Unknown Divorce: Revelation Beyond Time Novel by Miss Lyra (Chapters 101 to 110)  

Chapter 101

Her eyes swirled with tears, and for a moment, her mind wandered into a daze.

But she quickly snapped back to reality, blurting out, “Thank you, so you-

She hadn’t even finished asking about his conditions when Thorne abruptly took his cigarette away, tenderly brushed a tear from her cheek, and told her, “Get some rest early”

Charlene was taken aback, watching his retreating figure, momentarily at a loss for words.

By the time she gathered her thoughts, she was unsure what to do next.

Did Thorne mean for her to stay over for the night when he told her to rest early?

Though she had moved out, they weren’t officially divorced, so staying the night wasn’t out of the question.

But staying in the master bedroom….

Maybe not.

With that thought, she calmed herself down, grabbed her belongings, including a change of clothes and some daily necessities, and headed to Jasmine Henderson’s room.

That night, she stayed in Jasmine’s room.

The next day, she woke up just before seven.

After lying awake for a while, Charlene was joined by Jasmine, who cuddled up to her and asked in a sweet, pleading voice if she could drive her to school.

Charlene agreed.

After they freshened up, they went downstairs for breakfast.

Soon after, Thorne also entered the dining room, taking a seat opposite them.

Jasmine greeted him with bubbly enthusiasm, “Morning, Dad.”

“Morning.” Thorne replied, glancing at Charlene but remaining silent. He then quietly started on his breakfast..

Charlene watched him, also saying nothing.

Although Thorne had agreed to help her out yesterday, it didn’t mean there was anything between them.

Their relationship remained as it had always been.

After breakfast, Charlene drove Jasmine to school, then headed to work.

Since participating in the tech expo, both Charlene and Stewart Ferguson had been brimming with new ideas. They had been too busy collaborating with Neural Nexus Tech to discuss these ideas thoroughly.

Now that they had some time, they began to solidify their thoughts and looked for ways to push forward.

So, they had a lot on their plate today.

Charlene planned to have takeout for dinner, then work late into the night at the office.

But around 6 p.m., while she was still buried in work and hadn’t even ordered food yet, her phone rang.

It was Thorne calling.

Charlene glanced at the caller ID, excused herself from the meeting room, and answered the call, “Hello?”

“Grandma’s here,” Thorne said, “Come back early.”

Charlene was momentarily stunned, but before she could respond, Thorne had already hung up.

Regaining her composure, she returned to the meeting room and informed Stewart she had to leave due to a personal matter, and added, “Compile the progress and any issues from the meeting and send them to me. I’ll find time to go through them.”

This way, she wouldn’t hold back the team’s progress.

Stewart nudged her, “Got it, now go.”

Half an hour later, Charlene drove back to the villa.

Thorne’s car was already parked outside.

He must have returned as well.

Thinking this, she entered the house and, as expected, saw Thorne.

Chatting with Irma and Jasmine on the couch, he was the first to spot her coming back, but he chose to stay quiet.

Irma, on seeing her, stood up with a smile, “Charlene, you’re back? Hungry? Dinner’s almost ready, let’s eat first.” “Sure.”

This time, without any prompting, Thorne took the seat next to her.

Irma served her some food, sighing, “Look at you, you’ve lost weight again. How come you don’t take better care of yourself?”

Chapter 102

Saving so, Irma shot a glance at her grandson, a look that said more than her words ever could.

Unfazed, her grandson didn’t need another nudge from Irma to start serving Charlene some food.

Charlene murmured a “Thanks.”

Irma went on about the bunch of vitamins she brought over for them, promising to pick some out for Charlene and Thorne after dinner to help them “recharge.”

Charlene couldn’t really say no, so she just nodded away.

Back when she was younger, Irma really nailed down how to make the perfect soup. After dinner, she insisted on personally supervising the preparation of a special nourishing broth for Charlene and Thorne. When Charlene offered to help, Irma gently but firmly pushed her out of the kitchen.

So, Charlene found herself settling down on the couch.

Jasmine and Thorne were there too, each absorbed in their own world – one scrolling through her phone, the other fidgeting with a Rubik’s Cube.

The room was silent, the air filled with unspoken words.

Right then, Stewart messaged Charlene. She checked his message and replied immediately, so engrossed that she didn’t notice Irma coming out of the kitchen.

