Unknown Divorce: Revelation Beyond Time Novel by Miss Lyra (Chapters 81 to 90) 

Chapter 81

Seeing Charlene and Stewart appeared to surprise both of them.

After Quincy greeted Charlene and Stewart, he walked toward Thorne and Vesta, Since Thore had seen them and given the upcoming collaboration, Charlene and Stewart exchanged a look before deciding to follow.

Quincy was acquainted with Vesta, too, greeting her warmly, “Ms. Hawkins

Vesta replied, “Hello,” Her tone was a bit on the colder side.

‘Quincy didn’t seem to mind. After all, Vesta was Thorne’s darling, likely to be the future Mrs. Henderson, it was only natural for her to maintain distance from people like them.

Quincy turned to Charlene and the rest, explaining to Thorne, “I was at PrimeStar this morning discussing a partnership. Thought we’d grab some lunch now that it’s noon.”

Thorne nodded, shaking his hand, “Hard work pays off.”

Quincy responded, “It’s what I do,”

Thorne’s gaze shifted to Charlene and Stewart, greeting Stewart, “Mr. Ferguson”

He didn’t address Charlene.

Stewart responded and then suggested, “Since we’re all here, why not join us?”

Thorne turned him down, saying, “I’ve got my own plans already, and it’s not really a group thing. I’ll catch up with you another time.”

Personal plans? A date with Vesta? Did he want no interruptions?

Stewart inwardly scoffed but outwardly smiled, “Mr. Henderson, you’re too kind.”

Interested in getting to know Stewart better, Vesta naturally prioritized Thorne.

Seeing Thorne so invested in their date filled her with joy, and she preferred to have their private time undisturbed. Hearing Thorne’s words, she didn’t press further and left with him.

Once they were out of earshot, Stewart inquired, “Quincy, you know Ms. Hawkins?”

“Just met a few times,” Quincy revealed. “Mr. Henderson is attentive to Ms. Hawkins. He’s brought her to the company several times already.”

So that was it.

Though married to Thorne for years and somewhat aware of the companies he founded, Charlene had never visited them. Thorne had forbidden it. Yet, what he forbade her, he freely allowed Vesta.

Seizing a moment when Quincy was distracted, Stewart whispered to Charlene, “After that ‘drama‘ at the charity dinner and last week’s Future Tech Expo, the Hawkins family has been building quite the network Starfall. I heard they’d secured several projects lately.”

Once they completed those projects, the Hawkins family would establish themselves in Starfall. That was a success many business people dreamed of, and the Hawkins family had managed it in just a few days with Thorne’s help, sparking envy all around.

Hearing this, Charlene lowered her gaze and hummed in acknowledgment.

Chapter 82

After lunch, they spent a few more hours discussing. In the afternoon, both companies had tentatively established a partnership.

Two days later, Charlene and Stewart headed to Thorne’s tech company, Neural Nexus Tech, to discuss contract details.

Upon arrival at Neural Nexus Tech, they would meet Quincy and a key company executive, Mr. Ferrell.

But Mr. Ferrell was running a bit late. Once he arrived in the conference room, he immediately apologized to Charlene and Stewart.

“Got held up in a meeting upstairs with Mr. Henderson. Sorry for the delay.”

‘So, Thorne is also at Neural Nexus Tech?’ Charlene thought, shaking hands with Mr. Ferrell alongside Stewart, saying, “No worries.”

With Mr. Ferrell there, they proceeded to discuss the contract.

Sometime later, someone entered the room. Charlene and Stewart didn’t pay much attention, assuming it was another Neural Nexus Tech staff member.

However, Quincy and Mr. Ferrell immediately greeted her, “Ms. Hawkins.”

Charlene paused.

Looking up, sure enough, it was Vesta. Stewart frowned as well.

After a glance at Charlene, Vesta told Quincy and Mr. Ferrell, “I’m here to take a look. Carry on. Don’t mind me.”

Quincy and Mr. Ferrell offered reassurances quickly and instructed their secretary to serve coffee for Vesta without hesitation. Their warm and respectful approach clearly showed they held her in high esteem, almost as if she were the boss’s partner.

Vesta also greeted Stewart. “Mr. Ferguson.”

Stewart nodded. “Ms. Hawkins.”

