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

she couldn't make a fuss about it—at

it

aside and headed

next morning, Charlene returned to work at

the office after a two-week absence,

back?"

Charlene nodded. "Yeah."

had started at PrimeStar, Charlene had already taken

said she had personal matters to handle,

what could possibly keep her

must have been sorting out her divorce.

custody battles could

if she'd managed

chatting with Gaylord, Charlene dove back into

days later, instead of a call from Thorne, she received a call

mother, Claudia.

"My mother-in-law's come down

the flu,

respiratory disease and respiratory

in

Oak Healthcare. She wants

see you."

have time for surprise. As soon as she processed the words,

bag and rushed

When she arrived, Tiffany

Henderson, Terence Henderson,

the

butler were all

anxiously outside the ER.

at Charlene and pursed

remained silent as well.

Terence greeted her.

and instead

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