Chapter 742
Monday arrived.
After dropping Jasmine off at school, Charlene Ross headed out to meet with Andie Sanderson and the team to discuss business.
When she and Gaylord Hearst arrived, Thorne Henderson was already there.
Seeing them approach, Thorne offered a polite greeting.
Over the next few days, they crossed paths twice more, but their interactions were strictly professional. Aside from business, no words were exchanged.
Lloyd Henderson had been recovering remarkably well. By Saturday, he was finally cleared to be discharged and rest at home.
Irma Henderson was overjoyed, insisting on going to the hospital personally to bring her son home.
But the moment she pushed open the door to his room, her eyes landed on Vesta Hawkins.
Vesta and Thorne had just arrived as well. She handed a bouquet of flowers to Lloyd. “Mr. Henderson, congratulations on your discharge. I wish you a speedy recovery p>
Naturally, Lloyd wasn’t particularly fond of Vesta.
But he couldn’t deny his son’s obvious preference for her.
He had been in the hospital for nearly half a month since the accident. Throughout that entire time, Vesta hadn’t shown her face once. He knew it was highly likely because his mother had strictly forbidden her from visiting.
Now, knowing full well how much Irma despised her, his son had still gone out of his way to bring her on the day of his discharge. Given the circumstances, Lloyd offered a faint smile and accepted the flowers. “Thank you p>
At that moment, Thorne and Vesta finally noticed Irma standing in the doorway.
Irma’s expression turned frigid as she glared at Vesta. “Who gave you permission to come here p>
Standing closely beside Thorne, Vesta lowered her head, offering a dry, nervous laugh without saying a word.
Irma tightened her lips, her gaze shifting to Thorne in absolute fury. Just as she was about to explode, Lloyd, worried about a screaming match breaking out, cleared his throat. “Mom, everything is mostly packed. Let’s just head home p>
Today was the day her son was finally coming home, which was supposed to be a joyous occasion for Irma.
She didn’t want to ruin the mood by picking a fight with Thorne right then and there. Swallowing her anger, she gave a stiff nod. “Fine p>
Claudia’s injuries had been much lighter, and she was almost fully healed. She
stepped forward to support Lloyd as they walked out.
Thorne tried to reach out to help his grandmother, but the second his fingers brushed her arm, she shoved him away.
“Are you really that angry?” Thorne asked quietly.
Irma knew Thorne was just trying to ease the tension, offering them both a way to step down gracefully.
But more than that, he wanted her to accept the reality of his choices.
Glaring at Vesta following closely behind them, Irma pressed her lips into a thin line and turned sharply to Thornes Are you planning on
bringing her back to the house with us? Because let me tell you, b won’t-”
Vone
Thorne looked at his grandmother,
clearly about to argue on Vesta’s
behalf, but Vesta caught his eye and spoke up first. Mrs Henderson merely came to check on Mr.
Henderson. I actually have other things to take care of shortly. The next time I’m free, I’ll properly visit you both at the estate p>
Irma saw right through the pathetic little act; Vesta was simply playing the martyr so Thorne wouldn’t be caught in the middle.
“There won’t be a next time,” Irma said coldly. “The Henderson family will never welcome you p>
Vesta didn’t argue. Instead, she merely lowered her gaze in a show of quiet submission.
Likely not wanting to sour his father’s discharge day any further, Thorne turned to Vesta. “Text me when you get home p>
Vesta offered a gentle smile. “I will p>
Downstairs, Vesta walked alongside the Hendersons to their waiting car. As they got in, she offered a polite wave safe travels, Mr. Henderson. Goodbye.
Lloyd gave a courteous nod and climbed into the vehicle.
“You should head back too,” Thorne told her.