Chapter 64

At the edge of the dance floor, a contemporary Shakespearean drama was playing out in a chaotic scenario. Connie had been there the whole time. Based on their audacious encounter with the Hawkins family, it was clear that the Fs' family was wealthy. With a modest manner and an effort to reason with the irate group, Henley tried to defuse the situation, but the girl's family was unconvinced. The Hawkins family was visibly shaken by their torrent of comments, a shroud of embarrassment hovering over them. Thome made his spectacular debut just when the night appeared to be at its darkest.

In a scene from a Hollywood film, he threw off his jacket and draped it over Vesta's shoulders before speaking to the girl's elders in a few forceful but quiet words. With the assurance of a knight in shining armor, he gathered Vesta in his arms and departed the scene without waiting for an answer. The girl's family's attitude was significantly altered by Thorne's intervention. They attempted to follow, perhaps in an attempt to diffuse the situation, but the dinner hosts' covert security system prevented them. The girl's family's initial arrogance turned into a desperate desire to make amends with the Hawkins family when the video of the incident became viral on social media.

Encouraged by Thorne's forceful rescue, Henley and his group ignored them, quiet togetherness taking the place of their previous fear as they followed Thorne out of the arena. The salacious drama that transpired during the event was just as much of the talk as the celebrities who attended. Even though Vesta and the other girl were unknown to the general public, the story took off when it was revealed that Thorne, a young, prosperous businessman with a low profile despite his high society ancestry, was the narrative's knight.

Given the obvious difference in charm and accomplishment between him and Thorne, the public found it ridiculous to speculate that the girl's boyfriend was attempting to court Vesta. After waiting for Thorne to take her up from Sapphire Springs Resort—a plan that was forgotten in the excitement of the evening—Charlene felt left out of the loop by the narrative. With her mind racing, she retreated into the night unfazed, finding comfort in her bed and the tranquility of a dreamless slumber.

The next day, Charlene woke up to a sunny morning, grabbed a breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs, and headed to work as usual.At lunch, she was halfway through her sandwich when her phone rang. It was Jasmine, calling for the first time since she had snuck away from Sapphire Springs Resort. Charlene answered, "Hey, sweetie.""Hi, Mommy." Jasmine's voice came through, light and a bit cautious."Eaten yet?" ""Just did!Jasmine received Vesta's call that morning at Sapphire Springs Resort. Vesta said Thorne had taken her out for fun and asked if she wanted to join. Without a second thought and without letting Charlene know, she dashed off. They had a blast, only returning to town late yesterday afternoon. However, they didn't come home the night before. This morning, back at school and feeling guilty, Jasmine worried Charlene might be upset, so she called.