Unknown Divorce: Revelation Beyond Time Novel by Miss Lyra (Chapters 31 to 40)

Chapter 31

Jasmine finally cracked a smile, rattling off her favorite foods without taking a breath.

Thorne listened quietly on the side.

After Jasmine finished, Vesta began to compliment her outfit. “Minnie, you look stunning in that dress. It suits you perfectly.

Jasmine was happy. “Really?”

Vesta chuckled. “Of course, it’s true.”

Then, she asked, “So, Minnie, how was your day at school? Did you get along well with the other kids?”

Their conversation flowed smoothly, with Thorne rarely interjecting and focusing on his meal with meticulous care. To an uninformed waiter watching them, they appeared a perfect family of three, earning Vesta admiring glances.

Just then, Jasmine noticed a video call coming in from Charlene. She had requested the call that morning. But at that moment, she was enjoying her chat with Vesta too much to end it.

Seeing Charlene with another girl that morning had upset her. But her spirits lifted in class when the teacher reassured them that parents love their children more than anything and that every child is unique and irreplaceable in their mother’s heart. That reassured her.

Worried by Jasmine’s delayed response, Charlene called the teacher.

The teacher laughed and explained in the kids‘ lounge that Jasmine was fine, video chatting with her dad and possibly an aunt.

“No need to bother,” Charlene decided, realizing Jasmine was busy with Vesta and Thorne.

Assuming Thorne was dining with Vesta, she softly said, “Let them talk. No need to disturb them.”

After hanging up, Charlene texted Jasmine, asking about her day, whether she had made any new friends, and what she had for lunch. Then, she reminded Jasmine to listen to the teacher and sleep on time.

About ten minutes later, Charlene received a voice message from Jasmine. [Got it, Mom. I’ll sleep well.]

After spending the day with Sunny, Charlene found her outgoing, sociable, and capable.

At around six in the evening, as Charlene was about to leave work, Sunny offered to buy her dinner as a thank–you for her guidance. “It’s part of my job, Sunny. No need for formalities,” Charlene demurred.

Just then, Charlene’s phone rang. It was her mother–in–law, Claudia.

Surprised, as Claudia usually ignored her, Charlene answered cautiously, “Claudia?”

Claudia tersely informed Charlene that Terence was secretly racing cars, expressed her concern, and asked Charlene to bring him back. then hung up after sending an address.

The address led Charlene to a racetrack in the suburbs.

After apologizing to Sunny for the sudden departure, Charlene headed to the racetrack. It was bustling and noisy. Unable to reach Terence by phone, Charlene searched the venue.

After nearly twenty minutes, she found him.

Terence was shocked to see her. “Charlene? What are you doing here?”

Charlene explained her mission.

Chapter 32

Terence raised his hand in a pledge. “Today’s the day my queen, the top female race car driver in the West, CC, is racing on home turf for the first time since her return. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I promise to fill come straight back after the race, no side trips! So, Charlene, don’t worry about me. Go on home!”

“But-” Charlene hadn’t finished her sentence when the crowd ahead started shouting “CC” in excitement.

“Is my queen about to make her entrance?”

Hearing the commotion, Terence ignored Charlene, joined the crowd in the enthusiastic shouting, and pulled out his binoculars to watch the starting line.

“His face was a picture of fanatical excitement and joy. A bit surprised, Charlene asked, “Since when did you become a fan of race car driving?”

Although she hadn’t spent much time with Terence, she knew he hadn’t been interested in racing.

“It was before I hadn’t met my queen! Do you know how stunning and cool she is? Once you see my queen, Charlene, you’ll understand why I fell for racing! And I’m sure you’ll fall for her, too! After all, with how amazing and perfect my queen is, it’s impossible for anyone not to love her!”

At that moment, CC officially made her entrance. Once again, Terence was lost in his fanatic cheering, completely forgetting Charlene’s presence.

Charlene hadn’t had dinner yet. Seeing his craziness and adoration for CC, and considering he wasn’t participating and the noise around was overwhelming, making it impossible to hear anything, she decided to stick around and watch the race with him, planning to take him home afterward.

