ma had tried to sneak an aphrodisiac into their evening meal. But Thorne, being savvy about such things, sa 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

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.