Padgett paused, clearly incredulous. “Walking away with nothing? Are you sure about that?”

Thorne was being pretty generous, offering her a fortune so vast that she could live lavishly for the rest of her life and still not spend it all.

Padgett couldn’t quite wrap his head around why she would want to give up such easy money.

Charlene replied, “I’m sure, but I have one condition.”

She never really planned on taking his money. Even if she turned it down, she wouldn’t feel like she was missing out.

But…

When Irma had that fall and ended up in the hospital, Thorne, in his gratitude for Charlene visiting Irma, not only handed her a check for twenty million dollars but also gifted her three townhouses in the community where Helena lived. Although Thorne had given her those townhouses later on, they were still included in the divorce settlement.

So, even though the deeds for the townhouses were in her name, and she technically owned them, as long as the divorce papers weren’t finalized, the properties didn’t truly belong to her.

If she walked away with nothing, she wouldn’t get those townhouses.

And if she didn’t secure those townhouses, after the divorce, Thorne might just hand them over to the Hawkins family or the Spencer family.

And knowing the Spencer family’s reputation, if they got those townhouses, they’d likely move right into her grandmother’s neighborhood and make her life a living hell…

With that thought in mind, she told Padgett, “I just want those three townhouses. I don’t need him to give them to me. I can pay for them.”

Over the past couple of months, she’d earned a significant amount of money, enough to afford the townhouses.

Padgett understood Charlene’s stance.

Even though it seemed like a raw deal to him, she was firm in her decision, and he didn’t try to persuade her otherwise.

With this change of plans, Padgett quickly got in touch with Thorne’s lawyer to inform them of Charlene’s intentions.

About half an hour later, just as Charlene was getting ready to head out for dinner, Thorne called her.

Realizing he was reaching out to discuss the divorce, Charlene answered, “Hello?”

“Have you had dinner yet?” Thorne asked from the other end.

Charlene hesitated. “… Not yet.” Cutting to the chase, she said, “I assume your lawyer has

briefed you on my decontent belongs to

“He did,” Thorne replied. “If that’s what you want, I’m okay with it. However, after Grandma found out about our divorce and reviewed the settlement, she insisted that any changes be discussed with her first. Once she approves, I’ll proceed.”

Charlene knew Irma cared about her, and the old lady would definitely be interested in how the assets were divided in their divorce.

She responded coolly “Let’s not tell her. We’ll just finalize the divorce papers first.”

“Smart move.” Thorne chuckled. “You’ve gotten sneaky

Charlene sighed, rubbing her temples. She wasn’t in the mood for his banter.

“Let’s do it next week,” she said. “Monday, we’ll go.”

“That won’t work.” Thorne’s voice carried a hint of exasperation, “Grandma’s so fond of you, she’s worried I might take advantage of you. When she found out about the divorce, she made me sign an agreement. If we alter the

settlement without informing her, she has the right to claim?half of my assets.”

Charlene stopped in her tracks. “When did this happen?”

“Over Christmas.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

He chuckled. “I never thought you’d want to change the agreement.”