Thorne, on the other hand, had already put away his phone.

Charlene quickly put her phone down. “Grandma.”

Looking at her family, Irma sighed. “You all…” She didn’t know what else to say, so she sat next to Charlene and asked, “What’s keeping you busy?”

Just work stuff…”

Irma huffed, pointing at Thorne, “You could talk to him about work stuff. Or is he just furniture here?”

Charlene stopped herself and didn’t mention that she had already quit her job at The Henderson Group.

Thorne was in a good mood, and when he heard Irma speak, he also chose not to mention Charlene’s resignation–likely so Irma wouldn’t suggest she go back to The Henderson Group.

Soon, Irma changed the subject and suggested a walk in the garden with Charlene and Thorne.

After the walk, Irma announced she was off to shower and rest, reminding them, “Make sure to have the broth when it’s ready.”

Charlene was about to agree when she realized what Irma meant by staying over. She looked at Thorne, puzzled.

Thorne seemed to understand her confusion and, once Irma was a bit away, he explained, “Grandma said she’ll be staying here for a while.”

“What?” Charlene was taken aback.

Without further explanation, Thorne said, “I’ll be in the study,” and went upstairs.

Jasmine came running down then, dragging Charlene upstairs to keep her company with the Rubik’s Cube.

After spending over an hour with Jasmine, Latonia came with the prepared broth. “Ma’am, the broth is ready.”

Handing one bowl to Charlene, she added, “Lady Irma said to have it while it’s hot.”

Okay, got it,” Charlene replied, taking the bowl.

After Latonia left, Charlene made sure Jasmine got ready for bed, considering Irma’s stay meant she couldn’t sleep in Jasmine’s room anymore.

Once Jasmine was bathed, Charlene headed back to the master bedroom. Thorne wasn’t there probably still in the study.

She checked Stewart’s messages and replied to a few but was stumped on how to respond to others.

Thinking it over, she went to the bathroom.

Coming out in her pajamas after her shower, she realized she had forgotten her sleeping pants and the clothes she changed out of were too wet from washing her face.

Thinking Thorne was still away, she hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the bathroom.

But the moment she did, she found herself locking eyes with Thorne.

Chapter 103

Charlene stood in her room, feeling a bit awkward but not overwhelmingly uncomfortable. After all, she and Thome were married, and the intimacies of marriage were not unfamiliar to them, even if they had been somewhat scarce over the years.

Since their wedding, Charlene had harbored hopes that Thorne would fall in love with her. Yet, she never resorted to overt seduction. It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought about it, she simply believed it wouldn’t work on him, so she never acted on it. Thus, her choice of nightwear remained modest–typically a loose, button–down pajama set.

The top she wore at the moment was of the loose variety, long enough that even without pants, it wasn’t overly revealing. She didn’t want to give Thorne the wrong idea, so she quickly explained, “I just forgot to grab my pants…”

In Charlene’s view, her top was sufficiently modest, not meant to allure. However, she underestimated the effect of her well-proportioned figure, the shirt’s high–low hem showcasing her long, fair legs to perfection, and the faint hint of her curves beneath the fabric…

Just out of the shower, her skin was radiantly fresh, giving the oversized shirt she slipped into an unintentional sexiness, more enticing than any purposeful sleepwear.

Thorne listened to her explanation and glanced at her briefly before looking away with a simple, “Hmm.”

Relieved he didn’t misunderstand, Charlene didn’t press the conversation further and turned to go to the walk-in closet.

After changing, she returned to find Thorne still in the room. With little to talk about, she gave him a brief look before sitting at the vanity to start her skincare routine. Thorne then went to grab his clothes and headed for the shower.

It was getting late, so after finishing her skincare, Charlene went straight to bed. The last time they had shared a bed at the family estate, she quickly fell asleep with a tranquil heart. However, tonight, perhaps due to Thorne agreeing to help her with something, her emotions were tangled, delaying sleep’s embrace.

Eventually, Thorne emerged from the bathroom and turned off the lights before lying down on his side of the bed, maintaining a polite distance. The room settled into silence, and after a while, Charlene drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Charlene, woke to find Thorne already up. After getting ready, she went downstairs to find Irma already awake. As they were about to exchange morning greetings, Thorne returned from what appeared to be a morning jog, his sportswear clinging to his sweat-dampened skin.