After a while, Terence handed her the binoculars, excitedly urging, “Charlene, take a look at my queen! Car number 38! The one in the fiery red racing suit! So wild and irresistible!”

Charlene wasn’t interested in racing, feeling somewhat amused and helpless at being forced into his enthusiasm, but she took the binoculars anyway.

With just one glance through the binoculars, she was stunned. Vesta. So, CC was Vesta?

She had heard about Vesta’s involvement in extreme sports but had no idea she was into race car driving, and to such an impressive extent that she had gathered a young and passionate following.

that moment, in her dark red tight racing suit, Vesta looked sleek, with sensual and elegant curves. She was fierce yet stunning. captivating everyone’s attention.

Charlene adjusted the binoculars and accidentally caught sight of the spectator area on the opposite side where she saw Thome. He seemed just as captivated by Vesta and watched her intently.

Charlene’s grip on the binoculars tightened.

The race was about to begin. Terence impatiently took the binoculars back.

Charlene’s gaze lingered in Thorne’s direction.

Besides Thorne, Jasmine and a few of Thorne’s close friends were also there, clearly having come to support Vesta. Without saying they were all there to cheer Vesta on.

The race cars zoomed by, quickly turning into tiny dots in the distance, drawing excited screams from the crowd.

After a while, Terence grabbed the binoculars back, pushing them into Charlene’s hands, “Charlene, you’ve got to see this. My queen’s driving is bold yet flawless. Super cool! You’ve got to watch!”

Charlene took them and found Vesta again. Soon after, Vesta took a daring and precise chance to overtake on a curve.

Her bold move amazed the audience, with gasps and applause echoing around.

Until that moment, Charlene had never paid much attention to race car driving. But she was utterly captivated by Vesta’s boldness. She remained motionless for a long time.

Suddenly, she understood why Thorne was so fascinated by Vesta. It made perfect sense.

Chapter 33

Charlene couldn’t help but notice that even Thorne, known for his stoic and cold demeanor, couldn’t hide his astonishment and admiration.

Jasmine and Moran leaped from their seats as the competition intensified.

Terence snatched the binoculars back, seemingly fixated on Vesta. He seemed oblivious that Thorne and his crew were also in attendance.

As the competition took a brief pause, Vesta was in the lead.

Charlene asked Terence for the binoculars.

Terence was over the moon. “Charlene, you’re taken by my queen too, huh? I always say she’s got something that makes everyone, men and women alike, fall for her!”

Charlene smiled softly without a word and thought of calling Thorne, curious about his reaction. Yet, based on past interactions, she anticipated that he might hang up on seeing her call.

Considering their history, she nearly decided against it. But then, thinking it might be the last time, she dialed Thorne, glanced through the binoculars, and saw Thorne dismiss her call without hesitation, his attention swiftly returning to Vesta.

A was clear that his eyes had room only for Vesta.

Taking a deep breath, Charlene smiled, returned the binoculars to Terence, and lost interest in the rest of the competition and Thorne’s whereabouts.

As the event concluded, Vesta secured the first place.

Terence was thrilled, eager to get her autograph along with his friends.

“But I heard CC is not only an heiress but also a Ph.D. graduate who races just for fun. She doesn’t need fans, nor does she cater to them. She’s known for leaving right after her races without signing autographs, making it nearly impossible to get one.”

“Yeah, we figured we’d have a better shot since it’s a private race, but there’s a special exit for the racers, and without any connections, we’re out of luck.” Terence and his friends lamented as they learned Vesta had left to celebrate.

Claudia called, urging them to leave. After dismissing Terence’s plea to join his friends, Charlene decided it was time to head home. Before leaving, Charlene made a quick restroom stop. Exiting, she bumped into someone.

“Sorry.”

“My apologies.”

They both took a step back and apologized at the same time.

Looking up, Charlene froze.

It was Granger Harden, another of Thorne’s close friends. Granger recognized her as well. His already indifferent demeanor grew even colder when he saw her.

