Chapter 201
As soon as Charlene realized what was happening, her first instinct was to push Thorne away.
“Take it easy,” Thorne murmured, his tone casual as if he had anticipated her reaction. He tightened his grip around her waist just a little more.
“You!” She couldn’t break free, but she didn’t want to cause a scene either.
Thorne was never one to make an appearance without a reason. She figured he had something to say, which is why he planned this partner switch.
She stopped struggling and asked coolly, “What do you want to talk about?”
Thorne looked down at her indifferent expression, seemingly unfazed. In a conversational tone, he asked, “When do you plan to pick up Minnie’s call?”
Charlene replied, “In a little while.”
horne chuckled at her response. “About ten days?”
Charlene paused slightly. “…Yeah, about that.”
Even though she and Thorne were getting divorced, and she didn’t have custody of Jasmine Henderson, she still felt a motherly duty towards her. She intended to spend one day each month with Jasmine.
Ten days would mark almost a month since her last visit.
Thorne nodded. “Alright.”
With that, their conversation was mostly over. There really wasn’t much left to say between them.
She glanced at him, signaling for him to release her. But Thorne didn’t let go right away. He asked, “How have you been lately?”
Charlene pressed her lips together, unsure of his intentions. “That’s my business.”
How she was doing was no longer his concern.
Thorne seemed to have asked just out of politeness. When she didn’t answer, he didn’t press further. He led hér off the dance floor before turning and walking away.
No one else seemed to understand how Thorne and Charlene suddenly ended up as dance partners. Their brief
interaction was met with surprise.
Vesta Hawkins pursed her lips tightly but soon regained her composure. If Thorne was going to fall for Charlene, it would have happened long ago.ot now.
When Thorne returned, she left the dance floor and asked, “Did you talk to her about something?”
Thorne replied, “Just about Minnie.”
Vesta nodded. She knew Thorne wouldn’t seek out Charlene without a reason. With that settled, she smiled and invited Thorne to dance again. They rejoined the dance floor together.
Meanwhile, Stewart was stunned to see Thorne dancing with Charlene. Once he learned it was about the kid, he relaxed a bit. “Try to keep your distance from him.”
Charlene nodded, “I know.”
At that moment, York approached and said, “Ms. Ross, I apologize for the partner switch without your consent.” After the swap, he’d noticed her discomfort with Thorne. She clearly hadn’t wanted to dance with him. Only then did it dawn on him that Thorne was Vesta’s boyfriend, and there seemed to be some tension between Vesta and Charlene. Perhaps Thorne was there to talk about Vesta or even defend her honor.
09-34
Chapter 20
Charlene shook her head, saying, “It’s not your fault. If I were in your place, I would have done the same.” Her tope was sincere and calm, showing she truly didn’t blame him.
While dancing with her earlier, York figured out she wasn’t really into playing social games. She was quiet and gentle, looking at him without any ulterior motives, just seeing him as a temporary dance partner.
York extended his hand. “Care for another dance?”
