Chapter 88
Charlene's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she hastily retrieved her collar from Daisy's grasp. Granger's gaze darkened before he discreetly shifted his focus. The nanny, standing nearby, was equally shocked. Thankfully, they were alone; otherwise, the embarrassment would have been unbearable. She quickly helped Charlene straighten her clothes. Charlene, usually modest, had never exposed herself to another man besides Thorne, especially not Thorne's close friend. This only added to her discomfort.
After fixing her attire, Charlene smiled uneasily and said, "I've got to go. Something came up." Only then did Granger face her again, offering a sincere, "I'm sorry." Realizing her mistake, Daisy whispered an apology with teary eyes, "I'm sorry." Charlene, realizing it was an accident, responded, "It's okay, I know you didn't mean it." With a faint smile and a wave to Daisy, Charlene stepped into the elevator.
Granger watched the doors close before saying to Daisy, still in his arms, "Daisy, we can't pull on people's clothes like that, okay?" Daisy nodded vigorously, "Yeah, I get it."
Charlene had to return to Henderson Mansion for dinner and left early after completing the group activity around four in the afternoon. Stewart offered to walk her to the parking lot, reminding her, "Drive safe." "I will," she replied. As they talked, a car slowly approached. Charlene didn't notice until the rear window lowered, and Daisy's head popped out, waving, "Bye." Charlene smiled softly, "Bye, Daisy." Noticing Granger's gaze, she paused and gave him a nod. Granger nodded back, then glanced at Stewart before looking away.
After watching his car drive off, Stewart rubbed his chin. "Why do I feel like Granger was sizing me up?" Charlene dismissed it. "Why would he? He's got no reason to." Stewart speculated, "Seeing you so close to me, he might think there's something more and keep an eye out for his buddy Thorne?" Charlene laughed lightly. "Don't worry. That's not it." Granger and his circle were close to Vesta; they'd prefer Thorne with Vesta. Would they be concerned about her getting close to another man? Unlikely.
After driving off, Charlene arrived at Henderson Mansion as night fell. Besides the servants, only Irma was there to greet her. Upon seeing Charlene alone, Irma's smile faltered. "Where's Minnie?" It was unusual that Thorne didn't arrive with Jasmine, and Irma wouldn't usually inquire about him. But wasn't Jasmine usually with Charlene? Since her foot healed and her meal with Jasmine, Jasmine hadn't contacted her again. Charlene hadn't bothered asking about their weekend plans.
After hearing Irma's question, Charlene said, "They should be here soon." Whether they would come remained uncertain, considering the previous incident at Sapphire Springs Resort. Irma, assuming Charlene knew their whereabouts, didn't press further.
After settling in, Charlene chatted with Irma until nearly 7:30 PM, but there was still no sign of Thorne and Jasmine. Irma frowned. "What time is it? Why aren't they here yet?" Her irritation reminded Charlene of Thorne's absence during their trip to Sapphire Springs Resort. Clearly unhappy, she told Charlene, "Call them and hurry them up."
Charlene obliged, dialing Thorne's number. He answered promptly, knowing why she called, and said, "Twenty minutes." Jasmine's voice cut in before Charlene could respond, "Bye, Ms. Hawkins." Charlene's heart sank. They were with Vesta. Vesta's gentle farewell confirmed her suspicions. Then Thorne's colder voice asked, "Anything else?" Returning to the moment, Charlene replied, "No, that's all." As she was about to hang up, Thorne ended the call, leaving Charlene staring at her phone. "What's the matter? He's not coming again?" Irma grumbled, adding, "Thorne is too much!"
"No," Charlene said with a smile. "Traffic's bad. They'll be here in twenty minutes." Irma's mood lifted slightly, but she remained irked. "Let's start without them, and Thorne deserves a cold dinner for this!" The housekeeper chuckled and interjected, "Miss Minnie is with him, though." Irma huffed, relenting, "Fine, for my great-granddaughter's sake, I'll let it slide this time!" Charlene listened, a smile playing at the edges of her lips, but she chose not to respond.