Chapter 91
During their marriage, Thorne had never held her like this while sleeping, and a good morning kiss? That was completely unheard of. Charlene was convinced Thorne must have thought she was Vesta.
With pursed lips and slowly reddening eyes, Charlene watched Thorne, who remained asleep. She swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat, took a deep breath, and carefully distanced herself, extracting herself from his embrace.
Their bodies were so close that even the slightest movement from her would disturb him.
Sure enough, as soon as she removed his hand from her waist and sat up, intending to pull her legs away, Thorne woke up. Their eyes met.
Coming to his senses and realizing the mix–up, Thorne hesitated before unwrapping his legs.
Charlene withdrew hers, turned away without another glance, and slid into her slippers before heading to the Bathroom. When she finished and came out, Thorne was nowhere to be seen in the room.
When she stepped out, she saw him at the end of the hallway, still in his pajamas, absorbed in a phone call. Charlene gave him just a quick glance before heading downstairs.
Irma was already up. Shortly after, Jasmine descended the stairs as well.
Irma beamed, “Now that everyone’s awake, let’s have breakfast.”
Jasmine cheered, “Sure!”
Just as Jasmine finished speaking, Thorne came down and sat beside Charlene.
Recalling the morning’s incident, Charlene shifted slightly, widening the gap between them.
Munching on her cereal, Jasmine turned to Thorne with wide, curious eyes, “Dad, do you like cuddling with Mommy when you sleep?”
Charlene, sipping her coffee, nearly choked upon hearing this.
Thorne remained silent.
Charlene’s face, flushed from coughing, turned even redder with embarrassment.
However, Irma was delighted by the question. “Oh? Why do you ask, Minnie?”
“Just now, when I woke up and went to Mom’s room, I found Daddy holding Mommy in his arms…”
Irma laughed. A long “Oh” escaped her as she teasingly looked at Charlene and Thorne.
Still, Thorne said nothing.
Charlene felt even more awkward, knowing Thorne’s intended embrace was never for her.
Her phone rang at that moment. It was Helena.
Charlene answered, “Hey, Grandma.”
On the other end, Helena mentioned that her aunt was back in town and had brought gifts, asking Charlene to come for dinner.
Looking at Irma, Charlene explained, “Minnie and I are at the Henderson Mansion now.”
Irma had plans for them to accompany her to the orchard later.
The grandmothers were close friends. Upon learning of Helena’s call, Irma suggested, “Then take Minnie back with you.”
Turning to Thorne, she added, “Thorne, it’s been a while since you visited Helena. Take this chance to accompany Charlene back for a visit.”
Still eating breakfast, Thorne replied indifferently, “I’ve got things to do later.”
Charlene wasn’t surprised by his response. When it came to her, Thorne was always too busy. But for Vesta, he always made time, no matter how occupied. That was the difference.
Irma’s face fell. “What’s so urgent that you’ve not visited with Charlene in so long.”
Chapter 92
Irma,” Charlene interrupted Irma, her voice calm and composed. “It’s okay. Since Thorne’s busy, Minnie and I can head back home.”
“You-”
Charlene didn’t hold back out of reluctance or indifference. However, Irma viewed it as Charlene being considerate, not wanting to put Thorne in a tough spot.
Seeing Charlene still so considerate and accommodating toward Thorne made Irma feel heartache and helplessness. And so, it was settled.
After breakfast and a little chat with Irma, Charlene was ready to take Jasmine and head out.
Irma had prepared many gifts for Charlene to take to her friends. Charlene couldn’t refuse and accepted them.
Thorne hadn’t left yet and joined Irma in seeing Charlene and Jasmine off.
Jasmine hugged Thorne’s leg. “Daddy, will you be home tonight?”
Thorne ruffled her hair. “Yes.”
There was still no direct communication between Charlene and Thorne. After getting Jasmine into the car, Charlene waved goodbye to Irma and drove off.
