Thorne''s so-called "friend who had just returned from abroad" was undoubtedly Corinne Lancaster, right?


    Charlene didn''t ask for details. She simply gave a soft word of agreement and ended the call.


    ...


    Charlene''s guess was entirely correct. Thorne''s friend was indeed Corinne Lancaster.


    That evening, Corinne''s wee dinner stretched on until a little past nine o''clock.


    By the time Thorne carried Jasmine out of the restaurant, the little girl was already exhausted. Draping her arms around his neck, she let out a huge yawn. "Dad, I want to go to Great-Grandma''s house. I want to sleep with Mom tonight."


    Thorne smiled faintly. "Alright."


    He nced over at the rest of the group. "We''ll be heading out first." Finally, his gaze settled on Vesta Hawkins. "Drive safe on your way back."


    "I will," Vesta replied. "You too."


    Thorne settled Jasmine into the car and drove off first.


    Everyone present had clearly heard what Jasmine murmured in Thorne''s arms.


    Corinne had already learned that the only reason Thorne and Charlene''s divorce hadn''t been finalized yet was because of Jasmine. She also noticed that Thorne seemed to be doting on his daughter more and moretely.


    Watching Thorne''s car disappear down the street, she frowned. "Is she always this clingy with her mother now? Their divorce isn''t going to get derailed just because of her, is it?"


    Vesta hesitated, offering no response.


    Moran Albright rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Honestly, it''s hard to say."


    Corinne''s frown deepened. She turned to Vesta. "Haven''t you two had a serious talk about this? The kid has to find out eventually. You can''t keep it a secret from her forever."


    "I know, but..."


    Corinne knew this was a matter for Vesta and Thorne to resolve themselves. As much as she cared, it wasn''t her ce to interfere too heavily, so she let the subject drop.


    Just then, her eyes drifted over to Granger Harden, who was taking a phone call a short distance away.


    She paused, a small smile touching her lips, and couldn''t help asking Vesta, "Does Granger have a girlfriend?"


    Both Vesta and Moran were taken aback.


    But they instantly understood what Corinne was getting at. Moran grinned. "Not yet. Has Ms. Lancaster taken a liking to my buddy?"


    "A little."


    Barring any unforeseen circumstances, she would likely be forced into an arranged marriage soon.


    If it was going to be an arranged marriage anyway, why not find someone with excellent qualifications who she actually liked?


    From what she could tell, Granger


    was a phenomenal candidate. He was strikingly handsome, exceptionally capable, and had a steady mature personality. He was basically wless.


    Moranughed. "If you''re genuinely interested in chasing him, I fully support it—"


    He paused mid-sentence, suddenly remembering a crucial detail. "Actually, wait. He already has someone he likes."


    Corinne wasn''t overly surprised. "I figured as much."


    Just as Moran was about to ask how she knew, Corinne turned to Vesta. "Who is it that he likes?"


    Vesta lowered her eyes and shook her head. "I don''t know."


    Corinne looked surprised. She turned back to Moran. "You don''t know either?"


    "Nope," Moran admitted. "It''s not anyone from our circle."


    As they were talking, Granger finished his call and walked back over to the group. "I have some business to take care of, so I''m heading out first. You guys ha good night."


    Moran coughed lightly, suppressing a smile. "We were just talking about you."


    Realizing it had been a long time since he checked in on Granger''s love life, Moran added, It''s been forever. When are you finally going to bring this mystery woman around for us to meet?"