“Morning,” he said, giving Irma a quick look. She didn’t seem too happy about them getting up so early.

Charlene found it odd. Weren’t early mornings considered a good thing?

Just as she was thinking it over, Thorne chimed in, “I know a thing or two about drugs. That soup you cooked up won’t affect me.”

With that, he headed upstairs, leaving Charlene stunned. It took her a moment to realize Thorne was implying that Irma had tried to meddle with their evening meal…

Chapter 104

Irma had tried to sneak an aphrodisiac into their evening meal. But Thorne, being savvy about such things, said right through it. He apparently hadn’t touched the soup last night.

Charlene was taken aback that Irma would resort to such measures.

She frowned, about to speak, when Irma let out a discontented sigh, “Sometimes, knowing too much isn’t a good thing for a grandson. Ah, I was hoping for another grandchild, you know. Charlene, dear, if you could, maybe put in a little more effort with Thorne, alright?”

Charlene fell silent. She didn’t want to get close to him at all.

Even though Thorne had agreed to help her out last night, she knew there was no chance of them continuing together.

If anything had happened between her and Thorne last night, that would have been truly disastrous.

And as for having another child? Even more out of the question.

Just then, Jasmine came downstairs.

Seeing her, and thinking about her admiration and affection for Vesta Hawkins, Charlene’s expression softened somewhat.

At breakfast, Thorne naturally took a seat next to her.

Yet, they both refrained from initiating any conversation.

Last night, it was Charlene who had taken Jasmine to school, but today Jasmine asked Thorne to drop her off. Thorne agreed, “Got it.”

Irma glanced at Charlene and said, “Then take Charlene with you, too. You’re headed to the same-*

Charlene cut her off, “No need, Grandma. He’s busy with social engagements and won’t often be at the office. It’s inconvenient for me without a car.”

Irma wouldn’t have it, insisting, “If he’s out on engagements, so be it. If you’re off work and don’t have a ride back, just call the driver to pick you up earlier, alright?”

Before Charlene could respond, Irma had made up her mind, “That settles it.”

Charlene was speechless. She looked towards Thorne.

Thorne remained silent, which essentially meant he agreed.

After breakfast, Charlene had no choice but to join Jasmine in Thorne’s car.

Jasmine seemed quite familiar with the ride. Having both Charlene and Thorne drop her off made her particularly happy today.

Charlene, however, could barely remember the last time she was in Thorne’s car.

As Jasmine got in, Charlene was about to follow when Thorne suddenly said, “You sit on the other side.”

Charlene paused, slightly embarrassed, but still made her way around to the other side, where the driver opened the door for her. She and Thorne were separated by Jasmine.

Thorne looked busy, furiously tapping on his phone.

Charlene looked straight ahead, while Jasmine snuggled into Thorne’s arms, peeking at his phone, “Ah, it’s Ms. Hawkins.”

Thorne, still focused on his phone, hummed in response, acknowledging Jasmine’s observation.

Perhaps remembering Charlene was there, she noticed Jasmine sneak a few glances at her before continuing to Watch Thorne’s phone, wisely keeping the chat content to herself.

After a while, perhaps finding it boring, Jasmine moved away from Thorne and opened the car’s storage compartment.

Charlene didn’t mean to snoop. But out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the items in the storage compartment. A lipstick, a small ladies‘ handbag, and Jasmine’s previously used small backpack-

It was clear the lipstick and handbag belonged to Vesta.

That moment, Charlene finally understood why Thorne had insisted she not sit next to him when boarding the vehicle.

That spot was usually reserved for Vesta.

He wouldn’t allow her to sit there.

Chapter 105

As Charlene sat in the car, a lump formed in her throat, suddenly feeling the air inside was getting stuffy.

She glanced away, contemplating cracking a window for some fresh air, but hesitated just as her finger nearly touched the button.

In the end, she didn’t press the button, instead, she turned her gaze outside, lost in thought.

Time seemed to slow until they finally arrived at Jasmine’s school.

Charlene got out to walk Jasmine to the entrance, while Thorne remained seated in the car, motionless.

Jasmine hesitated, “Dad…”

“I’m busy, Thorne briefly responded.

“Oh…”

Charlene remembered how Thorne used to always get out of the car with Vesta to drop Jasmine off, handing

her over to the teachers themselves.