She saw Thorne and Irma standing together in the rearview mirror, watching her car drive away.
Upon arriving at the Ross family, Charlene parked the car in the Ross family’s villa driveway, and her aunt Maisie, along with Helena, came out to welcome them.
Seeing the car’s trunk filled with gifts, Helena frowned, “Why did you bring so much stuff?”
“Irma asked me to bring them over for you.”
Since Charlene and Thorne married, the interaction between Helena and Irma had become somewhat less frequent. Hearing that, Helena snorted but didn’t say anything.
Charlene noticed the villa across from them was undergoing renovation and changed the subject. “Someone moving into that villa?”
“It seems so. The workers started working on it last week. From what the workers say, the owner seems eager to move in. It hasn’t been long, and the renovation work on that big villa is nearly complete. Probably, it won’t be long before someone moves in.”
The area was an old villa neighborhood where everyone had been neighbors for ten to twenty years and knew each other pretty well.
With new neighbors moving in, especially across from them, Maisie remarked while helping carry the gifts, “Hope the new neighbors are easy to get along with.”
If not, the days ahead might prove to be challenging.
Inside the house, Maisie served Charlene a chicken soup. “I heard from Helena you’ve been a bit worn out lately. I had someone make this soup for you. Take some. It’s good for your health.”
Charlene took the bowl, saying, “Thank you, Aunt Maisie.”
Busy with work, Charlene’s Uncle Vernon only returned home for dinner.
Charlene was still guilty when recalling Stewart had barred Vesta from working at PrimeStar because of her, only for Thorne to retaliate, causing Vernon to lose a project.
Uncle Vernon, I’m sorry about last time.”
“It’s okay. It’s in the past.” Vernon was nonchalant. “I told you before. Given the Ross Group’s current situation, he couldn’t have handled that project without the Hawkins family. Don’t blame yourself.”
They couldn’t let Helena know about this, she would be furious if she knew Thome had sided with Vesta against their family.
Seeing Helena approaching, Vernon nudged Charlene, signaling her to drop the subject.
Charlene smoothly changed the topic.
Chapter 93
Next month marks Helena’s 70th birthday.
Charlene and Vernon were brainstorming on how to throw a party that the old lady would love.
Upon hearing their plans, Helena didn’t seem too thrilled and said, “Don’t fuss over me. A simple dinner with the family is all I need.”
Aunt Maisie chimed in, “But it’s your 70th birthday, Helena. We should celebrate it with a bang…”
Charlene and Vernon agreed. Since it was the wish of her children and grandchildren, Helena didn’t object further.
Tomorrow, Jasmine has school. After dinner, Charlene drove off with Jasmine.
Arriving at their mansion, Jasmine hopped out of the car, sprinting inside with joy.
Charlene sat in the car, motionless, telling Jasmine, “Get to bed early after your bath. Mom has some work to do and won’t be coming up.”
Jasmine’s smile faded, “What?”
She came back to the car, her little brows furrowed, looking at Charlene, “Mom, you’re busy with work again?”
Charlene maintained a straight face and replied, “Yeah, just focus on your classes. Call me if you need anything.”
Jasmine, slightly upset, pouted and finally said, “Okay then.”
Thorne was often away from home due to work too.
Assuming Charlene’s late nights were work-related, Jasmine didn’t think much of it.
The Butler greeted them upon their return.
Jasmine asked, “Is Dad home?”
The butler, all smiles, said, “He is.”
Charlene, unfazed, simply told Jasmine, “Mom has to go now.”
“Oh…” Jasmine stepped aside.
The butler, puzzled, asked, “Are you heading out again this late, ma’am?”
Charlene kept it brief, “Yes, I have some things to take care of.”
After telling Jasmine, “It’s cold outside, get in quick,” she drove off as Jasmine waved goodbye and went inside with the butler.
Upon entering, Jasmine inquired, “Where’s Dad?”
