Irma couldn’t help but notice that Charlene wasn’t as forward with Thorne as she used to be.

With a heavy sigh, she shot Thorne a pointed look and said, “It’s all Thorne’s fault, isn’t it?”

“After all the effort Charlene put in, and he barely gave her the time of day. Wouldn’t that cool anyone’s heels?”

Thorne responded with just a faint smile, choosing to remain silent. Charlene, on her part, was content to stay quiet too, concentrating on her meal instead of joining the conversation. Before dinner was over, Thorne received a call and excused himself to take it, returning shortly after.

After they finished eating, he told Irma, “I’ve got to run. Something’s come up.”

Jasmine, ever so sharp, guessed the call might have been from Vesta.

“I want to go check on her too,” she said, “Dad, can I come with you?”

Sure,” Thorne agreed.

Irma then suggested, “Why don’t you take Charlene along as well? It’s Saturday tomorrow, a little outing could do her good.”

Charlene was quick to decline, “Grandma, I’ve got plans with a friend later.”

“Alright then,” Irma conceded.

Jasmine, who had been anxious about the possibility of Charlene staying with her, visibly relaxed. As they prepared to leave, she turned to Charlene and said, “Bye, Mom.” “Take care, see you,” Charlene replied.

As Thorne’s car pulled away, Charlene too left in her own vehicle. Once she was a safe distance from the family home, she dialed up Stewart and got straight to the point, “I’m considering divorcing Thorne. He just handed me a divorce agreement, trying to settle with some assets. I want a lawyer to check for any loopholes.”

Stewart, in the midst of dinner himself, couldn’t hide his excitement, “I’ll get you a top-notch attorney right

away!”

Charlene managed a smile, “Thanks.”

Hanging up, she drove back to her place.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Jasmine and Thorne were still with Vesta, while Moran stepped out into the hallway to make a call.

“He’s planning to divorce Charlene,” he told Granger, who was currently out of town.

Granger stopped dead in his tracks, exclaiming, “What? Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. I was there, wasn’t I?” Moran retorted, adding, “And Thorne isn’t even discussing custody of Minnie with her.”

Granger clenched his phone tighter. Before Moran could continue, Granger cut him off, “I’ve got another call to make,” and hung up without waiting for a response.

Moran was left muttering to himself about Granger’s sudden rush.

Meanwhile, Granger, after some hesitation, dialed Charlene’s number. She had just gotten home when she saw his call and picked up, “Mr. Harden, what can I do for you?”

There was a moment’s hesitation on his end. He wanted to ask about her well-being, but it felt out of place glyen their current relationship.

Charlene mistook his pause for a different reason and jumped in, “If it’s about meeting Daisy, I’m tied up

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tomorrow. Maybe the day after or next week?”