Chapter 141
When Granger and Moran arrived, people from the Spencer and Hawkins families immediately moved forward to greet them. Given their remarkable presence in Starfall, it was natural that they received significant attention.
Leah, having met Granger before, found herself blushing at the sight of him under her meticulously applied makeup. Rhoda, noticing her daughter’s infatuation, couldn’t help but smile.
To the Spencers, the Hardens and the Hendersons were elite families, and Granger, with his exceptional qualities, was a perfect match for Leah in their eyes. They were thrilled at the prospect of Leah and Granger together, especially considering the potential union of Vesta and Thorne. Such alliances could solidify the Spencer family’s power in Starfall.
However, Vesta was put off by how much her family was sucking up. She saw Granger and his friends as equals, and it bothered her to see her family acting so subservient. But, unwilling to cause a scene, she remained silent.
The Hawkins family, having been affluent for decades, had a legacy that the Spencer family, despite its rapid rise to prominence, couldn’t match. Granger and Moran, therefore, weren’t particularly impressed by the Spencers. However, for Vesta’s sake, they overlooked these differences.
Upon handing their gifts to the Spencer family, they inquired about Thorne, who was running late due to business troubles abroad. Vesta explained the situation and assured them that Thorne wouldn’t mind if the banquet started without him.
Garfield, pondering whether to wait for Thorne, was persuaded by Vesta and Maureen to begin. They couldn’t justify making their guests wait, despite their willingness to do so.
As the banquet commenced without Thorne, the guests gained a deeper appreciation for his significance to the Hawkins family, further motivating them to forge stronger connections.
Meanwhile, despite the departure of many guests, Helena ensured that no part of the evening’s protocol was overlooked.
Once she confirmed that everyone was present, she took the stage to thank them for coming and gracefully apologized for any inconvenience caused, earning a round of applause from the audience.
Following her speech and as the evening progressed, Vernon signaled the hotel staff to start serving, marking the beginning of a memorable night.
Chapter 142
Stewart chimed in, “Mr. Ross, could you give us a moment? Someone else is about to join us, should be here in ten, tops.
Vernon was well aware of the bond between Stewart and Charlene.
Stewart always seemed to go the extra mile for Charlene.
Both Helena and Vernon were quite grateful for his attentiveness.
“Hearing Stewart’s request, Vernon asked, “Just one more guest? We’ve got a spot open at the head table. Do
you think he’d mind joining us there?”
Stewart reassured, “He won’t mind at all.”
“That’s settled then.”
Vernon nodded and told the servers to delay serving the main courses to their table and attend to the other Quests first.
As their starters were being served, Stewart checked his phone and motioned for Charlene to follow him downstairs to greet their arrival.
Charlene nodded. As she turned, a familiar, chilly voice called out, “No need, I’m already here.”
Caught off guard, Charlene spun around. “Professor? Is that you?”
With a simple “Hmm,” Kenton acknowledged.
The other guests froze, questioning their eyesight. After all, it was Kenton, the tech mogul frequently spotlighted in the media.
A figure of national renown, whose talents alone were newsworthy, not to mention his influential background
And there he was, attending Helena’s birthday celebration?
Both Helena and Vernon were momentarily stunned before hurrying to welcome him.
Kenton, known for his reserve, still showed respect to elders he deemed worthy.
He had met Helena before.
Quickly moving to her side, he insisted she stay seated, “Please, don’t stand on my account.”
Once Helena was seated, she expressed her gratitude, “Mr. Wagner, your presence honors an old lady like me.”
“Far too kind,” Kenton responded as he sat beside her, “It’s been too long since my last visit, my apologies.
He then signaled for Stewart to hand him a gift, which he personally presented to Helena, “I’m afraid it was a bit rushed. I hope you won’t find it lacking.”
Laughing, Helena replied, “Mr. Wagner, your thoughtfulness alone is more than enough.”
After exchanging pleasantries with Helena, Kenton glanced towards Charlene and Stewart, who stood beside him like schoolchildren awaiting scolding.
They quickly took the hint and sat down beside him.
Helena continued, “You’ve been a great support to Charlene over the years.”
