He managed to restrain himself, knowing it would only lead to another


    meaningless argument.


    But Hannah''s words had cut him to the core.


    Did she really have no feelings left for him at all?


    She had actually told Cora she could do those shameless things with him.


    Lionel''s breathing grew heavy, his brow furrowed. He gripped the mouse, his mind a chaotic mess of frustration.


    After a moment of thought, he picked up his phone and called his grandmother.


    "Well, this is a surprise," Grandma''s voice came through the line, sharp and sarcastic. “You never call me unless you''ve screwed up again. What is it this time? Did you do something to make Hannah angry and now you need me to bail you out?"


    She was right; he rarely called her. It was always the other way around. He never visited unless he needed something.


    "Grandma, you mentioned before that you wanted Cora toe work for you. Can you send someone to pick her up now?"


    Silence stretched on the other end of the line for several seconds.


    Lionel pulled the phone away from his ear to check if the call had dropped, but it was still connected.


    "Grandma?"


    "I''m here," she said, her tone amused. "Didn''t Hannah say nost time? Are you making this decision on your own now? Aren''t you afraid she''ll raise hell about it?"


    She paused. "Or did that maid do something out of line again? I don''t mind taking her, but you have to tell me what happened first."


    Lionel nced at the security feed. Hannah was already unpacking her takeout.


    If he told his grandmother the truth, he''d get an earful, and she''d probably drive over in the middle of the night.


    "It''s settled. We don''t need to discuss it with Hannah. She should have been sent to you a long time ago. Just arrange for someone toe get her."


    "Fine," Grandma said. "But when Hannah gets into a fight with you over this, don''t say I didn''t warn you. Lionel you''re not a child anymore There are some things you should understand without me having to spell them out. A marriage requires sincerity and trust to survive. I''ve been around the block, so don''t think I''m just nagging."


    Her heartfelt advice made his chest tighten. "I know," he mumbled.


    After hanging up, he remained seated, staring at the screen with a deep frown.


    In just a few days, Hannah would


    find out that their divorce filing wouldn''t be valid. If he had told her


    earrer maybe she wouldnt be sa eager to leave him. But now of he brought it up, it would surely...


    When the day came, it would be another brutal battle. Lionel had no idea what to


    do.


    If he told her now, they would fight, and she''d probably drag him to the courthouse first thing in the morning to file again. If he waited until the day itself, she d likely do the same. thing.


    He pinched the bridge of his nose, his mind in turmoil. If he could somehow change her mind in the next few days, maybe there was still a chance to save their marriage.


    Just then, the study door was pushed open.


    Before Lionel could reprimand her for barging in, Cora, her face streaked with tears, ran to his side and dropped to her knees with a thud.


    "Mr. Rosenberg, you have to help me! The madam has lost her mind again!"