Charlene met Thorne when she was ten, but Thorne and Granger had been inseparable since childhood, sharing everything from school days to business ventures and regular catch–ups.

Despite knowing them for over a decade, Charlene remained an outsider to Thorne’s circle, barely beyond acquaintances with Granger Moran, and the rest.

Yet, Thorne had introduced Vesta to his close-knit group not long after meeting her, which was a privilege never extended to Charlene.

Chapter 34

So, when Vesta had her birthday, Thome had Granger and the gang throw her a celebration. And for Vesta’s race, they all came to cheer her on.

People were saying that Vesta had really clicked with Granger’s group. They had become so close that if Thorne wasn’t around, it still wasn’t a full get–together without Vesta. She had become like family to them.

Perhaps because of this, over the past few years, Granger and his friends started to give her the cold shoulder. Back then, Charlene had tried to get on good terms with Granger and the guys, but they wouldn’t give her the time of day.

No chance whatsoever. They were outright cold to her. Charlene had her pride, too. Since they had made their stance clear, she didn’t push it. But she’d still greet them politely if needed whenever they crossed paths.

Yet, more often than not, she’d be met with their indifference or even scorn. This time, Charlene decided she wouldn’t even bother speaking. She brushed past them, ready to leave.

But then Granger said, “Ms. Ross, you have an interest in racing?”

His tone was chilly.

Charlene picked up on his insinuation right away. He was suspecting she was here stalking Thorne.

She turned around, and her voice was icy. “What are you getting at?”

Granger wasn’t embarrassed that Charlene had guessed his thoughts. “I thought someone like you, Ms. Ross, wouldn’t seem to enjoy racing, so I was curious.”

“Someone like me?” Charlene looked him straight in the eye. “Mr. Harden, do we know each other well? Do you understand me well? Since you think know me so well, why don’t you enlighten me on what kind of person am I?”

To Granger, Charlene always seemed quiet, gentle, and timid. But he felt that was a facade. In reality, Charlene was cunning. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have done something so despicable to get Thorne back in the day. Afterward, she dared to play innocent, refusing to admit her actions.

Granger remained silent, staring at Charlene. He couldn’t be bothered to judge her. Nor did he care to.

However, how Charlene spoke to him was different from their past encounters. It was as if she had dropped all pretenses, no longer wanting to play the part.

But it wasn’t quite like that either because Charlene’s gaze was cold, sharp, clear, and tinged with sarcasm. It was almost as if she was mocking him for saying he had her all figured out, putting himself on moral high ground to judge her without knowing the story.

Charlene didn’t care what Granger thought. She turned around and walked away.

Claudia had rented an apartment near the school for Terence. When Charlene dropped him off near the school, it was eleven at night. Terence was still growing, and even though he had dinner, he was hungry again.

He said, “Charlene, there’s a place nearby that has great late–night snacks. My treat.”

Charlene hadn’t had dinner and was craving something warm to fill her stomach, so she agreed. No sooner had they sat down than Charlene’s stomach growled.

Terence paused, and then it dawned on him. “Charlene, you… haven’t had dinner?”

“Nope.”

Terence immediately felt guilty. “Sorry, Charlene. It’s all my fault.”

“It’s okay. I wasn’t hungry earlier.”

Terence saw Charlene’s gentle smile and had mixed feelings. He thought Charlene was great. But it was too bad his brother couldn’t see it that way.

Chapter 35

It was nearly 1 a.m. when Thome and Jasmine returned from celebrating Vesta’s winning the car race. Seeing Thore carrying Jasming back so late, the housekeeper couldn’t help but express concern, “Why so late?”

Thome grunted in response, not elaborating further.

After taking Jasmine to her room, Thorne went to his own, flipping the light switch, only to find Charlene missing. He asked the housekeeper, “She didn’t come back tonight?”

The housekeeper answered, “No, Mrs. Henderson hasn’t returned.”

Thorne was puzzled. Charlene had been unusually absent from home. Such frequent nights out were rare for her. Could it be that ‘something significant had happened with the Ross family?