“It was only right,” Kenton remarked, “She’s recently made some significant strides in her research, truly living up to her potential. You can rest assured.”
Both Kenton and Helena had restrained from discouraging Charlene when she decided to drop out of college for Thorne.
They believed that facing challenges was part of growing up.
After all, it’s only through making their own choices that they learn what regret truly feels like.
The fear was that encountering setbacks could lead to a downward spiral from which one might never recover.
Fortunately, Charlene didn’t let her setbacks define her future.
Having seen cases like Sybil’s, Helena was concerned but understood that too much interference could be counterproductive. In the end, she lets Charlene choose her own path.
Hearing Kenton’s reassurance now brought a wave of relief to Helena, “That’s wonderful to hear.”
Chapter 143
Charlene found herself sitting next to Kenton, but he was engaged in conversation with Helena and hadn’t yet acknowledged her presence.
Turning her head towards Stewart, she said with a hint of gratitude, “Thanks for that.”
She noticed her grandmother’s mood had noticeably improved with Kenton’s arrival.
Stewart shrugged off her thanks, “Don’t mention it. Your project caught the teacher’s eye, and when I mentioned what was happening here, he decided to drop by. So, if anyone, thank yourself.”
Before Charlene could respond, a familiar voice called out, “Thorne?”
Hesitating for a moment, Charlene turned to see Thorne making his way through the doorway.
With all eyes on him, he approached her grandmother with a confident stride and warmly wished her, “Happy birthday.”
He extended a beautifully wrapped gift box towards her, adding, “I wasn’t sure if you’d like the first gift! prepared, so I brought another, hoping it’s more to your taste.”
Helena was genuinely surprised to see Thorne there, and her face didn’t hide it well.
Given today’s events, partly incited by the Spencer family’s shamelessness, which wouldn’t have been so bold without Thorne’s backing, Helena still received the gift with a polite, albeit distant, “Thank you, you’re too kind.”
She then asked a waiter to add an extra chair and set of cutlery for Thorne.
Despite Helena’s cool demeanor, Thorne didn’t seem offended. He calmly greeted Kenton, “Mr. Wagner.”
Kenton nodded coldly in response.
Thorne sat down between Charlene and Kenton, and the news of Kenton’s appearance at Helena’s celebration quickly spread among the guests, catching the Spencer family and their associates by surprise.
“The Ross family has connections like this?”
“I had no idea. Oh, isn’t that Stewart in the photo? And the lovely lady beside him is Mr. Ross’s niece? I’ve never heard Mr. Ross mention her before. But if she’s close to Stewart, everything makes sense now.”
“How so?”
“She was at the tech expo with Stewart not too long ago, and they seemed quite close. Maybe there’s a wedding on the horizon.”
Kenton had high hopes for his student Stewart, and a potential match between Helena’s granddaughter and Stewart could greatly expand the Ross family’s network.
This news made everyone think twice about the Ross family, much to the Spencer family’s annoyance.
Leah, not one to follow the news, was unaware of Vesta’s admiration for a certain mentor and showed little interest in memorizing names.
“Who’s Kenton? Why is everyone making such a big deal about him?” she asked.
Vesta replied emotionlessly, “He’s a global influencer in the Al field, with the power to speak on behalf of nations. My ideal mentor.”
Leah was taken aback, “That impressive?”
Then, realizing the implications, she added, “So, the reason Uncle was so upset with Charlene was that she missed an opportunity to connect with this influential figure?”
Yeah.”
Chapter 144
Leah snorted, “She’s got some nerve!” As she spoke, her annoyance bubbled up again, “All these big shots showing up to Helena’s birthday party, they must be close, huh?”
“Not really,” Vesta’s tone was icy, “They’re barely acquaintances.”
In her view, Charlene got to know Kenton through Stewart.
Kenton showing up at the Ross family gathering was probably Stewart’s doing.
Hearing it, Leah said, “Oh, well, that’s a relief then.”
Granger and Moran were sitting at the table next to Vesta, not too far behind her.
Granger, who had been quietly enjoying his meal, paused when he heard someone mention Kenton attending the Ross family gathering. “The Ross family’s gathering?”
