They had known about this for quite some time.

Yet when Leah mentioned it, Rhoda couldn’t help but laugh with genuine delight.

Vesta, on the other hand, remained engrossed in her book, her face betraying no emotion.

Maureen was much the same.

It seemed as though Charlene was no longer worth their concern.

Sensing Leah’s desire to continue, Maureen spoke calmly, “Leah, your cousin is studying. Let’s not disturb her.”

“Oh…”

Leah observed her cousin Vesta’s intense focus and remarked, “Didn’t the teacher arrive this morning? It’s past five in the evening now, and she’s still studying. Just watching her makes me feel tired. Aren’t you exhausted, cousin?” Rhoda chimed in, “Of course, she’s tired. But your cousin is destined for great things. I’ve always told you to learn from her, but you never listen.”

Then, with a warm smile, she added, “But Vesta, while hard work is important, you should take a break. Why not come and grab a bite?”

Without lifting her head, Vesta replied, “No need, Thorne and I have dinner plans. I’ll just read a bit more before heading out.”

After finishing her game, Charlene spent over three hours revising her paper at the Ross family home. Once she was sure it was perfect, she sent it off to Kenton.

She stretched her arms, left her room, and headed downstairs, only to find her grandmother standing at the door in the chilly winter air, apparently waiting for someone. Charlene frowned and hurried over, “Grandma, you-”

Before she could finish, the sound of a car pulling up interrupted her.

Just as she reached the door, she saw a vehicle drive into the courtyard. Jasmine quickly hopped out, running towards them, “Mom, Great-Grandma!” “Ah!”

Helena’s eyes twinkled with joy as she bent down to embrace her.

Initially, Jasmine intended to run to Charlene, but seeing Helena’s open arms, she hugged her first.

Helena asked, “Have you eaten yet? Are you hungry?”

“I just ate with Dad, so I’m not hungry,” Jasmine replied, stepping out of Helena’s embrace and tiptoeing over to Charlene, “Mom, carry me!” Charlene bent down to pick her up, maintaining her smile even as the faint scent of perfume wafted from Jasmine.

This time, Thorne hadn’t personally brought Jasmine over.

Jasmine had left the car door open, so the driver stepped out to close it, nodding a greeting at Charlene and Helena before driving off.

With school the next day, Jasmine didn’t stay up long. After a bath, she was tucked into bed.

Charlene made sure she was snug under the covers, then picked up her phone and sent Thorne a message.

[Have the driver pick Minnie up tomorrow afternoon. And don’t just drop her off without a heads-up next time.]

Whether he hadn’t seen it or was simply busy, Thorne didn’t respond that night.

The following day, after dropping Jasmine at school and returning to the office, Charlene finally received a message from Thorne. [Okay.]

Charlene read the message, set her phone down, and got back to work.

After two days of hard work, the weekend arrived.

On Monday morning, Charlene received a response from Kenton: [Looks good, you can submit it.]

It had been a while since Charlene and Stewart had last seen Kenton.