Kendal didn't even bother replying to him. When Thorne made his comment, Charlene didn't respond either.

No one seemed eager to engage with him, but Thorne didn't mind. He noticed Charlene's coffee was nearly gone, so he picked up the pot and refilled her cup, as well as Kendal's.

Throughout the brunch, whether sipping on their Americanos or discussing over the club sandwiches, Charlene mostly chatted with Kendal and Jasmine, leaving Thorne out of the conversation.

It wasn't clear if Charlene was intentionally ignoring him, or if Thorne himself wasn't interested in talking to her.

Around 2 p.m., as they were preparing to leave the Underwood family home, Charlene suddenly realized they had spent nearly four hours in the same room without exchanging a single word.

Kendal had noticed this too.

Thorne wasn't about to change that, and Charlene had already moved on emotionally. Thorne hadn't invited them over for matchmaking purposes; he knew they had nothing to say to each other and he had nothing more to add.

As they were getting ready to head back home, Jasmine looked up at Charlene and asked, "Mom, are you coming home today?" Before Charlene could respond, Jasmine added, "You haven't been home in a long time."

Kendal paused, saying nothing, merely sighing softly under his breath.

Thorne remained silent too.

gently stroked Jasmine's cheek and said, "I have some things to take care of,

going to Grandma's or traveling for work again? Last time I couldn't reach

family over the weekend. Indeed, she was planning

grandma's house out of longing,

"Yes!"

Jasmine perked up. She had feared her mom

who understood and asked Jasmine, "So, are you staying at your great-grandma's

Jasmine nodded enthusiastically, "Yep!"

"Then I'll arrange for someone to pick you up from

to go back to great-grandma's after school tomorrow,"

chuckled, exchanged a glance with Charlene, and said, "You'll have to discuss that with your mom; I

at her,

nodded, "Yes, I

"Okay..." Jasmine conceded reluctantly.

with Kendal

next day, Charlene drove Jasmine to school before heading to work at PrimeStar

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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