Moran explained, “Oh, today is also Charlene’s grandma’s birthday. They’re hosting the celebration on the same day as this side, and there’s a high overlap in the guest list due to Thorne and Vesta’s connection. Most of the guests overlapping are here with us now.”
He wasn’t aware of this before.
He had just overheard it in the banquet hall.
Granger caught on, “So, you’re saying the Ross family’s side is practically empty now?”
Moran shrugged, “Yeah. Heard three–quarters of the seats are empty.”
As he said this, he laughed, “To watch so many guests leave and not be able to keep them, that’s just sad-”
Even though he mentioned the Ross family’s misfortune, his tone was clearly schadenfreude.
Granger’s expression changed slightly, and he suddenly stood up.
Seeing this, Moran was puzzled, “What’s up?”
Granger replied, “I need to make a call.”
With that, he quickly turned and left without waiting for Moran to respond.
Seeing Granger hurry off, Vesta and Leah looked over.
Vesta inquired, “Where’s Granger off to?”
“He’s got something urgent, went to make a call.”
“Oh…” Vesta didn’t probe further.
There was an empty seat beside her, reserved for Thorne.
Katie checked the time, asking, “Vesta, Thorne’s not here yet? Maybe you should nudge him a bit?”
Vesta was thinking the same. She took out her phone to call Thorne. But the call didn’t go through.
Today, the Spencer family’s housewarming party was attended by numerous guests. The Spencer family had to go from table to table to toast with the guests, to get acquainted, and to foster relationships.
This process naturally involved Vesta.
After all, it was because of Vesta that the guests came to the Spencer family’s gathering.
And with Vesta there, the guests were certainly more inclined to give them face.
As they approached to toast, the guests politely stood up.
After exchanging pleasantries, someone asked, “Ms. Hawkins, Mr. Henderson hasn’t arrived yet?”
Vesta replied, “He’s on his way, should be here shortly.”
No sooner had she finished speaking than someone not far off mentioned, “My friend told me Mr. Henderson went to the Ross family too.”
“Mr. Henderson went to Helena Ross‘ birthday party? Really?”
“The pictures are already out, could it be fake? Look for yourself.”
“This really is Mr. Henderson!”
Everyone’s gaze turned towards Vesta.
They didn’t have strong ties to the Spencer family. Their presence was partially out of respect for Thorne and also because the Ross family’s business was faltering and unlikely to bounce back.
Now, not only had Kenton gone to the Ross family, but Thorne was also there for Helena’s birthday.
So, why were they here in the first place?
Chapter 145
When Vesta heard that Thorne had gone to the Rosses, she didn’t panic.
Given Irma’s close bond with Helena, it was a given that Thorne would be sent to represent her at Helena’s grand 70th birthday bash, especially since Irma couldn’t attend herself. Vesta had been aware of this arrangement for some time.
Still, knowing Thorne was at the Rosses–even if it was on Irma’s orders–didn’t exactly fill her with joy
As word spread that Thorne had skipped their gathering for the Rosses, whispers of trouble in paradise between Vesta and Thorne began to circulate. Vesta addressed the speculation with a cool detachment, “Irma and Helena are thick as thieves. Thorne’s just fulfilling a family obligation by dropping by the Rosses, that’s all.”
There had been rumors for years about the friendly ties between the Rosses and the Hendersons, but with no recent sightings of the two families mingling, most had dismissed it as gossip.
Vesta’s comments appeared to confirm the alliance, sparking curiosity among the guests.
Suddenly, a guest arrived, bearing a gift box towards Vesta and the Spencer clan. “Good evening, Ms. Hawkins, the newcomer greeted. “Mr. Henderson was unexpectedly held up and fears he might not make it back in time. He sent me ahead with this gift as a token of his apologies…”
Vesta accepted the gift, nodding her understanding. “Thank you.”
If Helena was indeed a dear friend of Irma’s, it made perfect sense for Thorne to visit the Rosses before joining their own event. Thorne’s thoughtful gesture of sending a gift in advance was a clear sign of his attentiveness and care for Vesta, underscoring the depth of his regard for her.
Reflecting on this, the earlier tension dissipated, replaced by smiles and gratitude. Even the Spencers, initially miffed by Thorne’s absence, couldn’t help but soften as Garfield raised his glass in thanks to the assembled guests.
