Maureen remained silent, but she agreed with Rhoda. At this point, wallowing in disappointment was useless; finding a solution was the only way forward.


    Vesta knew all of this, of course. It was precisely why she had messaged Thorne in the first ce. But the result...


    She lowered her gaze, not telling the others she had already tried. "I know," she said quietly. "I''ll contact Thorne."


    Leah had never truly believed Thorne could fall for Charlene, let alone leave Vesta for her. Even though she was the one who had told the family about Thorne giving Charlene that priceless diamond, the possibility had felt unreal until today. But now, recent events made it feel terrifyingly real. It meant Thorne might actually...


    The thought was so unbearable it made her want to scream.


    She gritted her teeth. "No, it can''t be. This isn''t real..."


    Rhoda and Maureen knew exactly what she was talking about. To be honest, they were all struggling. What they had once considered a certainty was now riddled with doubt, and all because of Charlene. The idea that Charlene could trulye between Vesta and Thorne was something none of them could easily ept.


    However, Rhoda refused to believe they would ever reach that point.


    She gently took Leah''s arm. "Alright now. Your brother-inw''s attitude has just shifted a little. It''s not like he''s decided he can''t live without her. I''m sure your sister just has to make a small effort and she''ll have him back in no time."


    Her words seemed to soothe Leah''s anxiety.


    Vesta said nothing in response. Maureen and Rhoda didn''t linger much longer. After sitting for a few more minutes, they left.


    ...


    Friday afternoon, just before the end of the workday, Charlene''s phone rang. It was Jasmine, who excitedly told her she wanted to go out on the boat tomorrow and hoped Charlene would join her.


    Thorne had already mentioned it. Recalling that he was always present on their recent outings, Charlene asked, "Will it be just you and me, sweetie?"


    "No, Daddy''sing too!"


    Charlene paused. Before she could say anything, Jasmine''s cheerful voice filled the line. "Mommy, it''s a private little ind! It has so many pretty shells and fruits. I really, really want to go. Pleasee with me Mommy, please?"


    Charlene had assumed Jasmine just wanted to go to the beach or on a day cruise. She hadn''t realized the n was to visit a private ind. If it were the former, she could have taken Jasmine by herself. But a private ind...


    After Jasmine''s enthusiastic pitch, the line went quiet. Sensing Charlene''s hesitation, her voice dropped,ced with disappointment. "Mommy, are you busy again?"


    Charlene clutched her phone, silent for a long moment before finally answering, "I... am free."


    Jasmine''s cheerful voice immediately returned.


    The next morning, Charlene awoke


    to find Jasmine perched by her bed. Seeing her awake the little girl grinned and grabbed her hand. "Mommy, you''re awake! Daddy''s already downstairs waiting for us. Let''s hurry!"


    Jasmine''s words took Charlene by surprise. Did she mean Thorne was actually inside her house?