Now that she was with him, she couldn’t help but wonder if Thorne really had things to take care of, or if he just didn’t want to be seen with her in public.

With that thought, she didn’t want to press the issue. She looked back at Thorne in the car and said, “You can go ahead. I’ll catch a cab to the office.”

Thorne glanced at her, saying, “It’s on the way.”

But Charlene no longer wanted the ride.

She thought about convincing him otherwise, but if he didn’t care, why should she?

So, she remained silent.

After seeing Jasmine off with her teacher, Charlene returned to the car, where she and Thorne drove in silence.

Ten minutes away from PrimeStar Technologies, Stewart sent her some documents. Charlene opened them, getting so engrossed that she didn’t even notice when they arrived at the PrimeStar building until Thorne mentioned it.

Thorne’s car, a sleek Bentley, stood out in front of the building, drawing attention.

Knowing she and Thorne wouldn’t cross paths much in the future, Charlene didn’t want to stir unnecessary attention. She quickly grabbed her bag, thanked him, and headed into the company.

At noon, Stewart arranged a lunch with some clients, and Charlene joined.

Pulling into the restaurant’s parking lot, Charlene spotted Thorne getting out of his car. Vesta followed suit,

Stewart parked the car and noticed them as well, rubbing his temple. “What a coincidence,” he muttered.

“Yeah,” Charlene responded, her voice trailing off as she noticed Henley Hawkins, Rhoda, and a few others already there, waiting for Thorne and Vesta.

“Shall we wait for them to leave before getting out?” Stewart asked, still inside the car.

“No, let’s get out. I haven’t done anything wrong. Why should I avoid them?”

As they stepped out, Vesta’s gaze upon Charlene turned icy cold at once. The change was stark compared to her usual indifference, and Charlene surmised it might be because Thorne had asked her not to move into the house opposite her uncle’s–a request Charlene had agreed to, though it wasn’t of significant importance to her.

What really bothered her was that she had asked Thorne for help, something Vesta clearly didn’t like at all, because she didn’t want Charlene having anything to do with Thorne.

Observing Vesta’s reaction, Henley frowned, while Rhoda, witnessing such a scene for the first time, couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph, considering Thorne’s evident concern for Vesta.

Chapter 106

However, Thorne was there too, and she kept her moves calculated, not saying much more than necessary,

Then Vesta walked over, but she was actually heading straight for Stewart to strike up a conversation,

She said with a smile, “Mr. Ferguson, what a coincidence to see you here again.”

Stewart replied with a forced smile, “Yeah, quite the coincidence.”

“I’ve been meaning to invite Mr. Ferguson for dinner, but I’ve been swamped recently and couldn’t find the time.”

“Ms. Hawkins, please, don’t mention it. I’m well aware of how busy a person you are.”

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken a whole month to show up at PrimeStar since their first meeting.

Henley also wanted to get on Stewart’s good side.

Seeing Vesta ignoring Charlene and taking the initiative to greet Stewart, and Thorne not objecting, he decided to join in.

Laverne Hawkins, seeing this, also followed suit.

After Henley greeted Stewart and glanced at Charlene, he called out, “Charlene.”

Charlene didn’t respond.

Henley didn’t say anything more, focusing his attention back on Stewart.

After they all greeted Stewart, they didn’t give Charlene another look and went back to join Thorne.

Then, they all headed into the diner with Thorne first.

Stewart looked on, feeling a headache coming on: “They’re really giving you the cold shoulder.”

Charlene responded indifferently, “Hmm.”

She suggested, “Let’s go, we shouldn’t keep the guests waiting too long.”

“Alright.”

That evening, Charlene had to work late.

However, around seven, Irma called to ask when she would be coming home.

Given that Irma was visiting, she should have headed home earlier.

But she still had many thoughts she hadn’t sorted through yet and was reluctant to leave her work.

After hesitating, she replied, “I’m sorry, Grandma, I have to work late tonight. It’ll be a while before I can come home.”

Irma sighed, “Both you and Thorne are so busy, when will you two make progress?”

Was that implying Thorne was also coming home late tonight?

Charlene apologized, “I’m sorry, Grandma…”

“It’s okay. But remember to eat well even if you’re busy.”

“I will.”

After hanging up, her takeout arrived.

After eating, Charlene worked until almost ten before leaving the office.

She hadn’t driven today and had called her driver half an hour in advance.