Encouraged by Garfield’s lead, the atmosphere quickly warmed up once again.
Vesta’s earlier displeasure melted away, touched by Thorne’s considerate act. Yet, noticing Granger’s absence, she approached Moran with a question, “Has Granger not returned yet?”
“I’ll give him a call,” Moran offered.
After a brief conversation over the phone, Moran relayed, “Granger had to step out for an urgent matter and sends his apologies.”
Vesta, concerned, inquired further, “Did he mention what the matter was?”
“No, he didn’t,” Moran admitted, his curiosity piqued by a sudden thought. “Could it be related to that person Granger’s been smitten with?”
Vesta’s smile slipped a bit, her tone growing cooler, “He hasn’t brought it up again, and I haven’t pressed the issue.”
“Fair enough,” Moran chuckled, rubbing his chin. “Maybe we’ll just ask him next time, eh?”
Vesta nodded silently in agreement.
Meanwhile, at the Rosses‘ head table, Thorne settled into his seat, catching Charlene’s eye. Charlene had indeed looked surprised at his arrival but quickly regained her composure. Noticing his glance, she asked, devoid of emotion, “Is there something you need?”
Thorne withdrew his gaze, replying simply, “No, nothing.”
Chapter 146
After that moment, silence settled between them.
Charlene’s cousins hadn’t really met Thorne before. Now, faced with him in the flesh, curiosity sparked in their eyes as they sneaked peeks at him.
Thorne, having held a position of power for many years, carried an air of authority effortlessly. His every move radiated a certain dominance, even without trying.
Noticing their gaze, he shot a brief look their way.
Unable to meet his intense stare, they quickly averted their eyes, too intimidated to look again.
Thorne didn’t make any effort to continue the conversation, nor did he offer any pleasantries; he simply looked away.
To Charlene, Thorne was the man she loved.
She had dived headfirst into that love and hadn’t managed to find her way out for years.
Considering how Thorne had treated her niece over the years, it was impossible for Vernon to harbor no resentment towards him.
But what could his grievances amount to? The Ross family stood no chance against Thorne.
Now that Thorne had made his appearance, Vernon, playing the gracious host, stood up and raised his glass, “Had I known Mr. Henderson would honor us with his presence, I would’ve ensured a warmer welcome. Please, forgive any oversight on our part.”
Thorne, also standing, clinked his glass with Vernon’s, replying politely, “You’re too kind, Mr. Ross.”
His deliberate use of “Mr. Ross” instead of “uncle” didn’t go unnoticed. It was clear he didn’t wish to acknowledge any familial ties with the Rosses.
Charlene had long come to terms with this situation. Now, she neither wanted nor needed his acknowledgment of her family.
She knew his presence was probably at Irma’s insistence.
Coolly, she told him, “We appreciate Irma’s intentions. If you have other commitments, please don’t feel obliged to stay.”
His presence only served to dampen the mood.
Thorne simply replied, “No rush,” leaving Charlene puzzled at his intention.
However, he didn’t continue the conversation with her, instead turning to Kenton, “Our company.recently developed a new feature that renders any product completely invisible to radar detection. Mr. Wagner, would you be interested in learning more?”
“Completely undetectable by any radar?” Kenton asked, his interest evidently piqued.
“Yes,” Thorne began, diving into a detailed discussion with Kenton.
Charlene hadn’t expected Thorne to engage her professor in such a topic.
Their exchange revealed Thorne’s deep knowledge of the Al field, something even Kenton found intriguing.
Naturally, both Charlene and Stewart found themselves drawn into the conversation.
Initially, they had only been half–listening while eating, but soon, they were so engrossed that they forgot about their food entirely.
Vernon had thought to remind them to continue eating but seeing their keen interest, he chose not to interrupt, fearing they might miss out on the discussion.
Except for Charlene, no one was particularly close to Thorne, and his arrival hadn’t been met with much enthusiasm.
Given the circumstances, Thorne could have easily felt out of place. However, he managed to command the room, drawing all attention to himself.
Of course, the evening was meant to celebrate Helena.
Thorne didn’t intend to steal the spotlight.
