Chapter 122
ven though Vernon whispered the party invitation to Charlene while avoiding eye contact, she quickly picked
up on it.
“I’ll be there,” Charlene assured.
Helena and Irma were as close as two peas in a pod. Naturally, when Helena’s birthday rolled around, everyone expected Irma to show up.
But Irma was older than Helena, and in their local tradition, it was considered improper for someone older to celebrate the birthday of someone younger with a big bash.
For the past few years, Helena’s birthdays had been low–key affairs, just a simple family dinner, nothing more.
And throughout these years, Thorne hadn’t once made it to celebrate with Helena.
At first, he’d excuse himself citing a busy schedule.
But Charlene knew better. Even when he had the time, he’d rather hang out with friends than attend the family gathering.
Yet, every year as Helena’s birthday drew near, Charlene found herself asking Thorne if he could find the time to come with her to the Ross family home for her grandmother’s birthday celebration, holding onto a sliver of hope. But she was always met with disappointment.
This year, however, Charlene had resolved not to ask Thorne.
Yet, this year was significant as it marked her grandmother’s milestone birthday. Vernon had invited numerous business associates to the Ross family celebration, and despite Charlene and Thorne’s rocky relationship – they hadn’t officially divorced yet – the longstanding friendship between the two grandmothers meant an invitation was extended to the Henderson family as well.
Whether the Hendersons chose to attend was another matter.
Charlene had initially planned to return to her own place that evening.
But upon reflection, she decided to head back to Thorne’s mansion instead.
Arriving back, Charlene realized Thorne and Jasmine weren’t home yet.
Irma, having some matters to attend to, had gone back to the old family estate for a few days.
After setting down her purse, Charlene headed for the shower.
Half an hour later, just as she finished drying off, she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside.
Predictably, Thorne and Jasmine had returned.
Charlene sat down to dry her hair, her mind wandering, completely indifferent.
Jasmine burst into the room first, throwing her arms around Charlene. “Mommy, we’re back!”
She smelled strongly of Vesta perfume.
Charlene responded coolly, turning off the hairdryer and caressing Jasmine’s face. “Have you taken your bath yet?”
“No, not yet,” Jasmine replied.
“It’s past ten, you should head to your room and take a bath. You’ve got school tomorrow.”
As Charlene spoke, Thorne entered the bedroom, their gazes briefly meeting. Charlene quickly looked away, focusing on her daughter who was tugging at her, pleading, “Then mommy, will you help me bathe?”
Sure, let me just finish drying my hair.”
08:51
fapter
Okay!” Jasmine, excited, ran off to her room to get ready for bed.
Thorne, seated across the room, finally spoke. “When did you get back?”
Not long ago,” Charlene replied, avoiding his gaze as she continued drying her hair.
Thorne didn’t press further, heading to the closet to get ready for his own shower.
That’s when Charlene remembered the important matter. She turned off the hairdryer, and before he could disappear into the bathroom, she pulled out an invitation from her purse and handed it to him. “My grandmother’s birthday is coming up. This is for your family.”
As Charlene got closer to give him the invitation, she realized that he, too, was wearing that distinct Vesta perfume.