By this time, the driver should have already arrived.

Descending the stairs, Charlene found the driver had indeed arrived, but it wasn’t the one she had contacted; it was Thorne’s driver instead.

And Thorne was sitting in the back seat.

Seeing her hesitate, Thorne slowly rolled down the window and said, “Grandma sent me to pick you up.”

Hearing this, Charlene walked over and got into the car, settling into her usual spot.

The car smoothly merged into the traffic.

Silence fell in the car once again.

Thorne was caught up in his own stuff and wasn’t really paying much attention to her. But Charlene suddenly remembered something and asked, “Did they agree?”

Naturally, she was asking about persuading Vesta’s uncle and the others not to move in.

Seeing Vesta’s expression at noon, she guessed Vesta must have agreed. But what about the others?

Thorne, still looking at his phone, replied, “Yeah, they agreed.”

“Well, so,” Charlene hesitated before asking firmly, “Can I buy that villa to prevent future troubles?”

Thorne paused, glanced at her, and said, “Sure.”

Charlene, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders, sighed in relief, “Thank you.”

Thorne simply replied, “Hmm.”

Chapter 107

By the time they got home, Irma was still awake.

Seeing Charlene indeed came back in Thorne’s car, she finally went to her room to rest, at peace.

After heading upstairs, Charlene made a call to Vernon Ross to update him on the situation.

As soon as she hung up with Vernon, Stewart’s call came through.

Half an hour later, after finishing the call and returning to her room, Charlene found Thorne had already * showered and was now leaning against the headboard, deeply engrossed in a book.

Noticing her return, Thorne shifted his gaze from the book, gave her a brief look, and then returned his attention to his reading.

Charlene also diverted her gaze, then went to take a shower and do her skincare routine.

By the time she was done, it was getting late. Charlene took a glance at Thorne.

She had gotten used to Thorne’s coldness towards her. Being alone with him didn’t make her feel uncomfortable anymore.

But now, after he had helped her, there seemed to be a slight thaw in their relationship, which ironically made her unsure of how to act around him.

Regardless, she knew their relationship wouldn’t fundamentally change.

With that thought, Charlene quietly got into bed, ready to sleep.

Just as she lay down, Thorne put away his book, turned off the light, and lay down as well.

It was as if he had been reading just to wait for her, to turn off the light for her.

Charlene paused, thinking she might be overinterpreting things.

Her heart calmed down again, and she soon fell asleep.

The next day, Irma wanted Thorne to drive Charlene to work again.

Charlene turned her down again, “Grandma, I’ve got a networking event today and I need to head out. It’d be really inconvenient without the car.”

Irma frowned, looking towards Thorne, hoping he’d offer to drive her himself.

But Thorne, silently eating his breakfast, didn’t play into Irma’s hands.

Charlene, seeing this, bowed her head.

Irma, seeing Thorne’s reluctance, didn’t insist further.

Of course, Charlene didn’t actually have any networking event planned.

She said so to avoid another car ride with Thorne and to spare him the trouble.

The day passed without incident.

Charlene stayed at the office, working late until after nine, then drove herself home.

Arriving home, she was surprised to find that Thorne was already there, which was unusual unless something special had happened, as he typically came home late.

Thorne wasn’t in the bedroom. Charlene turned on the light, set her bag aside, and was about to check on Jasmine in her room when she noticed a red booklet on her dressing table.

Charlene paused.

Even though she and Thorne shared a bedroom, the left side of the bed was Thorne’s territory, and she usually wouldn’t cross into it without a good reason. Likewise, the right side was her space, which Thorne always repected.

their belongings, such as wallets, watches, skincare products, and the like, were also kept to their respective sides.

So, the red booklet was definitely not misplaced by Thorne.

With this in mind, Charlene approached it.

Only upon closer inspection did she realize it was a property deed.

Immediately, she had a hunch, opened it, and saw it was indeed for the villa across from her uncle’s house.

The deed listed her as the sole owner.

Before she could fully process this, Thorne returned to the room.

Hearing his footsteps, Charlene turned, looked at him seriously, and said, “I saw the deed. Thank you.” Before he could respond, she continued, “I don’t have that kind of money on hand right now. I’ll pay you back for the House in time.”

Chapter 108

Although it was an old villa neighborhood, the environment of the villa was quite pleasant. Plus, given that Starfall City’s real estate prices were among the highest in the country, acquiring this villa would set one back by a few hundred million at least.

