Chapter 92

"Irma," Charlene interrupted calmly, "it's okay. Since Thorne's busy, Minnie and I can head home."

Irma started to speak, but Charlene's considerate gesture—avoiding any potential conflict for Thorne—eased her concerns. Seeing Charlene's continued thoughtfulness toward Thorne, however, still filled Irma with a sense of helplessness and sadness. Thus, their departure was settled.

After breakfast and a brief chat, Charlene prepared to leave with Jasmine. Irma had prepared numerous gifts for Charlene to take to her friends, which Charlene accepted. Thorne, who hadn't yet left, joined them to see them 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 securing Jasmine in the car, Charlene waved goodbye to Irma and drove away, watching Thorne and Irma stand together in her rearview mirror.

Arriving at the Ross family villa, Charlene was greeted by her aunt Maisie and Helena. Seeing the car trunk overflowing with gifts, Helena frowned. "Why so much?"

"Irma asked me to bring them," Charlene replied.

Since Charlene and Thorne's marriage, interactions between Helena and Irma had lessened. Helena snorted but said nothing. Noticing renovations on the opposite villa, Charlene changed the subject. "Someone moving in there?"

"It seems so," Maisie replied. "The workers started last week. They say the owner is eager to move in. The renovation's almost complete; it won't be long."

The neighborhood was an established community where residents had lived for decades and knew each other well. With new neighbors moving in, especially across the street, Maisie commented while helping with the gifts, "Hope they're easy to get along with." Otherwise, the future might prove challenging.

Inside, Maisie served Charlene chicken soup. "Helena said you've been worn out. I had this made for you. It's good for you."

"Thank you, Aunt Maisie," Charlene replied.

Charlene's Uncle Vernon returned only for dinner. She still felt guilty about Stewart barring Vesta from PrimeStar because of her, prompting Thorne's retaliation and Vernon's lost project.

"Uncle Vernon, I'm sorry about last time," she began.

"It's okay, it's in the past," Vernon said casually. "As I said, given the Ross Group's situation, we couldn't have handled that project without the Hawkins family. Don't blame yourself." He subtly nudged Charlene as Helena approached, silently urging her to drop the subject, which she smoothly did.