“He should be in his study.”
Jasmine headed upstairs and saw the study door ajar. Thorne was there, standing tall by the window, seemingly lost in thought.
“Dad,” Jasmine called out.
“Yeah,” Thorne turned around.
Jasmine said, “Mom had to leave again right after getting back.”
Thorne stubbed out his cigarette, replying, “Yes, I saw. Your mom’s been quite busy lately, almost as busy as your dad.”
Jasmine frowned, saying, “Mom’s been really busy, huh?”
Thorne gave a small laugh and said, “Yeah.”
it was getting late, and Jasmine was tired, She yawned, “I’m off to shower and bed. Goodnight, Dad.”
Goodnight, sweet dreams,” Thorne replied.
Back at her place, Charlene went straight to bed after freshening up.
For the next few days, even on Thursday when Charlene went back to the mansion to cook for Jasmine, she didn’t run into Thorne at all.
This time, there was no sign of Thorne or Vesta.
For the next few days, including Thursday when Charlene went back to the mansion to cook for Jasmine, there was no encounter with Thorne.
It was said he wasn’t traveling but was busy and wouldn’t be home for dinner.
As for what he was busy with, whether meetings with Vesta or actual business engagements, Charlene didn’t inquire.
On Friday, pondering what to have for dinner, Charlene received another call from Jasmine.
“Mom, Dad won’t be home this weekend. When are you coming back?”
Chapter 94
That is to say, she was tasked with looking after Jasmine every weekend.
For reasons understood or not, it had indeed become more frequent for Thorne to be with Jasmine in the past couple of years.
Now, whether Thorne had personal engagements or truly unavoidable commitments if he wasn’t available, it fell to Charlene to step in and take Jasmine under her wing.
Charlene returned to the townhouse.
During dinner, she casually asked Jasmine where she’d like to go over the weekend.
After a moment of thought, Jasmine shook her head, “I don’t really want to go anywhere special”
Charlene knew that Jasmine wasn’t short on places she wanted to visit; she just liked spending her weekends with Thorne and Vesta more. Now that neither of them was around, Jasmine’s interest in doing anything else had really dropped off.
Not wanting to press the issue, Charlene offered a different activity, “How about horseback riding?”
It had been a while since Jasmine had last ridden a horse. At the mention, her interest was piqued, and she eagerly nodded, “Yes, please!”
The next day, Charlene took Jasmine to the local equestrian center.
Upon arriving and getting changed, Charlene overheard Jasmine chatting with the riding instructor, her back turned, “My dad and Vesta are both amazing at horseback riding, really cool too. It’s just too bad they couldn’t come with me today…”
Charlene stood at the entrance, not wanting to interrupt their conversation.
The instructor noticed her and stood up to greet her, “Ms. Ross.”
Charlene nodded, and the instructor offered, “I’ll call someone else to assist you.”
“That’d be great, thank you,” Charlene agreed.
Even though Charlene was good at horseback riding, she usually paid more attention to Jasmine on their past visits and hardly rode herself. It had been about three to four years since she last really rode a horse.
Initially cautious, Charlene allowed the instructor to accompany her. However, after showing her comfort and skill on the horse, she confidently took the reins and, with a flick of the riding crop, galloped off.
After several laps, Charlene went to check on Jasmine.
Approaching, she paused a good distance away at the sight of Thorne and Vesta.
Unexpectedly, they were there too.
Jasmine was happily clinging to Vesta’s leg, the trio engrossed in a cheerful conversation. Soon after, Jasmine and Vesta mounted a horse together, with Jasmine in front and Vesta behind.
Thorne mounted another horse, and the two horses walked side by side, the trio atop them chatting and laughing, appearing for all the world like a close-knit family.
As they slowly moved away, without noticing her, Charlene withdrew her gaze and turned to leave.
After changing out of her riding gear and taking a moment to rest, Thorne’s call came through.
Charlene answered, “Hello?”
