Chapter 38
The news stirred a wave of reactions in the room, with expressions as varied as a patchwork quilt.
Rumors had swirled around Thorne for years, suggesting he’d tied the knot in a secret ceremony. Yet, the identity of the elusive Mrs. Henderson remained a puzzle no one could solve.
Some whispered that Thorne had never married at all. The truth of the matter was murky, and most were too timid to probe further.
So, when Thome casually mentioned having a daughter, the revelation left many slack–jawed with surprise. Yet, curiosity was quickly gone, replaced by a respectful silence.
After dinner, Jasmine was on pins and needles. She had been waiting for Charlene to come home. But by nine o’clock, with her bath taken, Charlene was nowhere to be seen.
Jasmine’s ears were on any sound from outside.
Just past ten, the hum of a car engine sparked hope, and she dashed downstairs, calling out, “Mommy-” Her voice cut off abruptly as Thorne stepped inside, her excitement deflated. “Daddy?”
Thorne handed his coat to the housekeeper, noting his daughter’s disappointed expression. “What’s wrong?”
I thought it was Mommy coming back.”
Thorne didn’t let the sting of “absent mom, forgotten dad” bother him, pausing before saying, “She hasn’t returned yet?”
“No…”
Not overly concerned, Thorne reassured her, “She’s probably caught up with something. Didn’t she promise to drive you to school tomorrow? Get to bed early, and you’ll see her in the morning.”
With that, Jasmine’s spirits lifted slightly. “Okay.”
After heading upstairs, Thorne retreated to his study to wrap up some work. By the time he finished, it was nearly midnight.
He half–expected Charlene to have returned during his busyness. But when he returned to their room, he found it empty. She hadn’t
come home.
It seemed the Ross family was indeed in trouble. With that thought, Thorne casually proceeded to the bathroom.
he following day, due to her school run duty, Charlene rose early.
After a quick bite, she was on her way, driving out of the neighborhood.
Entering the familiar gated community, a brief sense of disorientation hit her. She had lived there for nearly seven years. But after just a three–week absence, it felt like a lifetime had passed.
Though the scenery hadn’t changed, Charlene felt like a stranger.
The housekeeper greeted her warmly, “Welcome back, Mrs. Henderson.”
Charlene hesitated at the title but didn’t correct him, asking, “Is Minnie awake yet?”
“It’s about time she got up, or she’ll miss breakfast.”
Instead of going upstairs herself, Charlene asked Latonia, the maid, to nudge Minnie along.
The housekeeper offered, “Have you had breakfast, Mrs. Henderson? It’s ready if you–”
With a soft smile, Charlene declined. “No, thank you. I’ve eaten.”
“Alright then.”
As Thorne descended the stairs, Charlene acknowledged him with a nod to give a silent greeting.
Thorne paused, about to speak, when Jasmine bounded down the stairs into Charlene’s arms.
Charlene hugged her, ruffling her hair affectionately. “We should hurry. Breakfast is waiting.”
“Yes!” Jasmine’s day brightened instantly at the sight of her mother, her cozy scent filling the air as she snuggled close. “Mommy, stay With me while I eat, okay?”
Charlene remained seated, “I’ve eaten, but go ahead.”
Jasmine pouted, “Then chat with me?”
As they chatted, Thorne took a seat at the dining table.
Conceding to Jasmine’s wishes, Charlene joined them, choosing a seat across from Thorne.
09:51
nupter 38
The housekeeper got Charlene a cup of coffee, and she sipped quietly, listening to Jasmine’s animated recount of her school day while ignoring Thorne.
Thome couldn’t help but notice Charlene’s cold demeanor, a stark contrast to her warmth during their last visit to the Henderson
Mansion.
He frowned, pausing mid–bite as the tension in the air thickened.
