Chapter 92
Irma,” Charlene interrupted Irma, her voice calm and composed. “It’s okay. Since Thorne’s busy, Minnie and I can head back home.”
“You-”
Charlene didn’t hold back out of reluctance or indifference. However, Irma viewed it as Charlene being considerate, not wanting to put Thorne in a tough spot. Seeing Charlene still so considerate and accommodating toward Thorne made Irma feel heartache and helplessness. And so, it was settled.
After breakfast and a little chat with Irma, Charlene was ready to take Jasmine and head out.
Irma had prepared many gifts for Charlene to take to her friends. Charlene couldn’t refuse and accepted them.
Thorne hadn’t left yet and joined Irma in seeing Charlene and Jasmine off.
Jasmine hugged Thorne’s leg. “Daddy, will you be home tonight?”
Thorne ruffled her hair. “Yes.”
There was still no direct communication between Charlene and Thorne. After getting Jasmine into the car, Charlene waved goodbye to Irma and drove off.
She saw Thorne and Irma standing together in the rearview mirror, watching her car drive away.
Upon arriving at the Ross family, Charlene parked the car in the Ross family’s villa driveway, and her aunt Maisie, along with Helena, came out to welcome them. Seeing the car’s trunk filled with gifts, Helena frowned, “Why did you bring so much stuff?”
“Irma asked me to bring them over for you.”
Šince Charlene and Thorne married, the interaction between Helena and Irma had become somewhat less frequent. Hearing that, Helena snorted but didn’t say anything.
Charlene noticed the villa across from them was undergoing renovation and changed the subject. “Someone moving into that villa?”
“It seems so. The workers started working on it last week. From what the workers say, the owner seems eager to move in. It hasn’t been long, and the renovation work on that big villa is nearly complete. Probably, it won’t be long before someone moves in.” The area was an old villa neighborhood where everyone had been neighbors for ten to twenty years and knew
each other pretty well.
With new neighbors moving in, especially across from them, Maisie remarked while helping carry the gifts, “Hope the new neighbors are easy to get along with.”
If not, the days ahead might prove to be challenging.
Inside the house, Maisie served Charlene a chicken soup. “I heard from Helena you’ve been a bit worn out lately. I had someone make this soup for you. Take some. It’s good for your health.” Charlene took the bowl, saying, “Thank you, Aunt Maisie.”
Busy with work, Charlene’s Uncle Vernon only returned home for dinner.
Charlene was still guilty when recalling Stewart had barred Vesta from working at PrimeStar because of her, only for Thorne to retaliate, causing Vernon to lose a project.
Uncle Vernon, I’m sorry about last time.”
“It’s okay. It’s in the past.” Vernon was nonchalant. “I told you before. Given the Ross Group’s current situation,
e couldn’t have handled that project without the Hawkins family. Don’t blame yourself.”
they couldn’t let Helena know about this, she would be furious if she knew Thome had sided with Vesta
gainst their family.
Seeing Helena approaching, Vernon nudged Charlene, signaling her to drop the subject.
Charlene smoothly changed the topic.