Chapter 89
wenty minutes later, Thorne and Jasmine arrived.
Irma didn’t glance at Thorne but warmly beckoned Jasmine with a smile, saying, “Here, my darling Minnie”
“Great-grandma.” Jasmine ran toward Irma, who hugged her and ruffled her hair before she went to Charlene. “Mommy.”
“Sweetie.” As Charlene hugged Jasmine, she detected a faint scent of the perfume that Vesta had been wearing earlier on her clothes. She didn’t voice her thoughts but gently pushed her away. Thorne sat down beside Irma, handing her a box. “A peace offering”
It was Irma’s favorite type of iced tea, rare in the market and worth its weight in gold. Irma knew he apologized for missing the last trip to Sapphire Springs Resort.
She huffed, “Thinking of gifts for me, but what about Charlene? Have you prepared a peace offering for her?”
Thorne smiled, not saying a word, but glanced at Charlene. It was just a glance devoid of any other emotion.
Irma was ready to stick up for Charlene, hoping Thorne would pay her more attention. But for Charlene, it didn’t really matter anymore.
She didn’t look at Thorne, smiling, and said, “Irma, the food’s getting cold. Let’s eat.”
Irma thought Charlene was changing the subject to avoid discussing Thorne.
After all, when Thorne neglected her and Irma scolded him on her behalf, she would find excuses for Thorne.
Irma sighed in resignation, “You’re always taking his side.”
Charlene just smiled, saying nothing.
Thorne remained indifferent, and his expression was unchanged despite her defending him.
It was getting late. It was time to eat.
Irma stood up, taking Jasmine by the hand. “Minnie hasn’t had dinner with Great-grandma in a long time. Will you sit beside me today?”
Jasmine nodded obediently. “Okay.”
“You’re a good girl,” Irma said, glancing meaningfully at Thorne, the intention clear.
Charlene knew Irma was trying to play matchmaker with her and Thorne again. She didn’t look for Thorne’s reaction but followed Irma into the dining room.
As she sat opposite Irma and Jasmine, she noticed from the corner of her eye that Thorne had pulled out the chair beside her and sat down.
Irma seemed somewhat satisfied. Once the meal was served, she told Thorne, “Serve Charlene some food?
Charlene didn’t look at Thorne, saying, “No need, Irma. I can-”
Before she could finish, Thorne had served her favorite stir-fried meat on her plate.
Charlene paused, “Thank you.”
> Thorne said nothing.
When Irma asked Thorne to serve Charlene, it wasn’t just for a single dish but to take care of her throughout the meal.
So, as Charlene’s plate neared empty, Thorne would serve her more, always her favorites. However, that didn’t Signify much. After all, such instances had occurred a few times over the years, and with Thorne’s memory, he could remember without making an effort.
After dinner, Thorne stayed chatting with Irma.
Charlene stayed mostly on the sidelines, rarely jumping into the conversation or starting one with Thorne, and
he even avoided making eye contact with him.
Seeing the couple barely communicate after so many years, Irma sighed helplessly.
By nine o’clock, Irma was tired and waved them off, suggesting they head upstairs to rest.