After a few minutes, he suggested, “Mr. Wagner, if you’re interested in continuing this conversation, perhaps we could arrange a time to delve deeper into it?”
Chapter 147
Kenton replied with a simple, “Sure.”
Thorne nodded, then turned to look at Charlene and asked, “Heading back tonight?”
Charlene, still pondering over the conversation she had with Kenton, took a moment to realize Thorne was speaking to her. “No,” she said after a brief pause.
“Got it,” Thorne responded, standing up. “I’ll swing by later to pick up Minnie.”
That was his cue to leave.
Charlene responded coolly, “Okay.”
Without further ado, Thorne approached Helena, “Ma’am, I’ve got to run some errands, so I’ll be leaving now.”
Helena remained seated, her tone just as cold, “Take care, no need for formalities.”
Thorne didn’t seem bothered by Helena’s indifference. He gave Vernon a nod, a silent goodbye, and then made his way out of the banquet hall.
Granger, watching Thorne exit the hotel, paused in his step towards his car.
Thorne swiftly got into his car and drove off.
Granger watched silently from his car.
It was only after the banquet concluded that Kenton and Stewart finally left.
Jasmine had indulged in too many snacks today. Barely touching her dinner, she soon headed upstairs to play video games.
As the guests dwindled, Charlene made her way upstairs to find her.
Seeing her mother, Jasmine removed her headphones, “All done with the busy stuff?”
“Yeah.” Remembering Thorne’s words before he left, she added, “Your dad said he’ll come to pick you up tonight. Give him a call to see when he’ll arrive.”
The thought of going back and spending tomorrow with Ms. Hawkins filled Jasmine with joy. “Okay!”
After the call, Jasmine informed Charlene, “Dad said he’ll be here in fifteen minutes.”
“Alright, I got it,” Charlene replied. “Pack up your stuff, and I’ll take you downstairs to wait for your dad.” Jasmine wanted to coax Charlene into helping her pack, as her mom usually helped her with her things. But noticing that her mom seemed to be in a bad mood, Jasmine suppressed her urge to whine.
When the time was almost up, Charlene led Jasmine downstairs.
In the elevator, Jasmine, sensing her mother’s silence, shook her hand, “Mom?”
Charlene looked down, “Yes?“>
“You’ve been talking less lately.”
Jasmine had noticed a while back that her mom wasn’t calling every day or constantly checking on her as before.
She actually liked this change in her mom.
But recently, she found that besides these changes, her mom seemed to talk less even when they were together.
It was as if her mom had become more silent.
Charlene knew Jasmine well, having raised her single–handedly. That Jasmine took so long to notice the change was more about being used to ignoring her than not observing.
Charlene looked away, “Mom’s just tired.”
oh…”
Seeing her mom genuinely tired, Jasmine didn’t press further.
The night air was particularly biting.
Stepping out of the hotel lobby, the cold wind stung their cheeks.
Jasmine clearly felt the cold, reluctant to move forward, she grabbed Charlene’s hand and buried her face in her mom’s stomach, “So cold, Mom, hold me.”
Jasmine was nearly six and quite heavy.
Charlene found it a bit of a struggle, but she still bent down to pick her up.
Chapter 148
Jasmine snuggled closer into Charlene’s embrace, burying her small face in the warmth of her neck to escape the biting chill of the evening air.
Charlene’s coat was soft and cozy, and Jasmine took full advantage of the comfort, rubbing her cheek affectionately against Charlene’s neck.
Thome was usually punctual, a trait he took quite seriously.
Just as Charlene was carrying Jasmine to the parking lot, Thorne’s car rolled in, almost as if on cue. He pulled up right next to them, the car coming to a halt at Charlene’s feet.
Seeing them, Jasmine didn’t make any move to get down; instead, she rolled down the window and, with a playful whine, said to Thorne sitting inside, “Daddy, carry me inside.”
Without a word, Thorne got out of the car and scooped Jasmine into his arms, her little legs kicking happily.
As Thorne approached, Charlene caught a whiff of his cologne – the distinct scent of Vesta. She hadn’t noticed it when he was sitting next to her earlier.
That meant he had visited the Spencer family after leaving their side.
