The next morning, she finally received a reply from Thorne.


    [Sorry, just saw your missed call. I have something important to take care of tomorrow. We''ll have to reschedule finalizing the divorce.]


    Reading his message, Charlene found she couldn''t muster any anger. After all, she had also missed an opportunity to finalize things because of her own work.


    She didn''t reply.


    That evening, Charlene and Stewart attended a g. Vesta and her family were there, as was Granger Harden.


    Granger found an opportunity and approached her first.


    "Good evening."


    Charlene nodded. "It''s been a while."


    "It has," Granger said, his eyes studying her face. "Have you been busy? You look like you haven''t been sleeping well."


    Charlene nodded. "A little busy, yes."


    He had been following the news of her divorce and knew that today was thest day


    of their deliberation period. That meant she and Thorne were still legally married. They had failed to go through with it again.


    He rarely spent time with Thorne or Vesta''s circle anymore, so he wasn''t as up-to- date on their affairs. Besides, Thorne''s constant global travel was his norm, so he hadn''t thought much of his frequent trips over the past couple of months.


    He remarked, "Moran mentioned Thorne might not be back for a few more days."


    At the mention of Thorne, Charlene''s tone cooled. She just gave a soft "Mm." Granger didn''t press the topic. Just then, Stewart returned, and the three of them chatted for a while before Granger excused himself.


    Vesta and Henley Hawkins were nearby. Though Charlene paid them no mind, they had been watching her closely.


    Seeing how friendly she was with Stewart, Leah Spencer seethed, "She and Stewart are obviously so close, yet she still clings to Thorne. How shameless!"


    Vesta and Maureen Spencer remained silent but shot Leah a warning nce, silently telling her to hold her tongue in public.


    The mood among Vesta, Maureen, and Henley had been sourtely. It wasn''t just that Thorne and Charlene hadn''t divorced; it was also because Thorne hadn''t contacted Vesta even once since he left for Golnd two, weeks ago. Not even when he had briefly returned to the country.


    He couldn''t have been too busy, not if he could still find time for Jasmine.


    At this point, regardless of the divorce, one thing was painfully clear: Thorne was no longer as attentive to her as he once was. In fact, he seemed to be actively pulling away.


    Charlene was oblivious to Vesta''s turmoil. After finishing her business discussions, she and Stewart left the g.


    Three dayster.


    She was workingte again. As she pulled up to her house, she noticed an unfamiliar car parked outside. Then she recognized the license te and paused.


    Before she could say anything, Thorne stepped out of the car. "You''re back."


    Before Charlene could respond,


    Jasmine burst out of the house.


    "Dad!" After greeting her father, she saw Charlene and immediately ran to her instead throwing her arms around her waist Mom, youre home from work!"


    Charlene had barely managed a soft murmur of agreement before


    Jasmine chimed in excitedly, "Dad


    came straight from the airport to


    pick me up! Mom, you''re back just in time. Let''s all go home with Dad


    together!"