After taking the coffee poured by Mr. Ferrell’s secretary, Vesta sat in a chair brought over for her. Vesta sipped her coffee, put down the cup, noticed the contract on the table, and asked, “May I have a look?”

Mr. Ferrell chuckled, “Of course.”

Seeing Stewart and Charlene looking over, Mr. Ferrell smiled and explained, “Ms. Hawkins is Mr. Henderson’s girlfriend. Mr. Henderson doesn’t mind her being around when signing contracts.”

The implication was clear that Vesta was one of their own, so there was no concern about confidential leaks.

Stewart smiled. “Mr. Ferrell, with your word, we’re at ease then.”

Charlene, however, remained silent, her head bowed. Thorne had forbidden her entry to his home office due to confidential company matters. He had made this clear through the housekeeper from the first day she moved in.

Thus, she had never once entered that home office over the years. Yet Vesta not only had free access to Thorne’s confidential documents but was also a well–known figure within Neural Nexus Tech. That clearly showed the depth of her relationship with Thorne.

Vesta knew Stewart and Charlene’s reactions seeing her handling these documents. They were worried about the potential information leaks and surprised at how close Vesta and Thorne had gotten.

Putting down the document, Vesta looked toward Charlene, who kept her head down as if afraid to meet her gaze. Vesta smiled while sipping her coffee, like the boss’s wife.

“While Mr Ferrell was amending a clause in the contract, Stewart asked, “Ms. Hawkins, have you considered working at Neural Nexus Tech?”

Vesta set her cup down, locking eyes with him. “Thorne asked me the same, but I prefer to stand on my own two feet, not wanting to take shortcuts, so I declined.”

Before Stewart could respond, Mr. Ferrell interrupted with a laugh, “Ms. Hawkins, you’re modest. We all know you’re a prodigy in Al, and even with your close relation to Mr. Henderson, none of us would think you’re taking a shortcut. On the contrary, if Neural Nexus Tech could have Ms. Hawkins join us, our work would undoubtedly progress more smoothly. Ms. Hawkins, maybe you could reconsider?”

Chapter 83

That meant, if Vesta wished, she could come to work there anytime. The favoritism Thorne showed was something Charlene had long stopped bothering to count.

While sipping from her coffee, Charlene’s gaze drifted to the glass door where a figure stood. She looked up slightly. It was Thorne. She paused.

Thorne’s gaze met hers, yet it seemed his focus was elsewhere. Turning back, Charlene noticed Vesta offering a slight nod toward the door, greeting Thorne.

Then, Vesta turned to Mr. Ferrell, “I’ll be off then.”

Then, Mr. Ferrell and Quincy realized Thorne’s presence.

Approaching noon, Thorne had come down specifically to take Vesta out for lunch.

As Quincy and the others started to stand up, Thorne waved them off, “Please, don’t worry about me. Go ahead with your work.”

They nodded in agreement, busying themselves.

Thorne politely addressed Stewart, “Sorry, I can’t host you personally due to my schedule. Mr. Ferguson, I hope you can understand.”

“Mr. Henderson, you’re too kind. I completely understand the demands of your schedule,” Stewart responded.

Thorne smiled, his gaze briefly meeting Charlene’s before he and Vesta left together.

Thorne’s extensive business portfolio was well–known within the industry. Stewart hadn’t expected to find Thorne and Vesta at Neural Nexus Tech.

We turned to Charlene, patting her shoulder silently in a comforting gesture.

Charlene shook her head. She was fine. Heading to Neural Nexus Tech, Charlene was mentally preparing to possibly run into Thorne. What she didn’t see coming was bumping into Vesta there too.

Quincy had mentioned a few days ago that Vesta had visited Neural Nexus Tech, but Charlene had assumed it was a one–time occurrence. She hadn’t realized that Vesta treated Thorne’s company almost as her own, coming and going as she pleased and being so familiar with everyone there.

The contract they discussed involved technical collaboration in later stages and contained numerous clauses to avoid potential disputes during the partnership. Every clause required meticulous discussion.

It was past five in the afternoon when they finalized the contract terms.

After Stewart signed, Mr. Ferrell personally took the documents for Thorne’s signature.

Stewart paused, “Mr. Henderson is still in the office?”

