Awesome!" Jasmine skipped upstairs, her mood visibly lifted.


    Charlene had just shut down herptop and was tidying up her things when she stepped out of the master bedroom to find Jasmine hurling herself into her arms, eximing, "Mommy!" "Uh-huh," Charlene responded, stroking her daughter''s hair but not embracing her in return.


    Jasmine, oblivious to her mother''sck of affection, chattered away happily. It was then that Thorne made his way upstairs. As Charlene caught his eye, their gazes locked momentarily. Thorne''s expression was unreadable, and Charlene''s was equallyposed. She turned to Jasmine and suggested, "How about Mrs. Thompson gives you a bath tonight? Mommy has something to discuss with Daddy." Upon hearing this, Thorne paused mid-step.


    Jasmine, having had a st over the past two days, was in high spirits. Though slightly reluctant, she didn''t Protest and went off to have Mrs. Thompson help her with her bath.


    Charlene, noticing Thorne leaning against the wall and fiddling with his phone, proposed, "Shall we talk in the room?"


    "Sure."


    Charlene entered the room first and, as Thorne followed, she said, "Could you close the door, please?"


    She was concerned that if their conversation turned into an argument, Jasmine might overhear them.


    Truth be told, despite the years of marriage and their strained rtionship, they had never really fought. Thorne seemed too indifferent to even bother arguing with her. Charlene, on her part, valued every moment with him too much to spend it on fighting. Thorne casually shut the door and turned to her, asking, "What''s up?"


    Charlene got straight to the point. "Vesta''s uncle bought the vi across my uncle''s, and they''ve been renovating for a while. I reckon they''ll move in soon."


    Vesta''s mother, Maureen Spencer, had aplicated history with the Ross family that went beyond Maureen and her mother, Sybil. The feud traced back to their grandmothers, who were once close friends.


    Vesta''s grandmother had a tough life and was often supported by Charlene''s grandmother. This friendship extended to their granddaughters, Maureen and Sybil, making them fast friends too.


    The Hawkins and the Ross families were well-matched in status.


    Henley and Sybil''s love was genuine, and their early days together were happy. However, everything changed after Maureen returned from college...


    To elevate Maureen, her family had long turned against Charlene''s, shedding any pretense of humility they once showed in seeking assistance from Charlene''s grandmother.


    Theseplex entanglements, though Charlene didn''t delve into the specifics, were something she believed Thorne was aware of.


    So, she hoped that by bringing it up, he would understand the gravity of the situation.


    And Thorne did.


    He understood what Charlene was implying.


    He took out a cigarette, hesitated momentarily as if to ask for permission, then inquired, "Mind if I smoke?"


    Charlene shook her head.


    08.10


    hapter 100


    pat


    As he lit his cigarette, he asked, "You want me to make them move?"


    Yes."


    Thorne took a drag, his response not immediate.


    This matter was of particr importance to her.


    She could overlook other issues, but not this one.


    Clutching her hands into fists and with teary eyes, she looked at him, pleading, "Do me this favor. I''ll agree to whatever you ask, just as long as you-"


    Before she could finish, he simply said, "Okay."


    She was taken aback by how quickly he agreed.