The others quickly chimed in with their agreement, but Vesta Hawkins remained entirely silent. She knew better than anyone else that Charlene Ross''s current financial freedom didn''t rely on Stewart Ferguson or Thorne Henderson. It relied solely on herself.


    She relied on no one but herself, yet she already possessed the kind of staggering wealth that so many of them could only dream of...


    At the thought, a heavy silence settled over Vesta''s heart. Her gaze darkened, and her fingers abruptly tightened their grip on the armrest of her chair,pletely erasing her previously good mood.


    Charlene couldn''t care less what the others thought. After a few intense rounds of bidding, she sessfully imed the traditional painting for well over ten million dors.


    When the auction concluded, the elusive owner behind the auction house made a rare personal appearance to greet Charlene, his attitude incredibly respectful.


    Rumor had it that this particr boss was not a simple man, often going a year or two without showing his face at all. The fact that he specifically came out just to make Charlene''s acquaintance gave her an immense amount of prestige.


    Watching the auction house''s owner treat Charlene like VIP royalty naturally left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Hawkins and Spencer families. But it was only a slight sting. After all, they firmly believed their futures would be vastly superior to hers.


    So what if they let Charlene show off for a little while today?


    Maureen Spencer''s expression remained t. She stood up and said, "Let''s head back."


    "Alright," Leah Spencer agreed with a tight smile, shooting onest re at Charlene before leaving with the rest of the Hawkins and Spencer families.


    On the drive home from the auction house, Charlene received a call from Jasmine Henderson. Her daughter excitedly informed her that Thorne was free the next day and had agreed to take them both out for dinner.


    Charlene listened, gave a soft sound of acknowledgment, and hung up.


    The next day, she received a text from Jasmine and left the house right on time.


    By the time she arrived at the restaurant, Thorne and Jasmine were already waiting.


    Spotting her, Jasmine enthusiastically threw herself into Charlene''s arms. Thorne nced up at her as well. "You''re here?"


    He poured her a cup of tea and set it in front of her.


    Charlene took it, her voice cool and detached. "Thank you."


    Noticing her tone, Thorne cast an extra, lingering nce her way.


    Charlene pretended not to notice. Thorne''s probing gaze stayed on her face for two seconds before he finally looked away.


    Just like always, the two of them


    simply yed the roles of responsible parents, catering to Jasmine''s conversational whims and preferences. Between themselves, however, there was almost zeromunication.


    The meal went decently well.


    ve


    Jasmine waspletely oblivious to the freezing undercurrents swirling between the two adults. After eating, she happily suggested they go somewhere else to y.


    Both Charlene and Thorne agreed.


    Leaving the restaurant, Jasmine happily held Charlene''s hand, skipping ahead, while Thorne followed just a step behind them.


    To any outsider looking at the three of them, they painted the perfect picture of a blissfully happy family.


    Jasmine went to climb into the car first, but she lost her footing and nearly tumbled backward onto the pavement. Charlene, right behind her, reacted with lightning speed, grabbing her daughter to steady her. But in the rush to catch Jasmine, Charlene''s own bnce faltered Seeing this Thorne immediately reached out, wrapping a firm arm around her waist and shoulder. "Careful."


    He held her until she waspletely steady before releasing his grip.


    Charlene offered a quiet word of thanks. She was just about to climb into the car when something caught her attention. She paused, ncing sideways toward a specific spot in the distance, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.


    Thorne noticed her hesitation. "What''s wrong?"


    Charlene pulled her gaze back. "Nothing."


    Without another word, she bent down and slid into the car.


    It wasn''t until Thorne''s vehicle pulled out of the restaurant parking lot that Kelvin


    Scott and Dalton Ramirez finally stepped out from their hiding spot.