“Yes.” Quincy added, “He’s busy dealing with another project.”

Stewart wondered, ‘Is that so? Is it because he’s busy, or is it because Charlene is there, and he prefers not to interact too much?‘

Charlene wondered the same.

Quincy and Stewart, both tech folks, had known each other before.

With the contract signed and a moment to relax, Quincy coughed softly, lowering his voice, “Ms. Hawkins has been with Mr. Henderson all day. Their relationship, well, it’s solid.”

Sitting right beside Stewart, Charlene couldn’t help but overhear.

Soon after, Mr. Ferrell returned with the documents signed by Thorne.

Stewart had personal matters to attend to that evening and declined Mr. Ferrell’s dinner invitation.

Mr. Ferrell and Quincy didn’t insist, politely seeing them out, only to bump into Thorne and Vesta by the elevator.

Chapter 84

Stewart blinked in surprise, “Really? What a coincidence!”

Thorne nodded. “Quite the coincidence.”

Stewart suggested, “We’ve got a big group here. Why don’t you, Mr. Henderson, go ahead? We can wait for the next one.”

“Sure, see you next time.”

“See you.”

As the elevator doors closed again, Charlene and Stewart resigned themselves to waiting.

A few moments later, they boarded the next elevator. That was when Charlene’s phone rang. It was a call from

Jasmine.

After a quick head–up to the others, Charlene answered, “Hello?”

Jasmine asked, “Mommy, are you off work yet? When are you coming home?”

Since Charlene hurt her ankle, Jasmine had been calling her every day like clockwork. Now that Charlene’s ankle was better, Jasmine had just asked her yesterday when she’d be coming home.

Charlene had been busy with work and didn’t go home the previous night.

Hearing Jasmine’s question, Charlene replied, “Just wrapped up. I’ll be home soon.”

As she hung up, they reached the ground floor.

Quincy asked, curious, “Ms. Ross, you have a kid?”

Charlene nodded,

…I can’t tell…” He assumed Charlene and Stewart were a couple, given how well they got along and Stewart’s evident care for her.

Mr. Ferrell was equally surprised, considering how young Charlene appeared, unlike someone with a child.

He casually inquired, “Is your husband in the same field as us?”

Charlene paused before answering, “Kind of.”

Quincy, previously engaged in technical discussions with Charlene, was aware of her strong professional capabilities. He had thought her husband was in the same field and was about to ask his name. But noticing Charlene’s indifferent demeanor, he decided to drop the subject.

Meanwhile, Stewart was dying to spill the beans that the “husband” they were talking about was none other than Thorne, the big boss of their company!

However, given that Charlene was divorcing Thorne and considering their future interactions with Quincy and the team, revealing this might make it awkward for them to interact with Charlene. Furthermore, it could lead to people targeting Charlene to curry favor with Vesta.

To avoid unnecessary complications, Stewart ultimately kept quiet.

After leaving Neural Nexus Tech, Charlene and Stewart went their separate ways.

Upon arriving at the villa, Jasmine was waiting outside. Seeing Charlene, she ran over. “Mommy!”

“Hey, sweetie,” Charlene responded, ruffling Jasmine’s hair. She was about to ask if she was hungry when Jasmine beat her to it, eyeing her foot. “Mommy, are you all better now?”

“Yes, all healed.”

“Where did it hurt before? Can I see?”

No need. It’s all better now.”

Oh, come on. Let me see.”

Charlene reluctantly took off her sneakers, pointing to her previously injured ankle.

Jasmine crouched down to inspect, “It doesn’t look like there was ever a wound.”

“It’s not swollen anymore, so it’s not visible.”

“Oh…” Then she said, “Now that you’ve healed, you shouldn’t stand too long. Dinner’s ready. Let’s eat first.”

“Okay.”

Jasmine happily led Charlene to the dining room, where she saw only two places set. Thorne’s spot was conspicuously empty.

Noticing her gaze, Jasmine mentioned, “Dad said he’s busy with work and won’t be home for dinner tonight. It’s just us.”

Recalling the brief encounter with Thorne and Vesta in the elevator, Charlene wondered if Thorne’s “busy” meant having dinner with Vesta. She kept the thought to herself.

