Chapter 89

Thorne and Jasmine showed up twenty minutes later. Without looking at Thorne, Irma smiled and summoned Jasmine, saying, "Here, my darling Minnie," or "Great-grandma." Before heading to Charlene, Jasmine hurried to Irma, who gave her a hug and tousled her hair. "Mommy." "Sweetie." Charlene noticed a hint of the perfume Vesta had been wearing earlier on her clothing as she gave Jasmine a hug. She gently pulled her aside without saying anything. Thorne took a seat next to Irma and gave her a box. "A peace offering" was Irma's favorite kind of iced tea; it was extremely valuable and uncommon in the market. Irma was aware that he had expressed regret for missing the previous visit to Sapphire Springs Resort.

"Thinking of gifts for me, but what about Charlene?" she sighed. "Have you prepared a peace offering for her?" Thorne looked at Charlene while grinning silently. It was merely an emotionless glance. Irma was prepared to defend Charlene in the hopes that Thorne would give her more consideration. However, it was no longer a major concern for Charlene. "Irma, the food's getting cold," she replied, grinning without turning to face Thorne. "Let's eat." Irma believed Charlene was trying to avoid talking about Thorne by shifting the topic. After all, Irma would make excuses for Thorne when he ignored her and she reprimanded him on her behalf. With a resigned sigh, Irma said, "You're always taking his side."

Charlene remained silent and simply grinned. Even though she was standing up for him, Thorne's expression did not change. It was growing late. It was time to eat. Irma got to her feet and grabbed Jasmine's hand. It's been a while since Minnie and Great Grandma had dinner together. Are you going to sit next to me today? Jasmine dutifully nodded. "Okay." Irma looked meaningfully at Thorne and stated, "You're a good girl," with obvious intent. Charlene was aware that Irma was attempting to set her up with Thorne once more. She followed Irma into the dining room without waiting to see Thorne's response. From the corner of her eye, she saw that Thorne had pulled out the chair next to her and taken a seat while she sat across from Irma and Jasmine. Irma appeared to be a little content.

Serve Charlene some food?" she asked Thorne once the dinner was served. "No need, Irma," Charlene said without glancing at Thorne. I can—" Thorne put her favorite stir-fried meat on her plate before she could say anything more. Charlene hesitated. "Thank you." Thorne remained silent. Irma urged Thorne to look after Charlene during the meal, not just for one dish. Thorne would always serve Charlene more of her favorites when her plate got closer to being empty. That didn't mean anything, though. Such incidents had, after all, happened a few times throughout the years, and Thorne's memory allowed him to recall them effortlessly.

08:38 Thorne continued talking with Irma after supper. Charlene avoided making eye contact with Thorne and stayed primarily on the sidelines, rarely initiating or jumping into a conversation. Irma sighed hopelessly at the couple's lack of communication after all these years. Irma waved them off at nine o'clock, advising they go upstairs to rest because she was exhausted.