Thorne looked at her and said, “It’s getting cold. Let’s head back.”
Charlene took a step back and replied, “Got it.”
Jasmine cheerfully said, “Bye, Mommy.”
Charlene responded softly, “Bye.”
Thorne, holding Jasmine, got back into the car. Charlene didn’t wait for them to drive off; she turned around and made her way to where her car was parked.
Thorne watched her walk away for a moment before telling the driver, “Let’s go,” and the car merged back into the traffic.
As Charlene was about to reach her car, Granger stepped out from his vehicle and called out, “Charlene.”
Caught off guard and mistaking him for a stranger, Charlene turned around. It took her a moment to recognize Granger.
She assumed it was a coincidental meeting since they hadn’t booked the entire hotel exclusively, and it wasn’t impossible for Granger to have business there too.
She nodded at Granger as a greeting, unlocked her car, and was about to leave.
Seeing that Charlene still looked at him as if he were a stranger, Granger stood still.
As Charlene opened her car door, she saw Granger still looking at her, seemingly wanting to say something She asked, with a hint of coldness and distance, “Is there something you need?”
Granger hesitated.
In the end, he didn’t bring up the evening’s events.
He said, “Daisy has a gift for you. Would you have time for a meal together in the next few days?”
Daisy had been through a lot, both physically and emotionally.
She had once told Charlene that she reminded her of her late mother.
So, Charlene understood Daisy’s attachment.
Truth be told, she was rather fond of Daisy.
Under normal circumstances, she would set aside her personal grievances with Granger to spend time with
Daisy…….
But to meet just for Daisy’s sake…
Then, Granger added unexpectedly, “I can lend a hand with a project your uncle is working on.”
Charlene was taken aback.
Granger kept it brief. He simply said, “Think about it. If you decide you want my help, feel free to call me anytime.”
Charlene didn’t respond. Truthfully, she didn’t trust him. Because he was close with both Vesta and Thorne.
Even if Granger’s offer to help was genuine, and even if the project with her uncle turned out successful…… if a conflict arose with Vesta in the future, who’s to say he wouldn’t side with Thorne and Vesta, using the project as leverage against her and her uncle?
Chapter 149
Granger could sense Charlene’s hesitation, so he reassured her, “I promise, my personal matters will never interfere with the business between your uncle and me.”
“Are you sure?” Charlene asked, a hint of skepticism in her voice.
“Absolutely.”
Charlene was well aware of her uncle’s company’s dire straits.
After a moment’s pause, she finally agreed, “Okay.”
“Whenever you’re free, let me know. I’ll arrange a meeting time.”
“Okay,” Charlene replied.
As they spoke, Granger noticed how the cold night wind tousled her hair. “It’s chilly out tonight. You should head inside,” he suggested.
Hearing his words stopped Charlene in her tracks. They were eerily similar to what Thorne had told her just moments before.
She nodded silently and got into her car.
Granger remained outside.
As the car passed him, Charlene rolled down the window, gave a nod of acknowledgment, and then sped off.
Granger watched her car disappear into the distance before he too left.
Charlene returned to the Ross residence.
Helena and Vernon were still up, while Nadine and Carl had retired upstairs.
Seeing Charlene return, Helena and Vernon looked up, obviously having waited up for her.
“Come here,” Helena said.
As Helena gestured for her, Charlene set her bag down and took a seat beside her.
Holding Charlene’s hand, Helena asked, “Have you decided to let go of Thorne?”
Her attitude towards Thorne today had been markedly different from before, and it was hard not to notice.
“Yes,” Charlene said softly. “We’re planning to get a divorce.”
Helena smiled, saying, “Well, that’s good. Divorce is good.”
But then her expression turned worried. “But Minnie is quite attached to him, and he has been really good to Minnie these past years. He probably won’t let you have Minnie’s custody, this…”
Charlene wasn’t concerned about Jasmine’s custody.
She hadn’t yet voiced this thought.
“I know. I’ll discuss it with him properly. It’s late; let’s all get some rest,” she suggested.
Though Helena and Vernon went off to bed, Charlene couldn’t rest just yet.