As they ate, Charlene chatted with Jasmine. Maybe it was because Charlene had been giving Jasmine more freedom lately, but their relationship felt closer than ever. Jasmine didn’t seem impatient like she used to. Thus, after dinner, Jasmine wanted Charlene to help her bathe, wash her hair, and dry it.

Chapter 85

Charlene had agreed to all of Jasmine’s requests, including the one where Jasmine asked her to drop her off at school the following day.

Since their getaway at Sapphire Springs Resort, it had been ten days since they had seen each other. So, Charlene stayed over at the villa that night.

However, she didn’t return to the master bedroom. Instead, she planned to share a bed with Jasmine.

The last time Charlene stayed in bed with Jasmine was when Jasmine fell sick. But Jasmine wasn’t ill and hadn’t asked Charlene to stay with her.

Watching Charlene get ready for bed in her room, Jasmine couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t return to her and Dad’s room.

But Jasmine loved sharing a bed with Charlene, who was always warm and smelled nice. Jasmine felt comforted when hugging Charlene and didn’t question it.

However, with Charlene around, she had to be extra careful when saying goodnight to Vesta. It would be awkward if Charlene found out.

That night, Charlene didn’t hit the hay until it was past eleven at night. But Thorne hadn’t come home yet.

The following morning, she found Thorne hadn’t come home at all. The last time she saw him, he was leaving with Vesta. Charlene thought he probably spent the night with Vesta.

Charlene pushed those thoughts aside when she dropped Jasmine off at school before heading to PrimeStar for work.

Jasmine seemed to have her mind on Vesta most of the time. She only reached out to Charlene now and then–usually when it had been a while since they last caught up, or when Thorne was out of town and she was feeling bored. If not for those times, it seemed like Jasmine didn’t really need Charlene around.

After that day, once Jasmine knew her foot had healed, she stopped calling her daily or asking why she didn’t come home at night. As for Thorne, he never paid much attention to her whereabouts.

PrimeStar had secured two big projects, which resulted in substantial revenue and led to a grand team–building event on Friday.

They decided on the location for the event after discussion. Eventually, everyone agreed on a spa retreat.

When Charlene heard the news, she couldn’t help but let out a wry smile.

Stewart asked, “What’s up? Not into the idea of a spa retreat?”

“It’s not that.” She remembered when they went to the spa, and Thorne left her behind at Sapphire Springs Resort alone. It felt like it happened yesterday, yet it had been almost half a month.

Time sure flies. Though she wasn’t thrilled about the spa, it was her first big team event since rejoining the company, s company, so she went along with everyone.

The last trip to Sapphire Springs Resort was to the Henderson family’s private estate. And the company was heading to a large spa resort with different entertainment facilities.

After changing into a robe, Charlene went to the spa pool.

There weren’t many women in their company, and when Charlene arrived, the others hadn’t yet. As Charlene settled in, she noticed a little girl, not much older than Jasmine, curiously reaching into the water by the poolside. The pool was about four feet deep, and the girl looked shorter than that.

Worried she might fall in, Charlene started to get up but heard a splash. The girl had fallen into the pool.

Charlene rushed over, lifted the girl out, and held her close. The little girl clung to her while coughing and crying her face turning red.

As Charlene comforted the little girl and patted her back, asking for her family’s information while leading her to find a staff member, they stepped outside and spotted Granger not too far away.

Before Charlene could react, the little girl in her arms reached out toward Granger, crying, “Uncle Granger…”

As Charlene comforted the little girl and patted her back, asking for her family’s information while leading her to a staff member, they stepped outside and spotted Granger not too far away.

Before Charlene could react, the little girl in her arms reached out toward Granger, crying, “Uncle Granger…”

Chapter 86

Daisy.” Granger walked over, gently taking the little girl from Charlene’s arms. Only then did Granger notice Daisy was all wet.

He paused, turning to Charlene and asking, “What happened?”

Charlene hadn’t expected the little girl to be Granger’s niece. She explained, “She fell into the pool. I saw it happen and picked her up.”

Granger said, “Thank you.”

“No problem,” Charlene said. “She needs to get changed in case of catching a cold.”