On the line, Thorne mentioned, “I’m also at the equestrian center. I’ll take Minnie.”
Alright,” Charlene replied.
As soon as she finished speaking, Thorne hung up the phone with his usual briskness.
Charlene had been waiting for this call to confirm Jasmine’s arrangement. Picking up her bag, she then made her leave.
Chapter 95
Driving away from the stables, Charlene found herself at a loss for where to go next.
Connie and Stewart were busy with their own things.
She considered returning to the Ross estate, but with Jasmine away, going back alone would just worry the matriarch…
As she mulled over her options, she drove past a wetland park bustling with families camping, and young adults out with their parents enjoying a day in the sun.
Watching the loving couples and joyful families sparked a mix of envy and a hint of sadness in Charlene.
After driving for a while, she impulsively pulled over and dialed a number on her phone, hesitating before finally making the call.
“Hello, how’s my mother doing?” she asked as the call connected.
An hour and a half later.
Harmony Health Retreat.
Standing in the courtyard, Charlene observed Sybil Ross from a distance. Her mother sat in a chair, looking vacant and frail, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman from her childhood memories. Despite being accustomed to this sight, Charlene’s heart still ached.
“The same as always, no change,” the director mentioned softly after a while.
Sybil couldn’t interact with people from her past without risking a relapse into turmoil.
Currently, in a rare state of calm, Charlene didn’t want to disturb her.
After a brief pause, concerned that Sybil might see her, Charlene quietly exited the courtyard.
Walking away, she thanked the director and the staff caring for her mother.
“Ms. Ross, it’s our duty,” they responded.
After one last look through the glass, leaving behind some books and personal items for Sybil, Charlene departed from the retreat, her mood heavy.
Passing the wetland park again on her way back, the sight of kites dancing in the sky prompted her to turn the car around and head inside.
The park was breezy and sunny, a picturesque scene.
Yet, being alone among groups of people, she felt out of place.
Contemplating whether to buy a kite, she was suddenly approached by a little hand tugging at her fingers.
“Lady.”
Surprised, Charlene looked down to see Daisy, who nodded without releasing her grip.
“Daisy-”
Granger appeared, pausing upon seeing Charlene, then approached, “Are you here for some fun too?”
“Yeah.”
“Came with Minnie?”
Looking down, Charlene’s voice was soft, “No, just me.”
Understanding her situation, Granger fell silent for a moment.
As Charlene considered leaving, given her and Granger’s acquaintance was rather superficial, Daisy looked up to her, “Lady, let’s fly a kite together.”
I can’t, sweetie. I have other things to do,” Charlene gently declined.
Daisy’s face fell, “Oh…”
Granger then interjected, “Why not join us? It’s just the two of us.”
He seemed to guess her thoughts, adding, “I’ll just watch over. It’s like giving Daisy another playmate.”
Charlene actually liked Daisy quite a bit.
And, well…
She really didn’t want to be alone at the moment.
Hearing this, she didn’t refuse.
Together, they picked a kite, a blue butterfly, a favorite of both.
Charlene had some experience with kites, having flown them before during outings with Jasmine.
But the kite they chose this time was a bit large and tricky for Daisy to handle on her own. Granger stepped in silently to help, facilitating a moment of unexpected companionship.
Chapter 96
Charlene and Daisy had just managed to get their kite soaring against the backdrop of a cloudless sky, and their laughter filled the air, mingling with the distant sound of children playing and the gentle rustle of trees.
Granger watched them, a shadow of a smile playing across his features as he noticed Charlene’s infectious laughter. It seemed to light up the whole park.
Catching his gaze, Charlene tilted her head, puzzled. “What’s up?”
“Nothing much,” Granger replied, his voice a low hum in the late morning air.
Not pressing further, Charlene took Daisy’s hand, and they wandered off towards the lake, leaving Granger to his thoughts. He observed them from a distance, content in his solitude.