The following morning, Jasmine woke up with a bright smile, having had a blast playing with Vesta. Remembering Charlene, she excitedly ran toward the master bedroom with her teddy bear and called out, “Mommy! Mommy!”

The door was ajar, but there was no sign of Charlene. Jasmine’s face fell, but then, having changed his clothes, Thome emerged from the walk-in closet.

She quickly asked, “Dad, where’s Mommy?”

Methodically tying his tie, Thorne replied indifferently, “She’s not home.”

“Not home? Why?”

“If you want to know, ask her yourself.”

“Okay then.”

Jasmine picked up her phone and dialed Charlene. Just back from her morning jog, Charlene answered the call before Jasmine excitedly blurted out, “Mommy, where are you?”

Hesitant to reveal her whereabouts, Charlene asked, “What’s up, Minnie? Do you need something?”

No one except for Connie knew where she was staying. Charlene was relishing her independent life and wasn’t eager to be disturbed, so she hadn’t planned on disclosing her location to Jasmine yet.

Using the speakerphone and lying on the bed, Jasmine pleaded with Charlene, “I miss you, Mommy. Can you take me to school today?” Charlene responded, “I’m quite far from you now, darling. I won’t make it back in time to take you to school today. Maybe next time.” “Okay,” Jasmine said, a bit disheartened, and naturally requested, “Then you have to take me to school tomorrow morning, okay?” Charlene hesitated, not immediately responding. She wasn’t keen on going back there.

Noticing Charlene’s hesitation, Thorne was surprised. He had always known Charlene to prioritize their daughter, expecting her to agree to such a request.

After a pause, Charlene said, “How about letting your dad take you?”

But Jasmine missed her mother a lot. Not getting her wish, she felt wronged, and her eyes welled up. “No, I want you to take me. You haven’t taken me to school for a long time, except for yesterday-”

Seeing her insistence, Charlene finally agreed, “Fine, I promise.”

Her agreement wasn’t just out of sympathy for Jasmine. She felt responsible for looking after her since she had brought Jasmine into this world.

Jasmine’s face lit up with a smile once more.

Putting on his watch and seeing Jasmine still eager to chat, Thorne reminded her, “You’ll be late for breakfast if you don’t hurry down Jasmine gasped. “Ah! I haven’t brushed my teeth or washed my face yet. Mommy, I’ve got to go and do that first. Talk later!”

Without waiting for Charlene’s response, Jasmine hurriedly ended the call.

After hanging up and having breakfast, Charlene headed to her job at the Henderson Group.

Chapter 36

The meeting took place on a chilly morning. Thorne, the sought–after CEO of Henderson Group, was expected to appear.

Charlene and the others had settled into the conference room with their morning coffees barely touched when Thorne finally made his grand entrance fashionably late as usual. When he stepped in, Sunny, the newest addition to the team, gasped audibly, her eyes sparkling with admiration. Sunny was so mesmerized by Thorne that she seemed to forget where she was until the meeting officially began, and she had to snap back to reality.

Nudging Charlene, she whispered, “Mr. Henderson is seriously handsome!”

Charlene, who had only glanced up briefly when Thorne entered, responded with a noncommittal “Hmm” without taking her eyes off her laptop.

Sunny was surprised at Charlene’s apparent lack of interest in Thorne but then remembered Charlene was happily married with kids. Suddenly, her reaction, or lack thereof, made sense.

Throughout the meeting, Sunny got distracted, her gaze constantly drifting back to Thorne while Charlene diligently took notes on her laptop.

After the meeting, Thorne was the first to leave, and the others slowly filtered out. Sunny’s heart fluttered with excitement until Josh came over to collect the minutes from Charlene. That brought her back to reality.

Josh flipped through the notes Charlene had compiled and couldn’t help but praise, “Nice work, as always.”

Charlene replied, “Just doing my job,” as Josh walked away.

Then, Sunny finally realized she had no clue what they had discussed in the meeting. She hurriedly asked Charlene to share her notes, overwhelmed by the complexity of the terminology used. “Charlene, did you study architecture or something?”

