Charlene and Granger had just finished their dinner and were driving away when Charlene''s phone rang. It was


    Connie.


    "Charlene, where are you? I''m totally beat. Come pick me up for dinner, will you?"


    Charlene, not mentioning that she had already eaten, asked, "Where are you?"


    "Emerald Vale," Connie said, referring to the newly developed vintage-style housing estate. "I''ve been here since early morning with my aunt checking out houses. I''m exhausted." "Alright, I''m on my way."


    After hanging up, Charlene set her GPS to Emerald Vale.


    A few minutester, Connie called again, sounding less than pleased, "Guess who I ran into here?"


    Charlene paused, knowing only one thing could irritate Connie that much-


    Thorne and Vesta, with the whole Hawkins n! He brought them here to look at houses!"


    Keeping her eyes on the road, Charlene responded nomittally.


    Thorne and Vesta were usually glued to Jasmine''s side, so it was unusual for Thorne to leave her behind.


    The only usible reason seemed to be that he was out house hunting for the Hawkins family, especially since the Spencers had already settled in, and the Hawkins were looking to make Starfall their permanent home. Arriving at Emerald Vale, Charlene parked and messaged Connie her location, asking where she could find a restroom in the sales office.


    When she met up with Connie, she learned about the exorbitant prices of the properties from her. "Houses here start at three million, and the vi Thorne bought for the Hawkins? That''s over six million!"


    Charlene simply nodded, her expression unreadable.


    Connie continued, venting her frustration. "And get this-Thorne and Vesta came here because Vesta''s mom loves the style of this ce."


    Charlene''s step wavered slightly when she heard that-no wonder Maureen had been all smiles earlier. Struggling to keep herposure, Charlene excused herself and headed to the restroom.


    Inside, she clenched her fists in frustration. While she had grown ustomed to hearing about how well Thorne treated Vesta, she still couldn''t keep her cool when she found out he was going out of his way to please Maureen.


    Suddenly, voices from the sales staff outside floated in. "Mr. Henderson really has an eye for beauty; his girlfriend is absolutely gorgeous."


    "Totally, and her mom is just as impressive-elegant and poised. Plus, her husband and mother-inw totally spoil her. They cater to her likes and pamper her like nobody''s business. It just makes me green with envy when I think about my own husband!"


    "Mr. Henderson''s girlfriend is living the dream. A six-million-dor vi before they''re even married? Talk about life goals!"