Granger nodded, his gaze lingering on Charlene as if he wanted to say more. But Daisy was clinging to him, crying nonstop as if terrified. Granger didn’t say anything more. Instead, he softly comforted her, nodded at Charlene, and carried Daisy into the elevator.

Finding herself no longer needed, Charlene returned to her spa session. After bathing, Charlene changed her clothes and headed to the buffet area to grab something to eat.

Before she could finish, Granger appeared with Daisy. “Can we sit here?”

Charlene wasn’t keen on mingling too much with Granger. But since he asked, she nodded, “Please, take a seat.”

“Daisy, stay put. Uncle Granger will get you something to eat.”

Daisy shyly glanced at Charlene and nodded, whispering, “Okay.”

Granger asked Charlene, “Could you watch her for a moment?”

Charlene wasn’t too eager to get involved with Granger, but the situation left her no choice but to agree, “Sure.”

Once Granger left, Charlene and Daisy were left facing each other. Daisy appeared timid, making Charlene cautious about saying anything that might scare her.

Unsure of Daisy’s dietary preferences or if she had food allergies, Charlene hesitated to offer food from her plate.

After a moment, she gently broke the silence. “Your uncle will be back soon.”

Daisy’s blue, beautiful eyes met hers, and after a moment, she nodded.

Charlene asked softly, “Did you get water up your nose? Does it still hurt?”

Daisy shook her head.

Soon, Granger returned, placing a plate before Daisy and handing her a fork and knife.

Daisy quietly began to eat, taking small bites.

Granger asked, “Is it good?”

Daisy nodded.

Granger glanced at Charlene and told Daisy, “The lady here helped you. Say thank you to her.”

Her tongue darting out to lick some frosting off the fork, Daisy looked up at Charlene and quietly said, “Thank you, ma’am.”

It seemed Granger had brought the child over to express their gratitude.

Hearing that, Charlene softly replied, “You’re welcome.”

Daisy then looked at Granger, who encouraged her, “It’s okay. Keep eating.”

Once Daisy resumed eating, Granger shifted his attention from his niece and took a bite of his food before ong Charlene, “Are you here alone?”

Charlene replied, “It’s a company retreat. I’m here with my colleagues”

Granger was unaware that Charlene had left the Henderson Group. Assuming her company was also having a retreat there, he paused before responding, “I see,”

Just then, Stewart caught Charlene’s eye and waved at her.

Since Charlene preferred to keep her distance from Granger and those associated with him, seeing Stewart gave her an excuse to leave. She quickly waved back and seized the moment to tell Granger, Thanks for last time. I’ve got to go. Enjoy your meal.”

Granger could sense Charlene’s unease around him, possibly due to their last unpleasant encounter at the racetrack, but he didn’t dwell on it.

As Charlene left, Granger nodded, not attempting to keep her there.

As she approached Stewart, he looked back at Granger, “Who was that?”

He had greeted Charlene without realizing Granger was facing away from him. The man’s broad, upright silhouette and the presence of a child made him think they might be sharing a table with her.

Chapter 87

Charlene had gotten up to chat with the other person, and telling from their interaction, it felt like they knew each other.

“Granger.”

“Is that him?” Stewart was genuinely surprised. “I thought you two weren’t close. How did you end up sitting together?”

Charlene explained, “His niece fell into the pool earlier, and I saw it and saved her. He came over to thank me.”

Stewart nodded in understanding. “Ah, that explains it.”

Charlene mentioned she was with her colleagues, so Granger assumed the person she had greeted earlier was a coworker and didn’t turn back to look.

As Charlene and Stewart walked away, Granger glimpsed their retreating figures, only then realizing the other person was a tall young man with an impressive build.

Judging by their silhouettes alone, he and Charlene seemed well–matched. Observing the distance as they walked, they shared a good relationship.

“Uncle Granger…”

Hearing Daisy’s voice brought Granger back to the present. “Finished eating? Let’s head upstairs then.”

Daisy nodded. “I’m done.”

Granger had eaten. He set down his napkin and went upstairs with Daisy.

When Charlene got back to her room, she was all set to relax with a book on the balcony, but then her phone rang. It was Thorne. Usually, he only called when there was something important going on.

Thinking this, Charlene answered with a cold tone, “Hello?”

“Grandma wants you to come over for dinner tomorrow night.”

