Gaylord wasn''t the least bit embarrassed about being caught ying the attentive suitor. He gave a polite, "Mr. Ferguson," before turning on his heel and heading back to work.


    Stewart closed the door and dropped onto the sofa. "When he found out you practically run on coffee when you''re busy, he spent a ridiculous amount of time learning how to brew the perfect cup. I hear he just mastered it."


    Charlene blinked, taken aback.


    Seeing her reaction, Stewart chuckled. "Touched?"


    "...Not exactly."


    It just reminded her of the past.


    Lost in thought, she absently picked up the mug and took a sip.


    The rich aroma had already hinted at its quality, but the smooth, robust vor exceeded her expectations.


    She knew her coffee, and one taste was enough to prove just how much effort Gaylord had poured into it.


    A level of dedication that rivaled the effort she had once—


    Oblivious to her internal reflections, Stewart broke the silence. "How are you holding up? Feeling any better?"


    He hadn''t forgotten that just a few days ago, she had desperately asked him out for drinks before getting whisked away by Dr. Wagner''s team.


    Charlene set the mug down, pulling herself back to the present. "I''m fine now."


    Seeing no trace of pretense on her face, Stewart pressed, "What actually happened?"


    She gave him a brief rundown of the situation.


    Stewart was already aware that Thorne had introduced Vesta to Lloyd and udia.


    After hearing the full scope of her family''s frustration and anxiety, he paused. "Sometimes, the world


    really is just that unfair. But your


    grandmother is right-dragging out this marriage just to spite Thorne won''t do you any good. As for the Hawkins and Spencer families, karma has a way of catching up. I firmly believe they''ll get what''sing to them eventually."


    "Yeah," Charlene murmured.


    That was the only way to look at it. For now, her sole focus was finalizing the divorce. Everything else could wait.


    Since it was Friday, Jasmine called right after school, begging to take her out for dinner.


    Charlene wasn''t swamped, so she agreed.


    The moment she said yes, Jasmine


    let out a long sigh. "Honestly, I really


    wanted at three of us to go out together you, me, and Dad. We


    haven''t done that in ages. But when I


    asked Dad he said he


    was busy and


    couldn''t make it..."


    It was true. They hadn''t spent time together as a family in a very long time. Still, Charlene remainedpletely silent.


    Jasmine didn''t let it bring her down for long. "But that''s okay! He should have time tomorrow," she chimed happily.


    "Mhm," Charlene replied softly.


    After finishing her work, she coordinated with Jasmine''s driver and they headed out


    to eat.


    Jasmine had a massive appetite for


    all sorts of dishes, but since it was


    just the two of them, they had


    skip sever


    of her favorites to avoid


    wasting food.


    "If only Dad were here..." Jasmine pouted.


    Charlene offered no response.


    Just as they were leaving the restaurant after their meal, Stewart sent her a message.


    She opened it to find a photo. It showed Thorne, Irma Henderson, the Hawkins family, and the Spencers all sitting together in a private dining room.