After the excitement of kite flying faded, Charlene and Daisy ended up by the lake, fishing with just rods and bait, or trying to catch quick–moving fish in a vendor’s small tank with a little net.
Soon, it was midday.
Granger had initially planned for a leisurely stroll with Daisy; unlike the others, they hadn’t thought to bring a picnic. Hunger crept up on them, especially Daisy, prompting Granger to suggest grabbing lunch at a nearby diner.
Relaxed from the morning’s activities, Charlene agreed without hesitation to Granger’s suggestion. Throughout lunch, Charlene engaged mostly with Daisy, their conversation easy and filled with laughter. Granger, seeing their bond, didn’t intrude, simply pushing plates of their favorite dishes towards them, unnoticed by Charlene.
Soon, Granger’s phone broke the peaceful scene with its insistent ring.
“It’s Moran,” Granger excused himself, stepping away to answer the call.
“Hey, where are you at? Eaten yet? Got some fresh seafood here from a buddy, wanna join? Thorne and the gang are coming over too,” Moran’s voice crackled through the phone.
Granger glanced back at Charlene and Daisy, his voice steady as he declined, “We’ve already eaten, maybe next time.”
“And tonight? There’s a yacht party. Thorne confirmed they’re going. Why not bring your niece along? It’d be a good chance for us all to meet her,” Moran pressed on.
“She’s not too keen on crowds. Might not be comfortable on a yacht with so many people,” Granger replied, putting an end to the invitation.
“Come on, Minnie will be there; they’re about the same age. They’ll hit it off. See you at seven, alright?” Moran insisted, then hung up before Granger could protest.
After their meal, Charlene and Daisy chased butterflies and rode bikes until exhaustion claimed them, marking the end of their day out. Daisy dozed off, and Charlene decided it was time to head home.
Granger watched as Charlene drove away, then left himself.
Waking from her nap, Daisy’s first words were, “Where’s that lady?”
“She’s gone home,” Granger informed her, noting Daisy’s disappointment.
By seven, Granger and Daisy were on time for the yacht party.
Moran greeted them with a wave, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Daisy. “This must be the beautiful Daisy. I’m Mr. Albright, a friend of your uncle…”
The yacht was packed, and Daisy stayed close to Granger, feeling overwhelmed by the crowd.
After introductions, Vesta came over with Jasmine, and noticing Daisy’s shyness, Jasmine offered her hand. “There are lots of kids playing over there. Want to join me?”
With a nod from Granger, Daisy took Jasmine’s hand, her courage bolstered.
As the kids disappeared into the crowd, Moran teased Granger, “How’s it feel to play dad for the day?”
“It’s alright,” Granger responded, watching Daisy blend into the crowd of children.
Thorne handed him a drink, “Need this?”
With the evening unfolding around them, Granger found himself easing into the role of guardian, the laughter and chatter of the party blending into the backdrop of a new adventure.
Chapter 97
Granger glanced at Thorne, hesitated for a moment, and then accepted the gesture. “Thanks, man.”
They clinked their glasses together, sipping on their drinks as they delved into conversation.
Suddenly, Thorne gave Granger a longer look than usual.
Granger met his gaze and asked, “What’s up?”
Moran chimed in, “You seem… off today.”
A smile cracked on Thorne’s face, silently agreeing with Moran’s observation.
Granger remained unfazed, casually responding, “Do I?”
Moran raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you?” he said.
Granger took a leisurely sip of his drink, choosing not to answer.
that moment, some folks came over to greet them.
After they left, Granger glanced at the time, worried Daisy might be getting hungry. Just as he was about to check on her, Daisy and Jasmine returned.
Daisy asked, “Uncle, can I have some of those cupcakes over there?”
Being prone to allergies, Daisy had a restricted diet, so Granger said, “You sit here, I’ll get it for you.”
“Okay.”