“No,” Charlene answered, “I picked up books and learned what I could by myself.”

Charlene had made it a point to familiarize herself with the diverse industries Henderson Group invested in. This dedication was part of why she had risen to be the secretarial team leader at such a young age.

Sunny was impressed and asked Charlene to share her reading list, hoping to broaden her knowledge.

By lunchtime, Charlene had sent Sunny a starter reading list, which left Sunny daunted and determined.

Later that day, when Thorne had guests, Josh instructed Charlene to prepare several cups of coffee, mentioning he’d come by to pick them up. Sunny learned that Charlene had always made Thorne’s coffee.

Curious, Sunny asked if Charlene had delivered the coffee to Thorne. Charlene explained that while she mostly didn’t, there were exceptions when the team was too busy.

Upon seeing an opportunity, Sunny’s eyes lit up. “Charlene, could you teach me how to make his coffee? Even if I don’t get many chances, I’d like to learn.”

Charlene saw right through Sunny’s intentions right away but agreed to teach her anyway. After all, Charlene had long moved on from any personal ambitions involving Thorne. Sharing her coffee–making skills, which Thorne loved, was no big deal to her.

Chapter 37

Just then, Josh stepped into the break room, catching the tail end of the conversation and pausing in surprise.

He and Coy had always believed Charlene would never be content to leave the company. They thought she would seize any opportunity to stay. When Sunny, Charlene’s replacement, showed up for work the day before, they half–expected Charlene to make a move. After all, Sunny was beautiful.

How could Charlene be comfortable leaving someone like Sunny around Thorne?

But over the past few days, Charlene hadn’t just accepted Sunny, she’d actually started getting along with her pretty well. And she was even passing on her coffee–making secrets to Sunny. What on earth was going on?

Josh couldn’t figure it out, and Charlene wasn’t giving anything away.

She diligently completed her work and declined Sunny’s dinner invitation, planning instead to head home for a quick meal before diving back into her research on Al.

No sooner had she left the office than her phone rang.

It was Jasmine. “Mommy, are you off work?”

Charlene got into her car and asked, “Yeah. What’s up?”

Jasmine said, “I want mac and cheese and chicken noodle soup. Could you make some for me?”

Charlene paused. She and Thorne hadn’t officially divorced yet. And Thorne hadn’t asked her to move out. She was heading home to cook dinner for her daughter, confident Thorne wouldn’t object.

But she was tired and had her plans. Jasmine was her responsibility, but Charlene had her life, too. She wouldn’t sacrifice her time unconditionally for her anymore.

She said, “Mom’s got something on today, sweetheart. Next time, okay?”

Charlene had always put Thorne and Jasmine first before. She hardly ever said no to them. Yet Charlene had refused twice in one day. Not picking up on this shift, Jasmine thought Charlene was genuinely busy. But, accustomed to being Charlene’s priority, Jasmine wasn’t used to being refused like this.

Feeling slightly aggrieved, she said, “Mommy, why are you always so busy lately? I don’t care. I want mac and cheese, and I want that soup!”

“Minnie…” Charlene felt a headache coming on.

Jasmine huffed and hung up the phone in a fit of pique.

While sitting in her car, Charlene’s eyes reddened. She covered her eyes, remained silent, and drove off.

Upon arriving home, she settled for pasta. As her computer booted up, Stewart called, “There’s a gala coming up in a few days. Do you want to join me? I want to introduce you to some people.”

“Sure.”

Stewart asked again, “When can you wrap things up on your end?”

“Soon. In the next few days, I guess.”

“Great.”

Meanwhile, Jasmine had expected Charlene to rush home to indulge her and cook her meal. But she waited and waited. Over an hour passed, nearing eight in the evening, and Charlene was still not back.

Worried Jasmine might be starving, the housekeeper suggested, “Since your mom’s busy, why not have a little something now? We can wait for your mom to cook later…”

“I don’t want to!” Jasmine pouted, feeling genuinely aggrieved as Charlene hadn’t returned or called. The housekeeper’s suggestion brought her to tears, “I just want what Mommy makes-”

“But-”

Believing Charlene was really tied up, the housekeeper, left with no other choice, decided to call Thorne. It took a moment for Thorne to pick up the phone. “What’s happening?” he asked.