She certainly didn’t have that kind of money, not at the moment.

Thorne had only recently returned. Loosening the knot of his tie, he listened to her proposition, seemingly amused by it, and quirked an eyebrow lightly, saying in a casual tone, “You want to give me money?”

“Yes, I-”

“No need,” he interrupted, setting aside his loosened tie, “I can afford that amount.”

With that, he also placed his watch on the table and headed into the bathroom.

Charlene watched him walk away, a bit shocked, and then decided not to push the issue further. Throughout their marriage, she had hardly ever asked him for anything, always trying not to bother him,

Looking back, this house could be considered the first thing he had offered her of his own volition in all these years.

Perhaps, this could serve as a memento for their marriage, which was nearing its end.

With that thought, Charlene placed the house deed in a drawer.

After a couple of super busy days, Charlene finally caught a break on the fourth day. Both she and Thorne had been preoccupied, leaving little time to spend with Jasmine. At noon, Jasmine called, asking if Charlene was free, mentioning that it had been a long time since Charlene had picked her up from school.

Hearing this, and with not much left to do, Charlene decided to leave work early that afternoon to pick Jasmine up from school.

Jasmine expressed a desire to eat Charlene’s home–cooked meals, so upon returning home, Charlene changed her clothes and headed to the kitchen.

Irma was delighted to see Charlene cooking and decided to call Thorne, urging him to come home for dinner.

Thorne declined over the phone, “Grandma, I’m still tied up with work.”

Irma wasn’t pleased but quickly perked up and, after ending the call, suggested to Charlene, “Why don’t you deliver some dinner to Thorne?”

Charlene hesitated, replying, “Grandma, if he’s busy, let’s not disturb him-”

“He has to eat, busy or not.”

“Gran-” Before Charlene could finish, Irma decisively said, “That’s settled then.”

And so, Irma directed Latonia and the others to prepare a couple more dishes.

Given Irma’s insistence, Charlene found it hard to object further.

However, the real challenge was in delivering the meal to Thorne, especially since she didn’t even know which company he was currently with.

Besides, Thorne likely had other plans after work, and her effort might end up being in vain.

With these thoughts, Charlene seized an opportunity to call Thorne.

It took him a moment to answer, “What’s up?”

“Grandma wants me to deliver dinner to you,” Charlene blurted out before he could say anything else, adding, “If you have other plans, I’ll just let her know.”

She was convinced Thorne would decline the offer. Her intention was essentially to get him to play along with her.

okay, tell grandma-” Just as Thorne began to speak, Charlene heard Vesta’s voice in the background.

“Thorne, your dinner has arrived.”

Charlene paused.

Thorne responded to Vesta, “Okay.” Then, addressing Charlene, he said, “I’ve got dinner plans here; let grandma know.”

Charlene wasn’t surprised.

“Alright, I understand. I’ll let her know,” she replied.

“Okay.”

Following that, Thorne promptly ended the call.

Chapter 109

Charlene put her phone down, trotted downstairs, and told Irma that Thorne had dinner plans already

But Thorne didn’t come home that night.

The next morning, when Irma found out Thorne hadn’t returned, she was a bit ticked off, “Really, Thorne? No matter how busy work is, can’t he find time to come home?”

Charlene just smiled and didn’t bite. She knew Thorne could make time if he really wanted to. After all, everyone needs a break.

She remembered Vesta’s voice on the phone last night. She figured that was why he didn’t come home…

He probably found somewhere better to be.

PrimeStar had just finalized their major projects for the next two years, still, Stewart compiled their ideas and sent them over to Kenton Wagner, hoping for some feedback.

Kenton was always swamped and unpredictable, so Charlene and Stewart half-expected a reply in a few days or even weeks.

Surprisingly, he called that very afternoon.

“Not bad,” he said.

Getting the nod from Kenton boosted Charlene and Stewart’s confidence in their project. Given his tough standards, his “not bad” was pretty much high praise.

“You’ve covered the historical foundations as well as recent developments in Al quite well,” Kenton continued, clearly addressing Charlene.

She was about to tear up but before she could respond, Kenton added, “But you’ve been slacking. In the pursuit of knowledge, you’re either progressing or regressing, and frankly, you’ve been backsliding.”

