As she rounded the corner of the lobby, Vesta and Thome''s friends appeared at the end of the hallway,


    Charlene instinctively stepped aside and heard Jasmine exim joyfully, "Ms. Hawkins!" and dash forward, leaping into Vesta''s embrace.


    Charlene settled into a couch nearby, her back to them, using the potted nts and the back of the chair as a shield. "Minnie, you''re back in town, too?"


    "Because you wereing back, Ms. Hawkins, Dad and I couldn''t bear the thought of being away from you. Dad wrapped up his work early, and we flew back! We made it the day before your birthday so we wouldn''t miss it! This is a ne Dad and I made for you, Ms. Hawkins. Happy Birthday!"


    "Wow, Minnie, you and your dad made this? It must have taken much effort. You''re talented, sweetie. I love it. Thank you, Minnie!"


    "As long as you like it, Ms. Hawkins." Jasmine hugged Vesta, whining yfully, "I haven''t seen you in a week, and I''ve missed you so much. I couldn''t have stayed in Golnd if it weren''t for our daily phone calls."


    "I missed you too, Minnie."


    Suddenly, footsteps approached from the side.


    Charlene froze. It was Thome.


    Even without seeing him, Charlene was sure just by the sound of his footsteps. After six ustomed to waiting for him daily.


    or seven years of marriage, she had grown


    Thorne''s steps, just like his personality, were measured and steady, exuding an air of calm confidence. Even when interacting with his close ones in the Henderson family, he maintained thisposure as if nothing could faze him.


    She had thought nothing in the world could disturb his peace. But then Vesta entered the scene, proving to be the exception.


    Before Charlene could ponder further, she heard Jasmine say, "Daddy!"


    Thorne''s friends greeted him as well.


    Thorne replied, then wished Vesta, "Happy Birthday."


    Vesta smiled. "Thanks."


    Sasmine said, "Daddy, didn''t you also prepare another birthday gift for Ms. Hawkins? Go on. Give it to her!"


    The mood suddenly shifted, followed by a chuckle from one of Thorne''s friends, who teasingly pinched Jasmine''s cheek. "That''s a special gift your dad has for Ms. Hawkins. Probably, he will give it to her in private. Let''s not meddle, sweetie." The others joined in the teasingughter.


    Then, Thorne announced, "I''ve given it to her."


    "Oh? When?" Jasmine inquired before adding, "Dad, you sneaked off to see Ms. Hawkins again without me, huh?"


    Thorne''s friends burst intoughter.


    Charlene, however, thought back to Vesta''s visit to the Henderson Group that morning. It must have been then. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Vesta suggested, "Let''s not just stand here. Let''s go upstairs." Their footsteps faded away.


    Charlene remained still, heart aching, deep in thought for quite a while before she came back to the present.


    Silently, she entered the elevator to assist Connie from upstairs.


    Charlene and Connie''s dining room happened to be on the same floor. As Charlene helped Connie into the elevator, Thorne''s friend, Moran Albright, hesitated in his step. naptera