In the eyes of the Ross family, Thorne was now Jasmine''s father. Since he had helped find a doctor for Grandma Helena, the family felt they owed him a deep debt of gratitude, and they all treated him with a polite warmth. Still, his presence made the atmosphere at the dinner table a little stiff.


    Charlene barely spoke during the meal, but Jasmine was thrilled because her mother had made many of her favorite dishes. As for Thorne, Charlene hadn''t known he wasing, but she still showed her hospitality by quickly preparing a couple of dishes she knew he liked.


    He seemed to notice. After taking his seat, he looked at Charlene and said simply, "Thank you."


    "It''s nothing," she replied, her tone neutral.


    Sensing her reluctance to engage, Vernon smoothly redirected the conversation, and Thorne turned to chat with him instead.


    A few momentster, just as Thorne and Vernon were deep in conversation, Charlene''s phone buzzed. It was a call from York Watson.


    Charlene paused, and before she could fully register the caller, she noticed Thorne nce in her direction. Avoiding his gaze, she picked up her phone and stood. "Excuse me, I need to take this," she said to the others.


    She walked a short distance away before answering. "Hello."


    York''s voice was warm on the other end. "Merry Christmas."


    "Merry Christmas to you too," Charlene replied.


    "Are you freeter?” he asked. “Want to go for a walk?"


    She had only answered out of respect for their friendship, but she had no intention


    of epting his invitation. “I''m sorry, I can''t. I''m spending the evening with my daughter."


    It was the answer he''d expected. After a brief pause, York simply chuckled. "Alright,


    I understand." He then asked, "Have you eaten?"


    "We''re eating now."


    "Okay, I won''t keep you then. I''ll call youter."


    Charlene didn''t respond to that. After


    hanging up, she returned to the dining room. Thorne didn''t ask who had called; he was still talking With Vernon Jasmine, however, was curious. "Who was that, Mommy?


    "Just a friend, sweetie," Charlene said, sitting down beside Thorne.


    "Oh."


    Charlene picked up her fork, but just as she was about to take a bite, her phone rang again. This time, the screen showed Gaylord Hearst''s name.


    With a soft sigh, she had to get up and step away once more.


    "Merry Christmas," Gaylord began, before asking the same question York had. "Any ns for tonight? Want to hang out?"


    "I already have ns, I''m sorry," Charlene said. Remembering that his family was abroad and he was likely alone for the holiday, she added, "Have you eaten?"


    "Yeah, I went out with some friends."


    "Oh, that''s good."


    "What about you?"


    "I''m in the middle of dinner."


    "I see..." Gaylord could tell from her question that she was concerned about him, which made him smile Not wanting to interrupt her family time, he said, "Well, I won''t keep you from your dinner. Merry Christmas, Charlene."


    "Merry Christmas."


    When she returned to the table and sat down, Jasminemented, "You''re getting


    a lot of calls, Mommy."


    Charlene just smiled and put a piece


    of meat on her daughter''s te without a word. Thorne watched them his expression unreadable.


    ist then his own phone chimed with a notification. ''