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

Bleep in Jasmine’s room anymore.

Once

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, 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 forgot 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.