Charlene paused and replied, “Okay, I got it.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the call was abruptly ended. Charlene didn’t mind and set aside her phone, returning to her book.

She slept well that night and woke up early the following morning.

After a morning run in the hotel gym and a brief rest, she soaked in the hot tub again.

That was when a woman in her forties or fifties, leading Daisy by the hand, approached her.

Charlene recognized her from the day before. She seemed the nanny the Harden family had hired to look after Daisy,

Daisy had fallen into the pool the day before because the nanny had taken an urgent call and lost focus. The outcome would have been unthinkable if Charlene hadn’t been at the hot tub to rescue Daisy.

Seeing Charlene, the woman quickly thanked her.

Charlene said, “Don’t mention it.”

Assuming Daisy would be hesitant to enter the water after the previous day’s scare, Charlene was surprised to see her holding the nanny’s hand and a swim ring, cautiously stepping into the water.

Soon, Daisy paddled toward Charlene, softly saying, “Ma’am…”

Charlene turned, “What’s up?”

Daisy didn’t respond, but she seemed happy, swimming around Charlene.

The nanny smiled, “Daisy likes you.”

Charlene smiled back but said nothing. She had to leave for a work event later and said goodbye to Daisy.

But Daisy reached out with open arms. “Ma’am, hug.”

Charlene obliged, lifting her out of the water.

After slipping into a dry robe, Charlene was ready to head to the elevator with Daisy. They planned to split up once they got to their floor. But as they were waiting, Granger appeared.

Daisy’s small, pretty face lit up with a clean smile. “Uncle Granger.*

Granger walked over, reaching out to take her, but Daisy clung to Charlene, not wanting to let go. Yet, she also wanted Granger’s embrace. Finally, she extended one arm.

As Granger took her, Daisy’s other hand clung to Charlene’s robe. In the process, Daisy’s grip tightened, inadvertently pulling Charlene’s robe open.

Charlene stood there, revealed in her blue lace lingerie. Her flawless skin, full curves, and slender waist were suddenly all before Granger.

Chapter 88

Charlene’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she hastily retrieved her collar from Daisy’s grasp.

Granger’s gaze darkened before he turned away, discreetly shifting his focus.

The nanny standing nearby was equally shocked.

Thankfully, they were alone. Otherwise, the embarrassment would have been unbearable.

She quickly helped Charlene straighten her clothes.

Charlene was usually modest, never having exposed herself to any other man but Thorne, especially since this man was Thorne’s close friend,

It only added to her discomfort.

After fixing her attire, Charlene smiled uneasily and said, “I’ve got to go. Something came up.”

Only then did Granger face her again, offering a sincere, “I’m sorry.”

Realizing her mistake and thinking she had upset Charlene, Daisy whispered an apology with teary eyes, “I’m sorry,”

Charlene realized it was an accident and didn’t want to be too hard on her. She responded, “It’s okay, I know you didn’t mean it.”

With a faint smile and a wave to Daisy, Charlene turned and stepped into the elevator.

Granger watched the doors close before telling Daisy, still in his arms. “Daisy, we can’t pull on people’s clothes like that, okay?”

Daisy nodded vigorously, “Yeah, I get it.”

Charlene had to head back to Henderson Mansion for dinner and left early after wrapping up the group activity around four in the afternoon.

Stewart offered to walk her to the parking lot, reminding her, “Drive safe.”

“I will,” she replied.

As they talked, a car slowly approached them. Charlene didn’t notice until the rear window lowered, and Daisy’s head popped out, waving at her, “Bye.”

Charlene smiled softly, “Bye, Daisy.”

Noticing Granger’s gaze, she paused and gave him a nod in greeting.

Granger nodded back and then glanced at Stewart beside her before looking away.

After watching his car drive off, Stewart rubbed his chin. “Why do I feel like Granger was sizing me up?”

Charlene didn’t pay it much mind. “Why would he? He’s got no reason to.”

Stewart could only speculate, “Seeing me so close to you, he might think there’s something more and keep an eye out for his buddy Thorne?”

Charlene dismissed the idea with a lighter laugh. “Don’t worry. That’s not it.”

Granger and his circle were also close with Vesta. They’d prefer Thorne ended up with Vesta than with her.

