The Colonel’s Claim: After the Divorce novel Chapter 11

She walked all the way to the balcony.

The crisp evening breeze brushed against her face.

Only then did Clara Conway feel the suffocating tightness in her chest begin to ease.

She took a deep breath, clearing her throat a few times until her voice sounded normal again, then picked up her phone and dialed her friend's number.

He must have been busy, as it took a few rings before he answered.

"Hey, Clara, what's up? Things were chaotic at the institute, so I didn't hear it ringing."

A lump formed in Clara's throat, and she let out a bittersweet sigh before greeting him, "Maloney."

"I brought my dad to New York City for treatment. The attending physician mentioned that if possible, we should try to get a consultation with Dr. Oliver, and I..."

Maloney instantly caught her drift and replied smoothly, "I'll reach out to him for you in a bit."

"Thank you, Maloney."

"Don't mention it. If it helps Caleb recover, this is nothing."

They chatted for a few more minutes.

Then he changed the subject. "What are you going to do about Southmount Architects? Do you need Professor Harrison and me to step in?"

Hearing the professor mentioned, a wave of guilt and melancholy washed over Clara, making her feel too ashamed to even face him.

Maloney guessed her hesitation and offered some comfort.

"Don't overthink it. The Professor might not say it out loud, but he's kept you in his thoughts all these years. He wants you back.

"When he found out you got your tier-one architecture license yesterday, he was privately thrilled for hours."

"If he knew your spot leading the Southmount Architects project was stolen from you, he would definitely help you get it back."

Clara's dark gaze flickered as she gripped her phone tighter.

The truth was, she had thought about returning to the institute countless times over the years. But duty to her family had forced her to put those dreams on hold, leaving her to study professional materials and pass licensing exams only during her spare moments.

Now that a divorce was imminent, she genuinely wanted to go back.

Yet she knew deep down how far behind she had fallen after all this time.

She needed a period of intense study before she could truly return.

"I've already figured out a solution for the Southmount Architects issue. It'll be sorted in two days. As for coming back, I want to take some time to study and brush up on my skills first."

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