Jasmine, on the other hand, was used to fending for herself and didn’t have dietary restrictions. She grabbed something to eat and even offered some to Thorne, asking, “Dad, want some?”
Thorne ruffled her hair, replying, “I’m good, thanks.”
As the kids sat munching on their snacks, Vesta shared some of her delicious finds with Jasmine.
Jasmine happily accepted. “Thanks, Ms. Hawkins.”
Daisy, confused, looked up at Vesta and then over to Jasmine. “Minnie, isn’t this lady your mom?” she asked.
The room fell silent at Daisy’s question.
Jasmine paused, then shook her head. “Nope.”
Daisy cautiously asked, “So, you don’t have a mom either?”
Jasmine shook her head again. “No, I do have a mom.”
“Oh…”
On the cruise, souvenirs were being handed out, and Daisy took a shine to a crystal keychain, grabbing two of them.
Those were the last ones, and Jasmine liked them as well. Seeing that Daisy had taken both, Jasmine felt compelled to ask, “Daisy, could you share one with me? I’d like to give it to Ms. Hawkins.”
Daisy hesitated, admitting, “I… I wanted to give one to my new friend…”
Recalling the day’s events with Charlene, Daisy shared with Jasmine, “Today, my uncle and a lady took me to fly kites, we went fishing, rode bikes, and chased butterflies… She is really pretty, she would love this crystal…”
The adults, who hadn’t been paying much attention to the kids‘ conversation, now turned their attention towards Granger.
Moran immediately prodded, “Granger, what’s going on? Or should I say, what’s already going on?” Getting more excited, he didn’t wait for Granger to respond, adding, “When did this happen? How come you didn’t tell us,
Aght, Thorne!”
Thorne smiled but kept his eyes on Granger, curious about his response,
Granger kept a straight face. “We just bumped into each other by chance.”
“Really?” Moran was skeptical as if piecing things together. “So, you had lunch together too? I was wondering how you managed kids so effortlessly, turns out you had help!”
Granger stayed silent.
Thorne looked at him, delivering the final verdict, “You’re into her.”
Granger hesitated, opened his mouth to speak, but ultimately didn’t deny it.
Vesta was taken aback, her smile fading slightly.
Granger stayed silent.
Thorne looked at him, delivering the final verdict, “You’re into her.”
Granger hesitated, opened his mouth to speak, but ultimately didn’t deny it.
Vesta was taken aback, her smile fading slightly.
“Holy smokes, it’s actually true?” Moran had been jesting, not expecting his guess to be accurate. He quickly asked, “Who is she? Do we know her? Why haven’t you introduced her to us?”
Chapter 98
Granger didn’t respond, leading Moran to think he believed it was too soon to discuss, opting for silence instead.
Aware that pressing Granger would be futile, Moran turned to Daisy with a smile and crouched down to her level. “Daisy, the lady who had lunch with you, how many times have you seen her? Do you remember her name?”
Granger’s grip on his cup tightened suddenly. “Moran!”
Daisy, oblivious to the adults‘ complex thoughts and not very familiar with Moran, candidly replied when asked about Charlene, “Three times!”
“The lady’s name…”
When Granger and Charlene met earlier that day, he hadn’t even referred to her as “Ms. Ross,” and Daisy couldn’t quite recall Charlene’s name.
She looked at Granger for help. “Uncle, what’s the lady’s name?”
Granger lowered his gaze, “Next time you see her, you can ask her yourself.”
Daisy nodded happily. “Okay.”
Moran muttered under his breath, “Stingy.” Granger ignored him.
Seeing how happy Jasmine was with the crystal keychain she had, Daisy, albeit a bit reluctantly, decided to give one to Jasmine.
Jasmine was joyful, “Thank you, Daisy.” Vesta also thanked her.
Daisy replied modestly, “You’re welcome…
Noticing Jasmine’s happiness, she asked, “Minnie, won’t you pick one out for your mom too?”