“I understand, Professor. I’ll catch up on what I’ve missed these past years,” Charlene quickly replied.

“Good.”

Kenton was always concise in his feedback.

Seeing a rare opening in Kenton’s schedule, Charlene couldn’t help asking, “Professor, are you free for dinner tonight? I’d love to catch up.”

Stewart, who hadn’t had a meal with Kenton in a long time, nodded eagerly, “Yeah, Professor, are you free?”

“I have plans already. No time,” Kenton replied flatly.

“Ah?” Stewart was visibly disappointed. So was Charlene.

She was about to ask when Kenton might be free for a future dinner, but before she could, he added, “I have an appointment with Thorne.”

Charlene froze. Stewart paused too, then whispered to Charlene, “Why would Mr. Henderson want to meet with the Professor? Can he tell us why?”

“He said he wants to introduce someone to me.”

With that, Kenton ended the call.

Stewart looked at Charlene, asking, “Your husband’s introduction… Could it be Vesta?”

During their recent interaction with the Hawkins family, they learned that the Hawkins also ran a tech firm.

Vesta’s interest in their company was primarily for its programming language, CUAP, which everyone assumed was developed under their professor’s guidance.

Vesta couldn’t join their company, it made sense she’d seek out their professor for QUAP research, or even to become his student.

That realization made Stewart curse, “Damn!”

Chapter 110

Charlene couldn’t help but think there was more to it.

Maybe, just maybe, this was Thorne’s way of making it up to Vesta’s aunt’s family for not letting them move into the house across from her uncle’s. After all, knowing how much Thorne cared for Vesta, how could he stand to see her in any discomfort for his sake?

Stewart chimed in, “If she’s really been holding back her true strength, then-”

Despite Professor Kenton’s reputation for being tough, all the students, including them, surprisingly got along well with him. Behind his stern exterior, Kenton had a soft heart.

However, he was also a man who strongly adhered to his principles. If Vesta had the talent and potential, Kenton wouldn’t let any personal grudges between Charlene and Vesta stop him from taking her under his wing.

So…

Charlene quickly regained her composure, suggesting, “Let’s just focus on our own progress for now.”

That was all she could do–focus on improving herself.

That evening, she got home a bit later than usual, to find Irma already asleep. However, Thorne was nowhere to be seen, possibly not coming back at all that night. But after her shower, to her surprise, there he was.

He had come back after all.

Seeing him, she paused briefly, nodding in greeting–a silent acknowledgment of his presence.

She didn’t ask why he had met with Professor Kenton that day, and Thorne offered no explanation, heading straight for the shower after a brief glance her way.

The next morning, Charlene woke up a bit later than usual. As she came downstairs, she overheard Irma teasing Thorne, “I was still up at ten last night, and you were nowhere to be found. Thought you decided not to grace us with your presence again!”

Thorne, seated across from his grandmother, sipped his water nonchalantly, not bothering to reply.

Irma tapped the table, feigning annoyance, “Speak up! Don’t play mute with me!”

Setting down his water glass, Thorne glanced over at Charlene descending the stairs before calmly turning back, “Didn’t you say I had to be home because you wanted me to join you for something this morning?”

“Hmph, I thought my words just went in one ear and out the other with you!”

“Your grandson wouldn’t dare.”

His tone was light, his expression indifferent–not showing the slightest sign of apprehension.

Exasperated, Irma turned her attention to Charlene, beckoning her over.

Charlene approached, asking, “Grandma, are you two planning to go out?”

“Not ‘you two, dear, ‘us‘!” Irma corrected with a smile. “We’re all going. Charlene, where would you like to go? I’ll let you decide.”

Charlene often found herself at a loss for suggestions when it came to entertainment that everyone would enjoy.

“I’m open to anything, really. It’s up to you,” she replied.

Irma already had an idea in mind. “How about a day at the spa then? We talked about going last time but ended up getting sidetracked and I got all worked up over nothing. This time, I’m making sure someone makes it up to me.”

That someone was obviously Thorne.

Thorne, hearing this, continued his tea–drinking, unfazed by the reminder of the past incident or showing any sign of discomfort.

It was as if that episode meant nothing to him, not worth a second thought.

With that, Charlene looked away. She had already experienced a spa day before and wasn’t particularly excited about the idea now.

But since her grandmother had set her heart on it, she simply agreed, “Sounds good.”

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