Charlene said, “You guys go ahead and eat. I’m not coming.”

Jasmine looked surprised. “Mom, you’re not coming?”

“Nope.” Charlene gently patted Jasmine’s head. “You all have a great time.”

“Oh… okay.”

Charlene gave a soft smile, said no more, and turned to leave without looking back.

Thorne watched her go, but instead of calling her back, he turned to Jasmine and said, “Let’s head out too.”

“Alright.”

No sooner had they gotten into the car than Thorne’s phone rang.

It was Irma Henderson calling.

As soon as he picked up, Irma’s voice came through, tense and biting. “Did you seriously start a project with the Hawkins and Spencer families at the company?” Thorne simply replied, “Yes,” with a slight chuckle. “You just found out?”

“You!” Irma was even more frustrated. “What is this supposed to mean? Are you planning to divorce Charlene?”

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so blatant about it.

By roping in the Hawkins and Spencer families into the Henderson Group, it was obvious he wasn’t worried about her finding out. This meant his mind was made up. Before he could respond, Irma cut in, “I won’t allow it! You can start the project, I won’t oppose that, but you need to replace the people involved. If you don’t, then I will-* “Grandma,” Thorne said, his tone unchanged, “I fulfilled the conditions you set before the marriage. Now, please respect your end of the bargain and don’t interfere with my decisions.” In other words, the Hawkins and Spencer families were off-limits to her.

“You…”

Since Thorne had taken over the Henderson Group, the company had been thriving.

Over the years, the shareholders and key management understood that following Thorne’s lead almost always

meant success.

If she tried to challenge Thorne, the other shareholders would likely be the first to oppose her.

In short, the Henderson Group needed Thorne more than Thorne needed the Henderson Group.

Threatening him with the company was pointless.

And using family ties as leverage?

As Thorne pointed out, marrying Charlene was already a compromise on his part.

Irma knew he was never someone who would continuously back down for others.

Once he had what he wanted, he remained true to himself.

If pushed too hard…

Irma’s silence meant she had conceded. Thorne broke the silence, “Have you eaten?”

Irma abruptly ended the call.

Thorne looked at his phone and chuckled.

Jasmine, curious, asked, “What happened?”

Thorne casually put the phone away. “Your great-grandmother’s upset.”

“Did you upset her?”

“Yep.”

“Aren’t you going to make it up to her?”

“Can’t do that right now. Maybe later.”

“Alright then…”

Back at the office, Stewart saw her return but didn’t ask about the family event. He simply said, “You’re back? Had lunch yet?”

Charlene replied, “Not yet.”

“Come on, I’ll take you out to eat.”

Charlene smiled. “Sure.”

When they reached the restaurant, they ran into Mr. Palmer from the Henderson Group, who was there with his family.

Mr. Palmer sent his family off to the private room first. Then, turning to Stewart, he said, “I thought we’d get to work together again, but I guess that’s not happening…” Stewart gave a sly smile. “I hear your company’s new project is doing quite well?”

“Yes, it’s pretty solid. Mr. Henderson’s direct involvement usually guarantees success.”

“Oh,” Stewart responded coolly. “I also heard the parts involving the Hawkins and Spencer families are quite significant. No issues from others in your company?”