The housekeeper explained everything in detail.

“Hand her the phone,” Thorne instructed.

Taking the phone, Jasmine sobbed, “Daddy…”

“Eat your dinner.”

Through her tears, Jasmine stubbornly remained silent.

Thorne didn’t say anything else. Jasmine’s cries grew louder.

Thorne’s tone was calm as he continued, “I’ll take you out this weekend. You pick the place.”

The sniffling stopped, “Really?”

“Yes. Now, go and have your dinner.”

“Have you eaten, Dad?”

“At a business dinner.”

“Oh…”

“Go eat.”

“Okay.” Jasmine pouted but felt better, hanging up and obediently going downstairs to eat.

After hanging up. Thorne returned to his private dining room, where someone teased, “Mr. Henderson’s phone sure rings a lot.”

Thorne sipped his drink, replying, “I had to coax my daughter into eating. She was throwing a tantrum.”

Chapter 38

The news stirred a wave of reactions in the room, with expressions as varied as a patchwork quilt.

Rumors had swirled around Thorne for years, suggesting he’d tied the knot in a secret ceremony. Yet, the identity of the elusive Mrs. Henderson remained a puzzle no one could solve.

Some whispered that Thorne had never married at all. The truth of the matter was murky, and most were too timid to probe further.

So, when Thome casually mentioned having a daughter, the revelation left many slack-jawed with surprise. Yet, curiosity was quickly gone, replaced by a respectful silence.

After dinner, Jasmine was on pins and needles. She had been waiting for Charlene to come home. But by nine o’clock, with her bath taken, Charlene was nowhere to be seen.

Jasmine’s ears were on any sound from outside.

Just past ten, the hum of a car engine sparked hope, and she dashed downstairs, calling out, “Mommy-” Her voice cut off abruptly as Thorne stepped inside, her excitement deflated. “Daddy?”

Thorne handed his coat to the housekeeper, noting his daughter’s disappointed expression. “What’s wrong?”

I thought it was Mommy coming back.”

Thorne didn’t let the sting of “absent mom, forgotten dad” bother him, pausing before saying, “She hasn’t returned yet?”

“No…”

Not overly concerned, Thorne reassured her, “She’s probably caught up with something. Didn’t she promise to drive you to school tomorrow? Get to bed early, and you’ll see her in the morning.”

With that, Jasmine’s spirits lifted slightly. “Okay.”

After heading upstairs, Thorne retreated to his study to wrap up some work. By the time he finished, it was nearly midnight.

He half–expected Charlene to have returned during his busyness. But when he returned to their room, he found it empty. She hadn’t come home.

It seemed the Ross family was indeed in trouble. With that thought, Thorne casually proceeded to the bathroom.

The following day, due to her school run duty, Charlene rose early.

After a quick bite, she was on her way, driving out of the neighborhood.

Entering the familiar gated community, a brief sense of disorientation hit her. She had lived there for nearly seven years. But after just a three–week absence, it felt like a lifetime had passed.

Though the scenery hadn’t changed, Charlene felt like a stranger.

The housekeeper greeted her warmly, “Welcome back, Mrs. Henderson.”

Charlene hesitated at the title but didn’t correct him, asking, “Is Minnie awake yet?”

“It’s about time she got up, or she’ll miss breakfast.”

Instead of going upstairs herself, Charlene asked Latonia, the maid, to nudge Minnie along.

The housekeeper offered, “Have you had breakfast, Mrs. Henderson? It’s ready if you–”

With a soft smile, Charlene declined. “No, thank you. I’ve eaten.”

“Alright then.”

As Thorne descended the stairs, Charlene acknowledged him with a nod to give a silent greeting.

Thorne paused, about to speak, when Jasmine bounded down the stairs into Charlene’s arms.

