Chapter 63
Imma hadn’t seen Thorne, and it was getting under her skin, leaving Jasmine feeling pretty down in the dumps, too.
But Charlene was the picture of calm amidst the storm, pouring Irma a cup of coffee with a serene expression, suggesting, “Maybe he’s caught up in something urgent and can’t break away.”
Irma was in a foul mood, calling it a night much earlier than usual.
Jasmine tried calling Thorne several times, but it was like talking to a brick wall. She got no answer,
The following morning dawned. When Charlene woke up, the bed beside her was empty. There was no sign of Jasmine anywhere.
After getting ready for the day, Charlene left her room to find the place eerily quiet.
Bored out of her mind because Thome was a no–show, Jasmine had someone take her to the city for excitement bright and early. And Irma? She caught a chill from the evening breeze the night before, ending up with a splitting headache in the wee hours, and had headed back to the Henderson Mansion before Charlene even stirred.
Not wanting to disturb her rest, they didn’t even bother to inform Charlene.
So, there was Charlene, the only guest in the huge Sapphire Springs Resort, except for the staff.
wasn’t like Jasmine couldn’t have waited for Charlene to wake up to take her out for some fun. But Jasmine sneaking off without a word probably meant she got some news from Thorne’s end, planning to meet with him and Vesta, and was worried Charlene might object.
The weather was dreary, with rain pouring down, but the hot spring under its protective cover offered a cozy refuge. There’s something special about soaking in the hot waters while reading a book and admiring the rainy landscape.
Besides, Charlene enjoyed her solitude, which allowed her more time to herself. So, even with everyone gone, Charlene decided to stay put at Sapphire Springs Resort.
It was Sunday afternoon. Charlene planned to have dinner before heading home and got a call from Irma. “Charlene, I rang Thome in the morning, asking him to pick you up from Sapphire Springs Resort tonight. Did he get in touch?”
Nope. Thorne was supposed to join them at Sapphire Springs Resort but had been MIA without a call.
Jasmine hadn’t reached out, either, since she sneaked off the day before.
But Charlene wasn’t about to bother Irma with this.
But
To keep things simple, she lied, “Yes.”
Feeling relieved, Irma didn’t press further after Charlene inquired about her health, and they ended the call.
Charlene had dinner at Sapphire Springs Resort as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Irma mentioned Thorne would come for her, but there she was, waiting until nearly nine with no sign of him.
Sapphire Springs Resort was a good hour and a half from her home, and Charlene couldn’t wait longer. She arranged for a resort shuttle to take her back.
Sleep was about to claim her on the ride home when her phone jolted her awake. It was Connie.
Picking up, Charlene said, “Connie?”
“Damn it! That bitch!”
Caught off guard, Charlene was stunned, and Connie quickly explained, “Sorry, just venting.”
“What’s up?”
“Well, I was at this charity gala tonight, right? And I saw your deadbeat dad and Vesta. Some girl called Vesta out for being a homewrecker, doused her in red wine, and made a huge scene. This girl, from a well–to–do family, didn’t let it go easily. I was enjoying the drama when, guess what, your husband showed up!”
Charlene was silent for a bit, then continued to listen as Connie spoke, barely concealing her irritation. “It was a high–profile charity event, live–streamed and everything. Vesta and her crew aren’t A–listers, but him showing up to back Vesta and whisking her away got caught on camera and broadcast live.”
Connie sent over the live stream link.
Charlene opened it to find a noisy gala with performances, making it hard to catch any conversation. But the video did a fine job capturing the moment the girl confronted Vesta, the ensuing argument, and the wine–throwing incident in all its messy glory.
