Chapter 100

Fantastic! Jasmine's mood clearly improved as she skipped upstairs. When Charlene emerged from the master bedroom after shutting down her laptop and organizing her belongings, Jasmine threw herself into her arms and exclaimed, "Mommy!" "Uh-huh," Charlene said, caressing her daughter's hair but without giving her a hug in return. Jasmine joyfully chattered away, unaware of her mother's lack of affection. Thorne went upstairs at that moment. His eyes briefly met Charlene's as she drew his attention. Charlene's look was just as controlled as Thorne's. "How about Mrs. Thompson giving you a bath tonight?" she said, turning to face Jasmine. Mommy needs to talk to Daddy about something. "When Thorne heard this, he stopped in his tracks. Jasmine was in a good mood after having a great time the previous two days. She went off to have Mrs.

Thompson assists her with her bath, despite her minor reluctance. "Shall we talk in the room?" Charlene suggested as she saw Thorne playing with his phone while leaning against the wall. "Sure." "Could you close the door, please?" Charlene said as Thorne followed her into the room. She was worried that Jasmine would overhear them if they got into a fight. In all honesty, they had never actually argued despite their tense relationship and years of marriage. Thorne didn't appear to care enough to argue with her. For her part, Charlene cherished their time together too much to waste it on arguments. "What's up?" Thorne asked, turning to face her as he casually closed the door. Charlene was direct and concise.

The villa across from my uncle's was purchased by Vesta's uncle, and they have been remodeling it for some time. They'll move in shortly, I believe. Beyond Maureen and her mother, Sybil, Vesta's mother, Maureen Spencer, had a complex relationship with the Ross family. Their grandparents, who were formerly close friends, were the source of the conflict. Charlene's grandmother frequently provided assistance to Vesta's grandmother during her difficult life. Their granddaughters, Maureen and Sybil, also became close friends as a result of their bond. The position of the Ross and Hawkins families was comparable. The early days of Henley and Sybil's relationship were joyous, and their love was sincere.

But after Maureen got back from college, things were different. Maureen's family had long since turned on Charlene's in an effort to elevate Maureen, abandoning any humility they had previously displayed in asking Charlene's grandma for help. Charlene didn't go into detail about these intricate relationships, but she thought Thorne was aware of them. She therefore believed that by bringing it up, he would realize how serious the situation was. Thorne did as well. He knew what Charlene was getting at. "Mind if I smoke?" he asked after taking out a cigarette and pausing briefly as if to get permission. Charlene gave a headshake.

8:10 p.m. "You want me to make them move?" he inquired, lighting a cigarette. Indeed. With a delayed reaction, Thorne took a drag. She was particularly concerned about this issue. She could ignore other problems, but not this one. She looked at him with weeping eyes and clenched fists, begging, "Do me this favor." I'll comply with your requests as long as you—" Before she could say anything further, he just said, "Okay." The speed with which he agreed surprised her.