Over the next few days, Charlene found some time to attend a couple ofworking events.


    She ran into Vesta twice during these asions.


    However, Thorne wasn''t there to apany Vesta either time.


    March had brought with it a lot of rain.


    After one such event, Charlene stepped outside to find it pouring.


    She had an umbre but had left it in her car. She headed towards the main entrance, nning to wait for the rain to ease up a bit before making her way out. Before she even reached the door, she spotted Vesta, who was chatting with someone. Vesta''s smile faded slightly when she saw Charlene.


    Just then, Thorne appeared in Charlene''s line of sight, holding an umbre. He had clearlye to pick up


    Vesta.


    He took off his overcoat and draped it over Vesta''s shoulders.


    The people waiting out the rain looked on with envy, and a few even let out little exmations of admiration.


    It was then that Thorne noticed Charlene, hesitating for a moment.


    Charlene kept her face straight.


    Thorne looked away, opened his umbre again, and left with Vesta.


    The wind was quite blustery that day, but with Thorne''s coat shielding her, Vesta wouldn''t get wet, even if some raindrops made their way under the umbre. Thorne''s gesture was thoughtful, to say the least.


    In a short while, they disappeared out of the entrance.


    A littleter, Thorne''s driver approached Charlene from the parking lot, holding out an umbre. "Ma''am, Mr. Henderson asked me to bring you this."


    Charlene didn''t take it. "No need; you can take it back."


    Previously, Irma had mentioned that for Jasmine''s sake, Thorne had agreed to be cordial with her.


    He had shown concern at thest meeting and now was sending an umbre in front of Vesta...


    Vesta must have enough confidence in her rtionship with Thorne to allow him to send her an umbre. She understood that Thorne had no feelings for Charlene and was just being polite because of Jasmine. The driver hesitated. "But..."


    Charlene insisted, "He won''t mind. You can go."


    The driver, seeing her firm stance, turned back with the umbre. And indeed, the driver didn''t return.


    But the rain showed no sign of letting up.


    Charlene checked the time, debating whether to keep waiting or to brave the rain-


    Just then, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts. "Come on, I''ll give you a ride."


    It was Granger.


    It was getting dark, and who knew how long the rain wouldst?


    Charlene didn''t refuse, "Thank you."


    Granger started to take off his jacket, seemingly intending to offer it to her. Charlene quickly said, "No need, I have spare clothes in the car. If I get wet, I can change."


    Granger paused, not insisting further, but as they walked out, he positioned himself to block the wind from her. As they descended the steps together, Charlene asked, "Mr. Harden, are you here for the event too?" He wasn''t.


    Granger had heard from Moranthat she''d attended these events recently.


    They hadn''t worked together muchtely, and realizing he missed seeing her, he decided to drop by.


    Seeing the slight redness in her ears from the cold, he simply responded, "Yeah," then added, "Got time for dinnerter?"


    Granger had helped her out, and they would be working together again soon, so having dinner didn''t seem like a big deal.


    Charlene agreed, "Sure."