The car smoothly rolled away from the facility.


    They chatted during the drive, and as they entered city limits, York suggested, "Grab a biteter?"


    "No thanks," Charlene declined firmly. "I want to have dinner at home with my family."


    It was the answer he expected.


    York knew not to push his luck and didn''t insist.


    After York was dropped off, Charlene finally pulled her phone out of her bag and turned it on.


    A flood of missed calls popped up, the vast majority from Jasmine.


    She had been so frantically managing Dr. Wagner''s tasks on the way to the Base that she''d forgotten to tell Jasmine she was going on a "business trip."


    Still, when Jasmine couldn''t reach her, she undoubtedly asked the Ross family for updates, so there wasn''t much cause for worry.


    Even so, seeing all the notifications, Charlene quickly sent a text letting her know she was done with work.


    The message had barely gone through when her phone rang. "Mom, you''re finally back!" Jasmine eximed.


    "Yes."


    "I missed you so much when I couldn''t reach you! Have you eaten? Let''s go out for dinner, okay?"


    But Charlene declined.


    "I just got back, so I want to stay home with Great-Grandma Helena tonight. Let''s eat out next time."


    "Then I''ll go eat at Great-Grandma''s ce too!" Jasmine dered.


    "Alright. Come over," Charlene agreed.


    The Ross household was already preparing extra dishes to wee Charlene back. When they heard Jasmine was joining, Helena and Aunt Maisie exchanged a brief, stiff look.


    Jasmine was just a child. They didn''t really me her for cozying up to Vesta.


    To them, the fault rested squarely on Thorne''s shoulders.


    Thorne was the one actively encouraging Jasmine to like the woman.


    Still, when emotions ran high and the hurt setin, they couldnt help but feel a twinge of resentment toward the little girl.


    Thankfully, after a few days to cool off, they were genuinely happy to have her over.


    Jasmine was thrilled to see Charlene and ended up spending the night.


    The following morning, after dropping Jasmine off at school, Charlene headed


    straight to PrimeStar Technologies.


    The first person she bumped into was Gaylord Hearst.


    He had tried calling her too.


    But she figured that if it was urgent, he would just ask Stewart, so she hadn''t bothered returning his messages.


    Gaylord paused when he saw her. "You''re back?"


    Unsure of what Stewart had told him, she simply nodded. "Yeah."


    His eyes scanned her face. "Did you not sleep well? You look like you''ve lost weight."


    "It''s just been... busy," she replied evasively.


    Gaylord nodded.


    Stewart had mentioned she took time off to handle personal matters.


    He didn''t know the specifics, and part of him wanted to offer his help.


    But he also knew that if she really needed assistance, Stewart would step in. She didn''t need him.


    Since Stewart had advised him not to pester her, he kept his questions to himself. Once Charlene retreated to her office he headed to the pantry, brewed a fresh cup of coffee, and delivered it to her desk.


    "...Thanks," she said.


    Stewart, hearing she was back, swung by her office. Catching Gaylord doting on her, he leaned


    against the doorframe arched a brow, and let out an exaggerated cough.