Chapter 419

Although Charlene and Vesta both attended the panel discussion at St. Aurelia's University, their paths never crossed that day.

By mid-afternoon, around three or four o'clock, Charlene and Stewart were ready to leave the campus. As Professor Hancock and the university president walked them out, Professor Hancock extended another invitation, "We're holding a symposium downtown on Saturday. I wonder if you both might be interested..."

Charlene paused mid-step, her gaze landing on Maureen just a short distance away. She quickly looked away, pressing her lips together before replying, "I'm sorry, I have something important to attend to on Saturday, so I won't be able to make it."

After saying their goodbyes, Charlene and Stewart got into the car and drove out of St. Aurelia's. It wasn't until they were on the road that Stewart finally spoke. "You seemed a little off back there. Did something happen?"

He had noticed the flicker of emotion on Charlene's face when Saturday was mentioned and her eyes fell on Maureen. There were too many people around earlier for him to ask.

Charlene kept her eyes down, her voice quiet. "Saturday is my mother's birthday."

Stewart's voice tightened. He knew all too well that Charlene's mother had been confined to a care home for years-all thanks to Maureen and her family. No wonder Charlene's mood had soured around Maureen and Vesta.

After a long moment, he asked, "What are you planning to do about the Hawkins family and the Spencers?"

Charlene clenched her fist. "I don't want to make things easy for them, but—"

But with Thorne protecting them now, even though PrimeStar was thriving, going after them would be incredibly difficult.

She didn't need to say it out loud-Stewart understood.

He tried to reassure her. "What goes around comes around. I'm sure you'll get your chance. Don't lose hope."

Charlene nodded. "Mm."

and Vernon Ross baked a cake together before driving out to

in some time, and she looked even thinner

seeing her sitting at the center of it all lost in her own world, oblivious to

agony for Charlene and Helena Ross. Their

the director approached. Seeing the grief on their faces, she hesitated for a moment before speaking. "We ran a checkup

pale. "How-how could

of emotional strain for years, and her appetite has suffered. Over time, it's taken a heavy

"So...?"

more tests to be certain, but her condition is very poor. If things keep deteriorating at this rate, I'm afraid—well, I'm afraid there may not be much

and the others understood all too

Helena stumbled, nearly fainting.

at the Ross home, Helena drifted off to her room in

much pain they felt, life still had to go on. Evening had come, and though no one had much appetite,

She wandered through the aisles in a fog, picked up a

she reached the counter, someone called out, "Cousin!"

It was Janetta.

at her, polite but

noticing Charlene's pale face,

her head, not wanting

she picked

about

then blurted

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