Charlene hugged her, ruffling her hair affectionately. “We should hurry. Breakfast is waiting.”

“Yes!” Jasmine’s day brightened instantly at the sight of her mother, her cozy scent filling the air as she snuggled close. “Mommy, stay With me while I eat, okay?”

Charlene remained seated, “I’ve eaten, but go ahead.”

Jasmine pouted, “Then chat with me?”

As they chatted, Thorne took a seat at the dining table.

Conceding to Jasmine’s wishes, Charlene joined them, choosing a seat across from Thorne.

The housekeeper got Charlene a cup of coffee, and she sipped quietly, listening to Jasmine’s animated recount of her school day while ignoring Thorne.

Thome couldn’t help but notice Charlene’s cold demeanor, a stark contrast to her warmth during their last visit to the Henderson mansion.

He frowned, pausing mid-bite as the tension in the air thickened.

Chapter 39

Just then, his phone rang. Charlene glanced over and saw “Sweetheart‘ flash across the phone screen on the table.

She thought she’d be over it by now. But after putting her heart into this relationship for years, could she truly drop it like it was nothing? The word pierced her eyes, and she quickly looked away.

When Thome looked up, he noticed the deep pain in Charlene’s eyes, but he unhesitatingly answered the call right before her, his voice soft as he spoke, “What’s up?”

Jasmine also noticed the commotion on Thorne’s end. In her memory, Thome only showed this tender side when talking to Vesta.

Forgetting Charlene was there, she excitedly asked, “Dad, is it Ms. Hawkins?”

Thorne replied in a mild tone, “Yeah.”

As Jasmine was about to say she wanted to talk to Vesta too, she remembered Charlene was there and that Charlene didn’t like Vesta, so she swallowed her words.

But her good mood was affected. She frowned slightly, wishing Charlene could get along with Vesta, Whatever Vesta said made Thorne frown with concern, leaving his breakfast unfinished as he hurried out Seeing Thorne rush off, Jasmine couldn’t help but worry. But with Charlene there, she didn’t voice her concerns. Losing her appetite, she tugged Charlene to stand up, saying, “Mommy, I’m done eating. Let’s head out.” Charlene saw Jasmine’s reactions, understanding her rush was to check on Vesta. But she said nothing.

“You’ve hardly eaten anything. Take some with you for the car.”

Jasmine rejected. “No, I’m not hungry-”

Charlene paused. She didn’t insist further.

In the car, Jasmine didn’t wait a second longer. As soon as she sat in the backseat, she immediately texted Vesta.

Charlene saw but remained silent.

A bit later, Vesta got back to them, saying it was just a minor fever and a cold, nothing to worry about.

Yet, hearing Vesta’s slightly hoarse voice over the messages, Jasmine got worried and quickly texted that she would visit after school. Sending the message, Jasmine felt guilty. It had been a while since she’d eaten Charlene’s cooking, and she had planned to have dinner together. Fortunately, she hadn’t mentioned it yet.

After a stealthy glance at Charlene in the driver’s seat and seeing she hadn’t noticed, Jasmine felt relieved.

Upon reaching school, Jasmine hugged Charlene affectionately. “Mom, I’m heading in now.”

“Okay.”

Jasmine didn’t notice how cold Charlene’s reply was as she breezed into school.

Charlene received a message in the office stating Thorne had an urgent matter, pushing the meeting from 10 a.m. to the afternoon. Thorne’s “urgent matter” was taking care of the sick Vesta. Charlene showed no reaction, focusing on her work.

Around 2 p.m., Thorne must have returned to the office because Josh announced a 3 p.m. meeting and asked her to prepare a cup of coffee for Thorne.

When Thorne entered the meeting room, Charlene’s typing paused.

He had changed his clothes. Not the ones from the morning. He had visited Vesta in the morning. Whether or not something happened between them, Thorne might have just wanted to comfort Vesta, maybe even lying beside her to help her fall asleep.

With that thought, she zoned out for a moment. Thinking she was daydreaming about Thorne inappropriately, she returned to reality to find Thorne looking at her coldly.

