Of course, Charlene couldn''t go back with her. Just as she was trying to figure out what to say, Thorne''s voice came through the phone. "Let''s talk about your moming home next time. She''s had a long day and she''s very tired."


    Jasmine looked up and saw the weary frown on Charlene''s face. She did look exhausted. The little girl relented. "Okay, next time then." She added, "Mommy, you should go take a bath and get some rest. I''ll stay here and keep youpany tonight."


    "Okay," Charlene agreed.


    When Charlene went into the bathroom to shower, she took her phone with her and sent Thorne a text.


    [You need to tell Minnie about the divorce. Soon.]


    He replied almost instantly: [I know. But it''s hard to bring up.]


    Charlene knew what he meant. Judging by Jasmine''s reaction today, she would never agree to them divorcing. And if they went ahead and did it behind her back, the fallout would be even worse when she eventually found out.


    Charlene texted back: [Figure something out.]


    Thorne: [I know.]


    After that, neither of them sent any more messages.


    When Charlene came out of the bathroom, Jasmine was already fast asleep, a faint smile still gracing her lips. Charlene tucked her in, her gaze lingering on her daughter''s peaceful face.


    She didn''t sleep well that night. The next morning, after dropping Jasmine off at school, she went straight to the office.


    Stewart noticed her haggard expression. After she exined what had happened, he paused. "That''s definitely a tough situation." A child was her responsibility, but her rtionship with Thorne was... He gently patted her shoulder, unable to offer any real advice.


    That afternoon, Charlene had to go to The Henderson Group again for a meeting that Thorne also attended. They exchanged nods like distant acquaintances and had virtually interaction after that.


    Charlene was swamped with the government project she had recently won, so after her work at The Henderson Group was done, she had to return to her own ?fffee to workte. For the next couple of days, perhaps because Jasmine knew she was working untilte every night, she didn''t bring up the topic of her ing home" again.


    Now, there were only two days left until her and Thorne''s divorce cooling-off period ended.


    Thinking about how Jasmine still didn''t know, Charlene hesitated for a moment before sending Thorne a text: [I''m free two days from now, in the morning.]


    It took him over half an hour to reply: [Me too.]


    A momentter, another message came through: [I haven''t told Minnie. Are you sure about going through with it in two days?]


    Charlene felt a flicker of doubt, but she knew this was inevitable. It was only a


    matter of time. Jasmine would have to ept the reality sooner orter.


    Steeling herself, she replied: [I''m sure.]


    Thorne must have been thinking the same thing. [Okay.]


    Charlene set her phone down.


    On Friday evening, Jasmine came straight to the Ross estate from school. She spent the entire weekend there, and Thorne never made an appearance. On Sunday night, Jasmine went home.


    That night, Charlene went to bed early. The next morning, she woke up, ate breakfast, and went upstairs to get her things, ready to leave.