PrimeStar was buzzing with activity.

After having dinner that evening, Charlene and Stewart found themselves heading back to work at PrimeStar

It was a Wednesday morning, and in the middle of a meeting, Stewart’s secretary came in, informing him that Granger had arrived.

Stewart knew without guessing that Granger’s unannounced visit had a purpose.

Given Granger’s status, it was hard to turn him away.

He excused himself to Charlene, “You keep the meeting going, I’ll check this out.”

“Sure,” Charlene replied.

By the time Stewart got to the reception room, Granger was already there, sitting. Upon seeing Stewart, Granger stood up and extended his hand for a firm shake, saying, “I apologize for dropping by unannounced, 1. r. Ferguson.”

Stewart, albeit reluctantly, responded, “No trouble at all, Mr. Harden.”

After they sat down, Granger immediately presented a document to Stewart, saying, “I’m genuinely interested in working together. Mr. Ferguson, would you like to take a look?”

As Stewart perused the document, his interest visibly piqued.

Finally, he set the document down, “Mr. Harden, your proposal is certainly generous. However, there are other factors at play on my end that need consideration. It might take some time before I can give you an answer.” Granger remained amicable, “That’s perfectly fine. I understand the need for comparison. If there are any concerns about the terms I’ve offered, feel free to get in touch. We can discuss and adjust as necessary.” Not wanting to overstay his welcome, Granger made his leave after a brief farewell, leaving Stewart with no choice but to see him out respectfully.

Returning to the meeting room, Charlene had already wrapped up.

Stewart couldn’t help but share his thoughts with her, “Granger’s quite the executor.”

Only yesterday he had turned down Granger over the phone, and today, Granger showed up with a well-thought-out proposal, wasting no time on pleasantries.

Admitting, Stewart said, “Honestly, his proposal is pretty tempting.”

Charlene suggested, “We could wait and see. If it really fits, there’s no harm in collaborating.”

Stewart agreed internally.

Yet, he felt a tad frustrated, realizing it might be difficult to find fault with Granger now, leaving him feeling oddly deflated.

By late afternoon, Charlene was still busy when her phone rang. It was Jasmine again.

Jasmine hadn’t called in the past couple of days.

Charlene chose to concentrate on her work and didn’t answer the phone.

Two days later, on a Friday morning, Jasmine tried calling again just as Charlene was getting up.

Ignoring the call, Charlene placed her phone on the table and went to the kitchen to make breakfast.

Seeing Charlene still not answering, Jasmine felt a surge of frustration, tempted to throw her phone.

But she held back, tears welling up as she nibbled on her breakfast, telling Thorne across the table, “It’s been the fourth time since last Saturday. I’ve called mom four times, but she hasn’t picked up once…” 08:42

Thorne suggested, “Then wait a bit longer and try again.”

Jasmine’s appetite faded as she fretted, “What if she still doesn’t pick up?”

“She will, after some time,” he assured her.

“When is ‘after some time?” Jasmine looked hopeful.

Pausing, Thorne answered, “Within two weeks.”

Jasmine’s hope faded, “Two weeks? That’s forever.”

Thorne nodded, conceding, “It is a bit long.”

Jasmine then brightened a bit, “I want to go out this weekend. Ms. Hawkins is still injured and can’t accompany me. Dad, will you come with me?”

Thorne seriously considered, “Dad has a lot on Saturday but is free on Sunday. If you want to go out on Saturday, why not go with Granger and Daisy?”