Jasmine hesitated, her voice softening, “I’ll pick one out in a bit…”
“Oh…”
After dinner, Charlene decided to read for a while before heading to the bathroom for a shower.
Just as she stepped out, she received a call from Vernon. “Charlene, I just saw Rhoda in our neighborhood.”
Rhoda, Vesta’s aunt?
Charlene paused, still processing, when Vernon added, “At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but after I entered our house, I noticed she went into the villa being renovated right across from ours!”
Charlene’s face went pale, and she sat up abruptly.
Vernon was usually quite patient.
But at that moment, he was visibly upset. “They… must be doing this on purpose!*
Thorne’s assistance in securing a foothold for the Hawkins family in Starfall was now common knowledge.
Despite the Ross Group’s current struggles, Vernon, being well–connected, couldn’t have been unaware.
He had simply chosen not to mention it to Charlene to spare her feelings.
Understanding the Hawkins family’s decision to settle in Starfall and purchase property was one thing. But knowing full well that the Ross family lived here, they chose a house right across, in a town as big as Starfall.
Charlene grasped the gravity of his words, it couldn’t be a coincidence.
She clutched her phone tighter, saying, “I give Thorme a call.
okay!
Under normal circumstances, Vernon wouldn’t advise Charlene to reach out to Thorne.
But this was different.
If Rhoda and her family moved in, they’d likely make their presence known daily, which could distress the elderly Mrs. Ross, who wasn’t in the best of health….
After hanging up with Vernon, Charlene immediately called Thorne.
After a brief wait, the call was answered.
“Hello?”
It was Vesta’s voice.
Chapter 99
When Charlene realized it was Vesta who answered the call, she wasn’t the least bit surprised.
After all, she and Thorne were so close, practically inseparable.
So what if she answered Thorne’s phone?
Calmly, Charlene spoke up, “I’m looking for Thorne.”
Vesta, recognizing Charlene’s voice on the other end, replied icily, “He’s taking a shower. If you need something, ‘you can tell me.”
Tell her?
Indeed, the matter did concern her.
The person her uncle spotted in the neighborhood today was none other than Vesta’s aunt, but the one who bought that mansion might very well be Henley.
His purchase of the mansion was likely a gesture of goodwill towards Vesta’s grandmother, his mother–in–law now.
So, if Charlene really did tell Vesta, would she stop her grandmother and uncle from moving into that mansion? No, she wouldn’t.
Besides, Charlene couldn’t believe that Vesta was unaware of her uncle’s family planning to move across from their mansion.
Therefore, telling Vesta would be pointless and could even backfire.
Without a word, Charlene hung up the phone.
More than an hour passed, and still, no call from Thorne.
She wasn’t sure whether Vesta hadn’t relayed her message or if Thorne just didn’t want to call her back. At this point, it made no difference to her.
Feeling resigned, she dialed his number once more. But this time, Thorne’s phone was off.
Gripping her phone tighter, Charlene took a moment to calm herself down before calling Thorne’s butler, asking, “Are they home?”
“Not at the moment, is there something you need?” the butler inquired.
“It’s nothing.”
Charlene had a restless night.
The next morning, after nine, she tried calling Thorne again. This time the call went through but was immediately disconnected.
Charlene couldn’t tell if it was Vesta or Thorne who hung up. She didn’t want to ponder over it.
Grabbing her phone and purse, she left the house.
Before long, Charlene found herself back at Thorne’s mansion.
The butler greeted her enthusiastically, “Madam, you’ve returned?”
“Yes.”
“Will you be having lunch at home? I can have it prepared for you.”
“That would be nice, thank you.”
As Charlene ascended to the second floor, she paused briefly before entering the master bedroom.
Embracing her purse down, she sat on the edge of the bed.
The master bedroom was just as she left it, unchanged. The skincare products she used during her last stay, along with the clothes she had worn, were all returned to their place, hanging right next to Thorne’s clothes in the walk–in closet.
