Chapter 212
Charlene said, “See you next time,” before driving off without a glance back.
Once she returned to the Ross household, Charlene headed upstairs while Carl and Helena Ross chatted about the day’s events downstairs.
When Helena learned that Charlene had plans with Granger, she was taken aback. After all, Granger was a childhood friend of Thorne’s, and Charlene had barely interacted with him before. How did this sudden
connection come about?
Vernon Ross chimed in, “That explains why the Harden family suddenly approached me for business recently, and why Granger’s been so friendly. So it’s true then…”
Maisie remarked, “It does sound like something’s up, doesn’t it?”
Helena, who knows Charlene well, mentioned, “Charlene isn’t officially divorced yet. I don’t think she’s looking for anything serious. Let’s just see how things unfold and not meddle too much.”
“Got it,” they all agreed.
The next morning, Charlene woke up at the Ross household. She was just finishing her breakfast when her phone buzzed.
It was Thorne calling.
Charlene saw the call but decided not to answer.
Shortly after, a text from Thorne came through: “Minnie’s school has a parent–child event tomorrow. Make sure you’re there.”
Charlene read it and replied, “I’m busy.”
Thorne called again.
Charlene ignored it and turned her phone off.
Once she finished her work and turned her phone back on, there was another unread message from Thorne: “Are you at the Ross place?”
Though it was just a few words, Charlene understood he was implying he’d show up at the Ross house if she didn’t respond.
Clutching her phone, Charlene texted back, “What time does it start?”
Thorne took over half an hour to reply, “Nine.”
Charlene didn’t respond again.
That evening, Jasmine called.
Charlene answered, and Jasmine immediately asked, “Mom, why aren’t you home yet?”
Her dad had said her mom would be back in time for the school event tomorrow, but it was already after nine and there was still no sign of her…
Charlene assured her, “Mom’s not coming home tonight, but I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”
> Jasmine was surprised by this arrangement but replied, “Oh… okay.”
Charlene urged, “Get some rest, sweetheart.”
“I know, Mom.”
ter hanging up, Charlene let Stewart know she’d be in late to work the next day.
On Monday morning, she arrived at Jasmine’s school right on time.
09.14
Chapter 212
“Mom!” Jasmine stood beside Thorne, waving excitedly when she saw her.
Charlene walked over, and Thorne greeted her, “You made it?”
i
Remembering his veiled threat from yesterday, Charlene ignored him and opened Jasmine’s tablet to review the event schedule.
After a while, she and Thorne took their seats.
Ms. Payne, noticing her arrival, approached with a smile, “Ms. Ross, glad you could join us!”
“Yes,” Charlene returned a warm smile.
Jasmine handed a flower crown, prepared by the school for the mothers, to Thome, asking him to put it on Charlene.
Charlene took it, saying, “I can do it myself, honey.”
Thorne didn’t insist and handed it over to her.
Charlene’s and Thorne’s striking appearances caught the attention of nearly every parent and child in attendance.
Sally’s mom, having heard about Charlene’s marriage and daughter from her own child, walked over. “Charlene, is this your husband?” she asked.
