Chapter 98

Granger didn't respond, leading Moran to believe it was too soon to discuss the matter. He opted for silence.

Aware that pressing Granger would be futile, Moran turned to Daisy with a smile and crouched to her level. "Daisy, the lady who had lunch with you—how many times have you seen her? Do you remember her name?"

Granger's grip on his cup tightened. "Moran!"

Daisy, oblivious to the adults' unspoken tension and unfamiliar with Moran, replied candidly when asked about Charlene, "Three times!"

"The lady's name…"

Earlier that day, Granger hadn't even referred to Charlene as "Ms. Ross," and Daisy couldn't recall her name. She looked to Granger for help. "Uncle, what's the lady's name?"

Granger lowered his gaze. "Next time you see her, you can ask her yourself."

Daisy nodded happily. "Okay."

Moran muttered under his breath, "Stingy." Granger ignored him.

Seeing Jasmine's delight with her crystal keychain, Daisy, albeit reluctantly, decided to give one to Jasmine. Jasmine exclaimed, "Thank you, Daisy!" Vesta also expressed her gratitude. Daisy replied modestly, "You're welcome."

Noticing Jasmine's happiness, she asked, "Minnie, won't you pick one out for your mom, too?"

Jasmine hesitated, her voice softening. "I'll pick one out in a bit…"

"Oh…"

After dinner, Charlene decided to read before showering. Just as she stepped out, she received a call from Vernon. "Charlene, I just saw Rhoda in our neighborhood."

Rhoda, Vesta's aunt?

Charlene paused, still processing, when Vernon added, "At first, I didn't pay much attention, but after I entered our house, I noticed she went into the villa being renovated right across from ours!"

Charlene's face went pale, and she sat up abruptly. Vernon, usually patient, was visibly upset. "They… must be doing this on purpose!"

Thorne's assistance in securing a foothold for the Hawkins family in Starfall was common knowledge. Despite the Ross Group's struggles, Vernon, well-connected, couldn't have been unaware. He had simply chosen not to mention it to Charlene to spare her feelings. Understanding the Hawkins family's decision to settle in Starfall and purchase property was one thing; knowing they chose a house directly across from the Rosses, in a town as large as Starfall, couldn't be a coincidence.

Charlene grasped the gravity of his words. She clutched her phone tighter, saying, "I'll call Thorne."

Under normal circumstances, Vernon wouldn't advise Charlene to contact Thorne, but this was different. If Rhoda and her family moved in, their daily presence could distress the elderly Mrs. Ross, who wasn't in the best of health.

After hanging up with Vernon, Charlene immediately called Thorne. After a brief wait, the call was answered. "Hello?" It was Vesta's voice.