Chapter 451 Julia’s group left the campsite around noon. Maggie and Johnny left later in the afternoon. After the trip, on Monday, Maggie officially returned to work. Since Franklin had gone abroad on business, Isabella came to stay with the Millers the day after Maggie got back from camping. After a busy week, on Tuesday afternoon of the second week, Maggie received a call from Isabella:Franklin was back, and she’d be going home that night instead of to the Miller house. “Okay. Mommy knows,” Maggie said. Hanging up, she thought of the divorce.

Their cooling-off period had ended the previous week. Now that Franklin was back from his trip, it was the —- perfect time to proceed. She checked her phone-no message from him about the divorce. Assuming he was busy, she set the phone down and kept working. She checked again two or three times. Even by after nine that evening-when she finally wrapped up-there was still nothing from Franklin. Maggie stared at the screen, paused, then sent hima message:”I’m free tomorrow.” There was no reply that night.

Not until the next morning, while she was getting ready for work, did Franklin finally text:”Sorry, I’m not free today.” Maggie picked up her phone to respond- Another message arrived:”I’ll contact you when I have time.” —- She hesitated, then typed:”Make it soon.” Franklin:All right. She put the phone down and headed to work. She went to Wilson Group to handle a few matters, and at noon joined some of the team for lunch. As they entered the restaurant, they ran into members of the Brown family. Many at Wilson Group recognized Julia. “Miss Brown,” they greeted.

Julia nodded and glanced at Maggie. “Out with partners. for lunch?” “Yes. This is Miss Miller-Cole’s key staffer. I believe you’ve met.” Julia gave a cool nod, cast Maggie a perfunctory look, and moved her eyes away. Maggie could feel the Browns’ and Greens’ gazes land on —- her, but she pretended not to notice. “I won’t keep you,” Julia said. “Enjoy your meal.” “You’re too kind, Miss Brown.” Because Franklin valued Julia, Wilson Group’s senior staff remained deferential. Julia and the Green/Brown families were ushered into a private room first, with Wilson Group execs seeing them in.

Once seated, Sophia immediately asked, “Sis, since brother-in-law is busy today-does he at least know when he’ll have time to finally divorce that woman?” They had been waiting for the end of the cooling-off period all over again-just like last time. When it finally came, Franklin had been away on business all week. He’d returned yesterday, and they’d assumed he would arrange the divorce right away. Instead, when they’d —- asked last night, Julia had said he was busy and the paperwork would have to wait a few more days. Disappointed, they had no choice but to keep waiting.