Charlene’s fist tightened as she thought about his gentle treatment of Vesta and his icy, impatient behavior towards her. She quickly turned away.

Shortly after the meeting, Josh dropped by and told her that her transition work was nearly complete and that she wouldn’t need to come to the office the next day.

Charlene replied, “I understand.”

Even if Josh hadn’t mentioned it, she would have approached him after finishing her tasks. His visit saved her the trip.

Josh was surprised at how readily Charlene agreed.

Chapter 40

Hey, Josh.” Charlene reached out her hand. “Thanks for looking out for me all these years.”

Josh was still in a daze but shook her hand. “Don’t mention it.”

After gathering her things, Charlene left.

Josh couldn’t believe Charlene had gone.

“What are you spacing out for?” Coy slapped him on the shoulder.

“Charlene left the company.”

Coy paused, “For real?”

Could she bring herself to leave? He was skeptical.

He scoffed, “Sure, she’s gone now, but that doesn’t mean she won’t try to worm her way back in. Just wait. She’ll be back before we know it, probably with Irma pulling some strings for her.”

Josh remained silent. It seemed unbelievable, but he felt she was serious based on the vibe he’d been getting from Charlene lately.

After leaving Henderson Group, Charlene went straight home.

Seemingly preoccupied with Vesta again, she didn’t get any calls from Jasmine for the next few days.

Late in the night, Connie started running a fever. Charlene quickly shut her book, snatched up her car keys, and bolted out the door.

It had been raining all day and hadn’t stopped till then. Connie lived in the old town area. At this hour, the streets were empty.

She stopped by a pharmacy near Connie’s place to pick up some medicine. When she returned to her car, the passenger door slammed open, and a towering figure slid in.

Charlene’s heart skipped a beat. As she turned, she saw a black gun pointed at her.

“Don’t move.” The man was in black, wearing a mask and a hat that pulled low, obscuring his face, but his gaze was cold and sharp.

Charlene raised her hands slightly, not daring to move further.

The man took her purse and phone. “I won’t harm you. Just drive me where I need to go, and you’re free to go.”

Before Charlene could react, he ordered coldly, “Drive.”

The area was eerily quiet, with no cars or people, and the pharmacy was some distance away.

While Charlene was figuring out what to do next, she picked up a heavy scent of blood in the car.

Taking a moment, she started the car and asked, “Where to?”

“Keep going to Silver Wave Port. I’ll tell you the way.”

“No need. I know the way,” Charlene said, pulling onto the road.

Then, as Charlene focused entirely on driving, she didn’t miss a beat, her driving smooth and meticulous. As the man saw this, gun his hand, he started seeing her differently, but she was clueless.

Eventually, he instructed, “Stop under the oak tree ahead.”

“Okay.” Charlene parked smoothly by the roadside, his gun still trained on her. As he got out, she retrieved her purse, calmly searching through it before him. “I have some first aid supplies here.”

The smell of blood had only grown stronger in the half–hour drive. Charlene knew he must be seriously injured.

The man paused but ignored her offer, exiting the car and quickly disappearing into the darkness.

Seeing he didn’t want her help, Charlene didn’t insist, turning the car around to leave.

A few minutes later, the man boarded a boat waiting for him, removing his hat and mask. His phone rang as he was getting his wounds treated. Picking up, he heard Moran’s anxious voice before he could speak, “Granger, are you okay? My guys said they didn’t pick you up. Where are you?”

Granger answered, “I ran into trouble, but I’m at the dock now.”

Moran sighed. “That’s a relief. How did such a thing happen? I was worried sick!”

After a moment, hanging up, Granger stared at the distant oak tree, lost in thought.

Charlene returned to Connie’s half an hour later.

After popping her pills and slurping some soup, Connie’s mood brightened a bit, but then she frowned,

“Why do smell blood? Charlene, are you hurt?” she asked.

It was the man who was injured. When he took her phone and purse, his blood had smeared onto them. She had cleaned them upon returning, but it seemed she hadn’t wiped them down thoroughly.

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