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

was, she knew she couldn't make a fuss about it—at least

it happened

tossed her phone aside and headed

to

the office after a two-week absence, Gaylord

back?"

Charlene nodded. "Yeah."

PrimeStar, Charlene had already

said she had

possibly keep her away for so

have been sorting out her divorce. After all, she

custody battles could drag on for

she'd managed

with Gaylord, Charlene dove back into

of a call from Thorne,

mother, Claudia.

"My mother-in-law's come down

flu, complicated by

respiratory disease and respiratory

She's in critical

Oak Healthcare. She wants

see you."

didn't have time for surprise. As soon as she processed the

her bag and rushed to

When she arrived, Tiffany

Henderson, Terence Henderson,

and the

butler were all

anxiously outside the ER.

glanced at Charlene and pursed her lips, saying

remained silent as well.

Terence greeted

and instead asked,

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

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