subtly changed her position, giving me a full view of her face.

Lauren was right. It was the woman from the clothing store.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Curious, I asked Atticus, "What's her story?"

"She's an actress who was disfigured. Liora took her in when she was at her lowest after the incident. She just returned from undergoing plastic surgery in another country. She's only been back in Foswood for less than a month," Atticus whispered in my ear.

I was stunned. So, it was Harmony. But she was no longer the same Harmony. She seemed to have become more cunning, possibly due to Liora's influence.

Now, she was engaged in lively conversation with Oliver, displaying what seemed like 'affection'.

Just as I was processing this revelation, Liora noticed us. She smiled as she held her wine glass and walked confidently toward us.

I didn't avoid her, and neither did Atticus. We both watched her approach, finding the situation very amusing. It seemed like they had long since gone their separate ways and maintained the appearance of a regular couple only on the surface.

Liora reached us and boldly reached out to link arms with Atticus. She leaned against him and glanced at me with a slightly mocking smile.

"You seem to be in good spirits, Ms. Chloe. It appears you've taken quite an interest in my husband," she remarked, her tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.

I offered a faint smile, nodding. "Oh, yes. Mr. Atticus and I have known each other for quite some time now, and we're close friends who can talk about anything. But I've always had one unanswered question, something I've been wanting to ask."

"Oh?" Liora raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

I realized that Liora had fallen for it, so I said, "Why would a smart, stable, gentlemanly man like him marry a woman so morally corrupt and trashy like yourself? I really feel sorry for him."

Liora's face darkened for a moment, but she plastered on a fake smile and looked at Atticus, tilting her head toward him. "My husband has loved me for a decade. You're still loyal and no one can seduce you.

Isn't that right, honey?"

Her words almost made me throw the wine in her face. Only that would have satisfied my frustration.

Atticus chuckled and lowered his

gaze at her. Self-awareness is the most valuable quality a person can have. You don't even have that. Chloe is overestimating you, Liøra. You'll end up ruined one day without even knowing how you got there. Do you believe that?"

I commented, "Looks like you have a hard time as her husband, Mr. Atticus."

Atticus gently removed Liora's arm from around him, patting his sleeve lightly. Liora was clearly angry when he said, "Yeah, I don't mind loving you more."

Liora stared at Atticus in bewilderment, asking, "What do you mean?"

"I mean exactly what you're thinking!" Atticus replied, looking at Liora. "I'll escort you out!"

With that, he turned and left.

I chuckled, watching Atticus's retreating figure. The phrase "I'll escort you out" caught me by surprise.

"Chloe! What does this mean?" Liora looked at me angrily.

I smiled and whispered to her, "Make a guess."

Then, I turned and walked away.

Lauren hurried over to me, asking, "What's going on?"

"Someone's provocation backfired," I replied briefly.

I quietly told her, "That mysterious woman is Harmony. It seems like Liora wanted her to get close to Oliver, and Atticus said she's after money!"

"With seduction?" Lauren sneered.

As she spoke, something unexpected occurred.