Would they be concerned about her getting close to another man and possibly complicating things for Thorne? Unlikely.

After driving off, Charlene arrived at the Henderson Mansion as night fell.

Other than the servants, only Irma was there to greet her.

Seeing Charlene alone, Irma’s smile faltered. “Where’s Minnie?”

was usual that Thorne didn’t arrive with Jasmine, and Irma wouldn’t inquire about him. But wasn’t Jasmine usually with Charlene?

Since her foot healed and she visited Jasmine for a meal, Jasmine hadn’t contacted her again. As for their weekend plans, Charlene was in the dark. She didn’t bother asking.

After hearing Irma’s question, Charlene said, “They should be here soon.”

Though she said so, whether they’d come tonight remained uncertain, considering the previous incident at Sapphire Springs Resort,

Irma thought Charlene knew of Thorne and Jasmine’s whereabouts and didn’t press further.

After settling in, Charlene chatted with Irma until nearly 7:30 PM, yet there was no sign of Thorne and Jasmine.

Irma frowned. “What time is it? Why aren’t they here yet?”

Her irritation reminded Charlene of how Thorne had been absent during their trip to Sapphire Springs Resort. Clearly unhappy, she told Charlene, “Call them and hurry them up.”

Charlene obliged, dialing Thorne’s number.

He answered promptly, knowing why she called, and said, “Twenty minutes.”

Jasmine’s voice came through before Charlene could respond, “Bye, Ms. Hawkins.”

Charlene’s heart sank. They were with Vesta.

As Vesta’s gentle voice bid Thorne farewell, Charlene realized her suspicions were correct.

Then Thorne’s voice, colder, asked, “Anything else?”

Returning to the moment, Charlene replied, “No, that’s all.”

As she was about to hang up, Thorne ended the call first, leaving Charlene staring at her phone. “What’s the matter? He’s not coming again?” Irma grumbled, adding, “Thorne is too much!”

“No,” Charlene said with a smile. “Traffic’s bad. They’ll be here in twenty minutes.”

Irma’s mood lifted slightly but remained irked, “Let’s start without them, and Thorne deserves a cold dinner for this!”

The housekeeper chuckled and interjected, “Miss Minnie is with him, though.”

Irma huffed, relenting, “Fine, for my great–granddaughter’s sake, I’ll let it slide this time!” Charlene listened, a smile playing at the edges of her lips, but she chose not to respond.

Chapter 89

Twenty minutes later, Thorne and Jasmine arrived.

Irma didn’t glance at Thorne but warmly beckoned Jasmine with a smile, saying, “Here, my darling Minnie”

“Great-grandma.” Jasmine ran toward Irma, who hugged her and ruffled her hair before she went to Charlene. “Mommy.”

“Sweetie.” As Charlene hugged Jasmine, she detected a faint scent of the perfume that Vesta had been wearing earlier on her clothes. She didn’t voice her thoughts but gently pushed her away.

Thorne sat down beside Irma, handing her a box. “A peace offering”

It was Irma’s favorite type of iced tea, rare in the market and worth its weight in gold. Irma knew he apologized for missing the last trip to Sapphire Springs Resort.

She huffed, “Thinking of gifts for me, but what about Charlene? Have you prepared a peace offering for her?”

Thorne smiled, not saying a word, but glanced at Charlene. It was just a glance devoid of any other emotion.

Irma was ready to stick up for Charlene, hoping Thorne would pay her more attention. But for Charlene, it didn’t really matter anymore.

She didn’t look at Thorne, smiling, and said, “Irma, the food’s getting cold. Let’s eat.”

Irma thought Charlene was changing the subject to avoid discussing Thorne.

After all, when Thorne neglected her and Irma scolded him on her behalf, she would find excuses for Thorne.

Irma sighed in resignation, “You’re always taking his side.”

Charlene just smiled, saying nothing.

Thorne remained indifferent, and his expression was unchanged despite her defending him.

It was getting late. It was time to eat.

Irma stood up, taking Jasmine by the hand. “Minnie hasn’t had dinner with Great–grandma in a long time. Will you sit beside me today?”

Jasmine nodded obediently. “Okay.”

“You’re a good girl,” Irma said, glancing meaningfully at Thorne, the intention clear.