On the way home, Kenton and Stewart had discussed a lot, and upon reaching her room, Charlene had received a list of project tasks from Stewart, marked as urgent by their teacher, that needed completion by 6 a.m.
Setting her bag aside and taking a sip of water, Charlene replied, “Got it,” and immediately got to work without even taking off her makeup or showering.
By 4 a.m., she had finished her tasks and sent the compiled content back.
Stewart, just as busy, was almost finished too and reminded her, “The professor wants us to visit him by 9
Okay,” Charlene responded.
After shutting down their computers, Charlene headed to the bathroom to remove her makeup and take a shower.
By the time she was done, it was already past 5 a.m.
She set her alarm for 8 a.m. and finally turned off the lights and went to bed.
The alarm woke her up feeling wiped out the next day, but she didn’t dare linger in bed and immediately got up to get ready.
As she made her way downstairs, her lack of energy was apparent. Helena expressed her concern, “Why didn’t you sleep in?”
“I have to visit my professor,” Charlene explained.
Knowing how strict Kenton could be, Helena suggested, “I’m worried about you driving in this state. Let the driver take you.”
“Okay,” Charlene agreed.
Upon arriving at Kenton’s villa, the trio went straight to the study to begin their work.
Chapter 150
It felt like the morning dragged on forever, but they finally got a break at lunchtime.
Just then, Charlene’s phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Connie, asking if she wanted to join her for some skiing in the afternoon.
Charlene replied with a voice message, “Got a lot on my plate today, so I’ll pass. You go have fun.”
Connie sent a simple, “Alright.”
Later, as Charlene stepped out of Kenton’s study to grab a drink, another message from Connie popped up. This time, it was a series of photos.
In them were Thorne, Vesta, Jasmine, along with Granger and Daisy, all together.
Following the photos, Connie texted, “Was having a blast skiing with my friends, and then ran into them. Totally killed my vibe!”
Charlene only glanced at one photo before deciding not to view the rest, knowing who was in them.
Upon seeing Connie’s message, she calmly replied with a voice message, “Just enjoy yourselves, don’t mind them.”
Connie quickly responded, “We might stay till late. You sure you don’t wanna come?”
Charlene sent back, “I’m swamped here.”
Connie sighed, “Alright then.”
Putting her phone away, Charlene picked up her glass and went back into the study. They were busy the whole day.
By evening, Stewart stretched lazily and suggested, “Hey, Kenton, how about we go out for dinner? Our treat!”,
Kenton barely gave him a glance before saying, “I’ve got plans.”
Charlene and Stewart exchanged surprised looks.
“I’m having dinner with Thorne tonight.”
Stewart glanced at Charlene, who was casually sipping her water.
Kenton grabbed his keys and headed out as he said, “Make sure to lock up when you leave.” Pausing, he added, “Though, I doubt I’ll be gone long.”
Charlene and Stewart both replied, “Sure, Professor.”
Meanwhile, on the other side of town.
After a fun day of skiing, Jasmine was in high spirits.
Exiting the ski lodge, she told Thorne excitedly, “Dad, I want seafood for dinner.”
Thorne replied, “I’ve got something on with Ms. Hawkins. The driver’s waiting in the parking lot for you. Just tell the chef what you want when you get home.”
Jasmine’s bright smile fell, “What’s so important that I can’t come?”
Thorne gently pinched her cheek, “It’s a big deal.”
“But……”
Jasmine pouted, turning to Vesta with a whimper, “Ms. Hawkins…”
Vesta, touched by Thorne’s words, bent down and hugged Jasmine, “It’s about a very special opportunity for me, something I’ve been waiting for a long time. I can’t afford any slip-ups Can you understand that for me,
Minnie?”
Hearing Vesta’s explanation, Jasmine, though still a bit unhappy, nodded obediently, “Okay, but you owe me a treat next week, Ms. Hawkins.”
Vesta promised, “Absolutely.”
She smiled at Thorne, a silent conversation passing between them.
Granger watched silently from the side.
Daisy, however, came over to hold Jasmine’s hand, suggesting, “Let’s all have dinner together next week if we can.”
After a few meetings, Jasmine and Daisy had become good friends.
Jasmine nodded, “Sure.”
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