Beyond the Divorce

I looked at Johnson, taking a minute before I spoke.

"Tell me when he's leaving. When his mother passed away, she left some money. I'll give him some," I told Johnson.

"Isn't that money for Ava?" Johnson asked. "I've already taken care of his travel expenses. That should be enough."

"I can't just leave it to you all. Ava has me, and she doesn't need that money. I didn't even want it. I planned to return this money to him if he really turned over a new leaf and started doing honest work." I had only discussed this with Atlas, and he completely supported my decision. That money was just a drop in the bucket to him.

For Matthew, it was a significant sum.

Besides, Atlas wouldn't let me spend someone else's money.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

Continuing, I said, "I won't give it to him now. I don't know what he's up to. Also, all of Melanie's assets, even those her mother stole, are currently in my custody. I'll return them to him in the future, but on the condition that he follows the right path. I'm telling you this now so you can be a witness later on."

"You've really put a lot of thought into this, Chlo! He's really... Oh, it's a shame," Johnson said with a bitter smile.

I looked at Johnson again, thinking for a moment. "What about you? Do you have any plans?"

When Johnson heard my question, his expression stiffened. He had probably misunderstood my intentions.

I had only asked to see if he had any of his own plans.

"I... We'll talk about it some other day," Johnson replied, a little perfunctorily.

"You've misunderstood me. I was trying to ask if you've made any new plans of your own recently. Are you looking to take a break and spend time with your child?" I clarified. "If you don't have any plans like that, I have something for you to do."

Johnson immediately looked at me with gratitude. Obviously, my previous question had made him think I would stop caring about him.

I knew why he had come here today.

"I don't have any other plans," Johnson replied hurriedly. "I'm used to being busy."

"Then report to me after you see Matthew off," I said confidently.

Johnson's spirits seemed to lift as he looked at me.

I could tell he was a little nervous.

"I want you to be director of quality control at Tanum. Keep the quality in check for me. Actually, I've reserved this position for you all along. After all, you're familiar with these procedures, and you're someone I trust. But the work might be tough, travel

and you might have to tough,

frequently," I told Johnson.

He immediately declared, "I'll take it, Chlo! I like being able to work with you! I'm happy to do it. Rest assured, I'll take good care of Matthew. I'll come and report to you then."

"Drop by for a visit tomorrow. I'll give you some money to take to him, but don't tell him it's from me."

"Alright!" Johnson seemed very excited.

Maybe he hadn't expected me to offer him the job. It was perfect for him. He understood quality standards, and he also knew about materials.

After this experience, I was even more convinced that he was trustworthy.

Most importantly, I had always kept this position for him. I had considered many other people for it, but none were as suitable as him.

Besides, I had to show those people that I was someone who valued old connections. Those who betrayed Matthew and picked Liora's side had reaped what they sowed. They couldn't get a foothold in this industry anymore.

Some people had been trying to establish connections and networks to return to Tanum during this time. My response to them was, "I'm too scared to hire just anyone."

They say killing one can serve as a warning to a hundred, but I just wanted to use Johnson's case as a benchmark. I wanted everyone to know that I was sentimental and loyal. Johnson and I walked out of the office together. I could see that Johnson was overjoyed. He probably felt like he had found his organization.

He was a very clever man.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have turned

his life around and genuinely repented when I discovered his shortcomings. That was precisely why I had high hopes for him.