Everything appeared as if she had never left.
She stopped trying to call Thorne, and he didn’t return her calls either.
Dinner was a solitary affair for her.
She had thought about asking Irma for help.
But involving the matriarch could complicate matters further.
After all, Thorne respected the old lady, but whether he listened to her was entirely up to him.
After dinner, Charlene busied herself with work on her computer,
As the night deepened, when she almost believed Thorne and Jasmine wouldn’t return that evening, the sound of a car finally broke the silence,
Seeing Charlene’s car, Jasmine exclaimed to Thorne, “Oh, it’s Mom’s car. Dad, Mom’s home!”
“Yeah,”
Thorne glanced at Charlene’s car and then entered the house with Jasmine.
Jasmine, greeted by the butler, asked, “Where’s Mom?”
“Madam is upstairs.”
Chapter 100
Awesome!” Jasmine skipped upstairs, her mood visibly lifted.
Charlene had just shut down her laptop and was tidying up her things when she stepped out of the master bedroom to find Jasmine hurling herself into her arms, exclaiming, “Mommy!”
“Uh–huh,” Charlene responded, stroking her daughter’s hair but not embracing her in return.
Jasmine, oblivious to her mother’s lack of affection, chattered away happily. It was then that Thorne made his way upstairs. As Charlene caught his eye, their gazes locked momentarily.
Thorne’s expression was unreadable, and Charlene’s was equally composed. She turned to Jasmine and suggested, “How about Mrs. Thompson give you a bath tonight? Mommy has something to discuss with Daddy.”
Upon hearing this, Thorne paused mid-step.
Jasmine, having had a blast over the past two days, was in high spirits. Though slightly reluctant, she didn’t Protest and went off to have Mrs. Thompson help her with her bath.
Charlene, noticing Thorne leaning against the wall and fiddling with his phone, proposed, “Shall we talk in the room?”
“Sure.”
Charlene entered the room first and, as Thorne followed, she said, “Could you close the door, please?”
She was concerned that if their conversation turned into an argument, Jasmine might overhear them.
Truth be told, despite the years of marriage and their strained relationship, they had never really fought. Thorne seemed too indifferent to even bother arguing with her. Charlene, on her part, valued every moment with him too much to spend it on fighting.
Thorne casually shut the door and turned to her, asking, “What’s up?”
Charlene got straight to the point. “Vesta’s uncle bought the villa across my uncle’s, and they’ve been renovating for a while. I reckon they’ll move in soon.”
Vesta’s mother, Maureen Spencer, had a complicated history with the Ross family that went beyond Maureen and her mother, Sybil. The feud traced back to their grandmothers, who were once close friends.
Vesta’s grandmother had a tough life and was often supported by Charlene’s grandmother. This friendship extended to their granddaughters, Maureen and Sybil, making them fast friends too.
The Hawkins and the Ross families were well–matched in status.
Henley and Sybil’s love was genuine, and their early days together were happy. However, everything changed after Maureen returned from college…
To elevate Maureen, her family had long turned against Charlene, shedding any pretense of humility they once showed in seeking assistance from Charlene’s grandmother.
These complex entanglements, though Charlene didn’t delve into the specifics, were something she believed Thorne was aware of.
So, she hoped that by bringing it up, he would understand the gravity of the situation.
And Thorne did.
He understood what Charlene was implying.
He took out a cigarette, hesitated momentarily as if to ask for permission, then inquired, “Mind if I smoke?”
Charlene shook her head.
As he lit his cigarette, he asked, “You want me to make them move?”
Yes.”
Thorne took a drag, his response not immediate.
This matter was of particular importance to her.
She could overlook other issues, but not this one.
Clutching her hands into fists and with teary eyes, she looked at him, pleading, “Do me this favor. I’ll agree to whatever you ask, just as long as you-”
Before she could finish, he simply said, “Okay.”
She was taken aback by how quickly he agreed.
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