Before Thorne could answer, Andie pped a hand on his shoulder. "She''s in your hands."


    Massaging his throbbing temples, Andie turned and left the private dining room.


    Thorne walked over, picked up Charlene''s purse, and effortlessly lifted her into his arms before carrying her out into the hallway.


    Downstairs, just as Thorne was carrying Charlene toward his parked car, Dalton Ramirez was preparing to leave. Catching sight of them, Dalton froze in his tracks.


    Watching the intimate way Thorne held her, Dalton hesitated for a split second before pulling out his phone and snapping a few photos.


    Thorne''s vehicle was parked only a short distance away. He settled Charlene into the passenger seat and got behind the wheel. Seeing this, Dalton climbed into his own car. As Thorne pulled out of the lot, Dalton stepped on the gas and tailed him.


    Thorne drove at a smooth, steady pace. Dalton lost track of time as he followed, only breaking away when Thorne''s car finally turned into the gates of a famously exclusive luxury residentialmunity in Starfall City.


    Merging back into traffic, Dalton immediately dialed a number. "Look into whether Thorne Henderson owns property in that upscale neighborhood we just passed."


    He had his answer the moment he walked through his front door.


    "Thorne Henderson definitely owns a house there. In fact, it''s been his primary residence for years. His wife and daughter lived there before the divorce, and he still lives there with his daughter now."


    So, that vi was Thorne''s actual home? And he had just taken Charlene straight there?


    Dalton''s expression darkened.


    ...


    The next morning.


    Charlene woke up with a splitting headache. As her senses slowly returned, she pushed herself up and took in her surroundings. For a moment, she thought her eyes were ying tricks on her.


    When she realized she was genuinely in Thorne''s house-and in the master bedroom, no less-she froze.


    It took her a minute to piece


    together the hazy memories of the previous night. She had gotten


    drunk and Thor hit must have,


    brought her here.


    Sunlight was already pouring through the windows. Her purse sat neatly on the nightstand.


    Having no desire to linger, she slipped out of bed, stepped into the slippers left on the rug, grabbed her bag, and walked out.


    The moment she stepped into the hallway, she bumped into the butlering upstairs.


    The older man beamed. "Good morning, Mrs. Henderson. You''re awake?"


    "Just Charlene is fine," she corrected gently.


    The butler offered an awkward, apologetic smile.


    Charlene thought for a moment before asking, "Where did he sleepst night?"


    Knowing exactly who she meant, the butler smiled. "Mr. Henderson slept in the study."


    Charlene nodded. Just as she opened her mouth to say something else the study door clicked open Thome stepped out in his pajamas. His gazended on her.


    "You''re up?"


    "Yeah," Charlene nodded. "Thanks forst night."


    "Don''t mention it."


    "Mom?" Jasmine, having just woken up herself, rubbed her eyes. Thinking she was still dreaming, she stared for a second before realizing her mother was actually standing in the hallway. Sheunched herself at Charlene with a delighted squeal. "Mom! When did you get back?"


    "...Last night."


    Charlene returned the hug, murmured a few sweet words to Jasmine, and let the little girl pull her into her bedroom to wash up.


    By the time Charlene and Jasmine headed downstairs for breakfast, Thorne was already fully dressed and waiting for them.