Divorce Time

Chapter 173

After Jasmine left, Charlene found her book and, instead of heading back to her room, she took it to the second–floor bay window to read.

Half an hour later, Irma came up with a steaming cup of tea for her. “Charlene, so this is where you’ve been hiding.”

Charlene put down her book and stood to take the cup. “Grandma, you didn’t have to bring it up yourself. You could have just called me down.”

“You’re still recovering. It’s better if you don’t walk around too much.” Irma settled into another armchair, her tone laced with annoyance. “I thought of asking Thorne to bring it up, but he’s been holed up in his study, tapping away at his keyboard. It’s the weekend, and I don’t understand what could be so urgent.”

Earlier in the dining room, Thorne had been outlining some project details to Vesta, likely explaining his preference for working in his study.

harlene, without a word, started sipping her tea.

The weather had turned cold, so the tea wasn’t too hot. Charlene gulped it down quickly, making Irma frown. “That’s quite bitter, dear. Take it slow.”

Charlene set down her cup. “It’s not too bad.”

Irma offered her a glass of water and a piece of candy to wash it down, but Charlene declined.

and Charlene, having

went downstairs for dinner.

later, Irma and Jasmine

“At this hour, Thorne has gone off to the company again.

noticed the sound of a car leaving. Thorne must have gone to deal with some issue in Vesta’s project.

lap. “Daddy

Thorne wouldn’t take her. If he did, the whole of Neural Nexus Tech

let Vesta

up. “Mommy’s still not well. Go sit somewhere

an

stay awake past ten and went to bed early

up the next day, she found out Thorne hadn’t come home that night.

skills were indeed excellent, and Charlene

had Dr. Ableson prescribe two more rounds

Irma was insistent, saying she wouldn’t know how to prepare Dr. Ableson’s remedies, Charlene agreed to come back in the evening for her medication.

a ride to school, Charlene declined, “Mommy didn’t bring

suggested, “Then take Daddy’s car. I’ll