Chapter 655

As they walked to her car, Thorne broke the silence. “Are you free on Monday morning p>

Charlene was about to say yes when he continued, “Minnie’s school is having a parent-teacher conference. They require both parents to be there p>

She paused. “Alright.” Then she added, “I can take the afternoon off as well p>

“I have to be in Havencrest at one p>

Charlene frowned. “Can’t you reschedule p>

“I’m sorry,” Thorne said.

Her lips tightened. Without another word, she turned and got into her car.

Thorne watched her. “Drive sa p>

Before he could finish, she slammed the car door shut, started the engine, and sped away.

Thorne watched her car disappear down the road, a faint smile playing on his lips, before turning back into the house.

It was late, and Irma had already gone to bed, but Claudia and Tiffany were still in the living room. Thorne gave them a nod and said he had to make a call before heading upstairs.

Claudia watched him go, looking as if she wanted to stop him, but ultimately she said nothing.

“What is it?” Tiffany asked.

Claudia shook her head, remaining

silent. If Thorne was divorcing

Charlene just to marry Vesta, she would rather he didn’t divorce her at all. Say what you will about

Charlene’s underhanded methods to marry Thorne in the past, she came from a respectable family in comparison, Claudia intensely disliked Vesta. But she also knew that even if she voiced her opinion, Thorne wouldn’t listen. No one in the family, not even her husband Lloyd, could stop him from doing what he wanted.

Tiffany saw the worry creasing her mother’s brow and understood. “From a man’s perspective,” she offered, “I can see why Thorne would choose Vesta.” Even as a woman, she had to admit Vesta had a certain charm that men would find irresistible.

Claudia rubbed her temples,

obed

unconvinced. She and Thorne

weren’t particularly close, but she had always felt he was someone

incapable of truly loving another, person. And Vesta didn’t seem like his type at all. His feelings and behavior towards Vesta went against everything she thought she knew about her son.

The next morning, Charlene and Helena Ross went to the hospital to visit Sybil Ross, who had been in good spirits lately.

Just as she and Helena were leaving the hospital, Charlene got a call from Jasmine.

“Mommy, where are you? Daddy and I are at great-grandma’s house, but you’re not here p>

Jasmine hadn’t mentioned she was coming over that morning, but Charlene didn’t bring it up. “Is your dad with you p>

“Yeah, but he just dropped me off. He has to go to a business lunch p>

Before Charlene could respond, Jasmine asked again, “Where are you, Mommy? When are you coming back p>

“I just left the hospital. I’m on my way back now, so just wait p>

“What?” Jasmine gasped, her voice filled with concern. “You were at the hospital? Are you sick, Mommy p>

“No, sweetie,” Charlene reassured her. “I was visiting your grandma p>

They spoke for a few more moments before hanging up. Thorne, who had overheard the mention of the hospital, seemed to understand why she was there After

Jasmine ended the call, he simply gave his daughter a few instructions before getting in his car and driving away.