Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time

Charlene was just about to speak when Thorne cut in first. "Your mom's busy with work. Don't bother her."

Jasmine pouted, clearly displeased, her wide, hopeful eyes fixed on Charlene.

Charlene crouched down to meet her daughter's gaze. "I have to go back to the office for a meeting, and right after that, I need to visit another client. It's really not convenient to bring you along this time. Next time, sweetheart, I promise."

Jasmine's face fell, her voice muffled with disappointment, but she finally let go of Charlene's hand. "Okay..."

Irma was still asleep, and there wasn't much to say between Helena and Thorne. So, when Charlene left, Helena quietly left with her.

Inside the elevator, Helena's voice was low and even. "He's not worried you'll be distracted if Minnie goes to the office with you. He's worried someone he knows will see her there, isn't he?"

Charlene understood exactly what she meant.

If word got out that she and Thorne were still technically married, Vesta would be the first to suffer.

To protect Vesta, Thorne had every reason to keep their not-quite-divorced status under wraps until everything was finalized.

When they reached the ground floor, Charlene watched Helena's car pull away before turning on her heel and heading for her own car.

At the hospital, as Granger Harden stepped out of his car, he immediately recognized Charlene's profile in the distance.

He opened his mouth to call out, but Charlene was already driving out of the parking lot.

The words died on Granger's lips.

him on the

to reality, Granger followed

greeted them with a bright, "Granger,

Jasmine's hair before placing the

package, a card was tucked under the ribbon, Charlene's handwriting clear and delicate: "Wishing Irma

himself staring at the card, lost in thought,

distracted, he didn't notice Moran calling his name at first. "Granger,

find both Moran

Thorne's gaze, Granger instinctively looked away. "Yeah, coming. He set

so it was right next

sat down than Thorne's

It was Vesta.

at the screen,

other end, Vesta's voice was full of concern. "How's Mrs. Hawkins? Has she woken up

"Not yet."

Is she feeling any

"Much better."

speak to

"Of course."

the phone to

up. "Is