Charlene was oblivious to the drama unfolding with Vesta''s family. Her own spirits were high, as Helena''s health had improved to the point of near-full recovery.


    However, the finalization period for her divorce from Thorne was more than halfway over, and he still hadn''t returned from his trip. Just a few days ago, Jasmine had mentioned that her father was incredibly busy and had no idea when he coulde back.


    As the days ticked by and the deadline loomed, Charlene hesitated before sending Thorne a text.


    [When are youing back?]


    She didn''t receive a reply until the next day.


    [Not soon.]


    Charlene frowned and typed again: [Can you make it back before the finalization period ends?]


    Thorne: [Sorry, not sure.]


    She stared at the message, rubbed her temples, and didn''t reply.


    A short whileter, Thorne must have sensed her displeasure, because another message came through: [Are you angry?]


    Charlene ignored it. After staring at the screen for a few seconds, she began to type a new message: [Our work schedules are both demanding. At this rate, we''ll never get officially divorced. If you don''t make it back before this period ends, I''m going to file with the court.]


    This time, his reply took a long while: [This is my fault. If I can''t make it back, can we please wait to make a decision until I return and we can discuss it?]


    Charlene read his message but didn''t respond. Seeing no reply, Thorne didn''t text again.


    If possible, Charlene would have preferred for Thorne to return within the window. But reality proved her hopes were in vain The final day of the finalization period arrived and Thorne was still gone.


    As the deadline passed, Charlene put down her phone and continued with her work.


    That evening, Irma wasing over for dinner, so she left the office early. When


    she arrived home, Irma and Jasmine were already there.


    "Charlene, you''re back!" Irma said with a warm smile.


    Charlene smiled and nodded, ruffling the hair of Jasmine, who had run over to hug her. She then sat down next to Irma and Helena.


    The Ross family was deeply


    Qu


    invested in Charlene''s divorce. They all knew today was thest day of the finalization period and were dying to ask for an update, but with Irma and Jasmine present, they couldn''t bring it up.


    Irma wasn''t fully aware of all the details, but she knew Thorne and Charlene had filed for divorce again recently she also knew Thorne had been away on business for a long time. She refrained from asking about their affairs.


    After dinner, they chatted for a long while. Irma asked about Helena''s health again before finally taking her leave.


    Once she was gone, Helena turned to Charlene. "He''s still not back?"


    "No," Charlene confirmed.


    Helena''s brow furrowed. She could understand that Thorne''s work was demanding, but this had dragged on for far too long. This couldn''t continue.