Chapter 397

The folks in New Albury recognized Helena Ross the moment she walked in. But seeing that neither the Hawkins nor the Spencer families said a word about it, everyone immediately understood that the Hawkinses didn’t want any old drama with the Rosses getting dragged back into the spotlight.

So, even though people clearly recognized Helena, not a single person went over to say hello.

Instead, a few people glanced over at Vesta and Jacques Hawkins. Right in front of Charlene Ross and Helena, someone turned to Katie Hawkins with a big, flattering grin and said, “Mrs. Hawkins, your grandkids-both of them-are just outstanding! Looks, brains, you name it. You sure hit the jackpot.”

Vesta and Jacques were, no question, the pride and joy of the Hawkins family. Katie didn’t spare so much as a glance for Charlene.

Instead, she gazed at her grandchildren with nothing but affection and replied, laughing, “Oh, you’re too sweet-“

Charlene didn’t catch the rest. She and Helena had already slipped past the crowd, heading further into the reception.

As for Thorne Henderson, after catching a glimpse of him earlier, Charlene didn’t pay him any more attention.

Dalton Ramirez and Moran Albright hadn’t expected to run into Charlene here, of all places and even more awkward, someone had mistaken her for Vesta. They watched her leave, unsure what to say.

Just then, Granger Harden’s secretary came over, carrying a gift box, and handed it to Katie.

When they learned Granger wouldn’t be able to make it to the birthday party in person, both the Hawkins and Spencer families looked a little deflated.

But, if anything, the Spencers seemed even more disappointed than the Hawkinses.

And not just disappointed-they were anxious too.

After all, Leah Spencer had gotten herself into trouble recently, both Rhoda and Georgina Spencer were desperate for Leah and Granger to hit it off and pull the family out of its current rut.

So Granger’s absence today was a real blow.

Moran was genuinely surprised when he heard Granger couldn’t make it. As far as he knew, Granger didn’t have anything in particular going on today.

Vesta hadn’t expected Granger to skip out either. She frowned, clearly troubled.

Thorne, on the other hand, didn’t seem to care one way or the other.

Meanwhile…

Charlene, Helena, and the others found their seats in the banquet hall. They’d barely sat down when Charlene’s phone started buzzing.

It was Jasmine Henderson calling.

Charlene hesitated; she hadn’t planned on answering. But Helena, sitting right next to her, took one look at the caller ID and remembered how Thorne and Vesta had shown up at Katie’s party together, but Jasmine was nowhere in sight. Helena guessed that Thorne must’ve left Jasmine at home.

Feeling a pang of sympathy for Jasmine, Helena nudged Charlene, urging her to pick up.

Charlene had the same thought. Not wanting to ignore Jasmine’s call in front of her grandmother, she excused herself and stepped into a quieter hallway. Jasmine sounded thrilled that Charlene picked up. “Mom! Mother’s Day is this Sunday! I got you a present. Can I come see you then?”

Mother’s Day. That was always a big deal.

Charlene paused for a moment, then said softly, “Of course.”

She added, “Are you home alone right now?”

“Yeah,” Jasmine answered. “Dad’s not back yet.”

Charlene didn’t say anything for a moment.

The truth was, Jasmine was actually Katie’s great-granddaughter. Vesta liked to claim she doted on Jasmine, but she hadn’t even thought to bring her along to Katie’s birthday.

Was this what real love for Jasmine looked like?

Couldn’t Thorne see something so obvious?

But knowing Thorne, as long as Vesta gave him any excuse at all, he’d believe her-no questions asked.