After Charlene and Malvina left, Vesta just stood there, frozen in place, unable to

snap out of it for a long time.

She only came to her senses when Maureen Spencer, who had been waiting for

her at the restaurant, called to hurry her along after noticing she was running late.

Vesta hung up, walked into the restaurant, and was immediately met with

Maureen's concerned gaze. "What's wrong? Are you feeling alright?" Maureen

asked.

Vesta shook her head. "No, I'm fine."

Her voice was barely above a whisper, as if all the energy had been drained from

her. She looked lost and distracted, her whole demeanor off in a way that

Maureen couldn't ignore.

Maureen frowned, worry etched across her face.

...

Not long after Charlene got home from dinner, her phone buzzed with a message

from Thorne.

*Something urgent came up at Stonepine. After I get back, I'll need to delay my

return to Starfall by a few days.*

Charlene read the message, took a deep breath, and felt her mood sink.

But she'd just broken a promise herself not two weeks ago, so no matter how

knew she couldn't make a

If it

her phone aside and headed for the

next morning, Charlene returned to

in the office after a two-week absence,

back?"

Charlene nodded. "Yeah."

started at PrimeStar,

she had personal matters

keep her away for

must have been sorting out her divorce. After all, she

a child together, and custody battles could drag on for

but wonder if she'd managed

chatting with Gaylord, Charlene dove

from Thorne,

mother, Claudia.

"My mother-in-law's come down

the flu,

respiratory disease and respiratory

She's in critical condition

Oak Healthcare. She

see you."

for surprise. As soon as she processed the words,

and rushed to

When she arrived, Tiffany

Henderson, Terence Henderson,

the Henderson

were

anxiously outside the ER.

and pursed her lips, saying

remained silent as well.

Terence greeted her.

reply, and instead asked, "How is

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

Comments ()

0/255