Charlene knew Irma was trying to play matchmaker with her and Thorne again. She didn’t look for Thorne’s reaction but followed Irma into the dining room.

As she sat opposite Irma and Jasmine, she noticed from the corner of her eye that Thorne had pulled out the chair beside her and sat down.

Irma seemed somewhat satisfied. Once the meal was served, she told Thorne, “Serve Charlene some food?

Charlene didn’t look at Thorne, saying, “No need, Irma. I can-”

Before she could finish, Thorne had served her favorite stir-fried meat on her plate.

Charlene paused, “Thank you.”

Thorne said nothing.

When Irma asked Thorne to serve Charlene, it wasn’t just for a single dish but to take care of her throughout the meal.

So, as Charlene’s plate neared empty, Thorne would serve her more, always her favorites. However, that didn’t signify much. After all, such instances had occurred a few times over the years, and with Thorne’s memory, he could remember without making an effort.

After dinner, Thorne stayed chatting with Irma.

Charlene stayed mostly on the sidelines, rarely jumping into the conversation or starting one with Thorne, and he even avoided making eye contact with him.

Seeing the couple barely communicate after so many years, Irma sighed helplessly.

By nine o’clock, Irma was tired and waved them off, suggesting they head upstairs to rest.

Chapter 90

Charlene helped Jasmine into her pajamas after a warm shower and was drying Jasmine’s hair. Jasmine watched Charlene’s focused face in silence, suddenly realizing that Charlene had become unusually quiet. It used to be that Charlene would fill their time with endless chatter.

Catching Jasmine’s thoughtful gaze, Charlene asked, “What’s on your mind, love?”

Jasmine shook her head. “Nothing.”

Maybe she was overthinking things. Or perhaps Charlene had something on her mind and didn’t feel like talking.

Once her hair was dry, Jasmine tumbled on her bed and asked, “Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?”

Charlene paused, then asked, “Do you want me to stay with you tonight, sweetie?”

“I don’t mind either way. But you haven’t slept with Dad for a while. Don’t you want to sleep with him tonight?”

I’ll head back in a bit.”

Charlene hadn’t finalized the divorce papers with Thorne yet. If Jasmine hadn’t asked her to stay, staying in their room could stir up drama, especially if Irma found out.

Charlene left Jasmine’s room and found the light in their bedroom still on. Thorne was sitting by the desk, busy on his laptop.

He looked up when she walked in. Charlene quickly diverted her gaze and headed to the closet to grab her nightgown, then slipped into the bathroom to take a shower.

When she came out, Thorne was still typing away.

Dressed in her nightgown, Charlene sat at the edge of the bed, completing her skincare routine before settling in with a book, considering it was still early.

They were wrapped up in their worlds in the bedroom without exchanging.

Close to midnight, Charlene couldn’t keep her eyes open anymore. She put her book away, turned off her bedside lamp, and slept.

Charlene and Thorne hadn’t shared a bed in ages and thought it would be hard to fall asleep. She also half–expected Thorne to leave after finishing his work to be with Vesta.

With these thoughts, Charlene drifted off, the soft clicking of the keyboard lulling her to sleep. She slept surprisingly well, feeling cozy and warm under the covers.

As Charlene was about to get up, she felt a warm breath near her ear and realized she was holding someone. Stiffening, she quickly became fully awake.

Charlene opened her eyes and found herself snuggled up against Thorne, who was holding her tight with legs around her and sleeping deeply. They were so close that there was hardly any space between them.

Charlene could feel the warmth of his chest and the strength of his arms, taking pride in the fact that she was a peaceful sleeper.

The night before, she had consciously slept on the edge, thinking that even if she and Thorne were in the same bed, there would be a gap between them. So, it seemed unlikely she had rolled into his arms unless Thorne > had grown used to sleeping with Vesta during their separation and had mistaken her for Vesta in his half–asleep state.

With this thought, Charlene withdrew her hand from Thorne’s chest, slowly making a fist.

She tried to move out of his embrace, but her movement seemed to have woken him. Thorne’s grip tightened, pulling her closer into his embrace.

Caught off guard, Charlene was about to protest when a kiss landed on her forehead. “Sleep a bit longer.”

Thorne could never have said those words to her.

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