Chapter 25

Chapter 25 Itawas Tiffany’s voice that broke the silence of the evening.

Charlene’s gaze shifted toward the source of the sound. There stood Tiffany and Thorne.

She paused mid–step.

A cigarette dangling from his lips, Thome offered no response.

With Thome standing against the light, the distance rendered Charlene unable to discern his expression.

Tiffany said, “I get it. I’ve met Vesta a few times. I heard she’s only 25 and already snagged a PhD from one of the top universities. Plus, she handles her family’s business well, is drop–dead gorgeous, and has a wild but unyielding spirit. Her brilliance and allure are indeed something most women lack, definitely the kind that would catch your eye. But her background isn’t stellar, Thorne. Have you thought this through? You-”

Thome cut her off. “I know what I want in a woman.”

“But-“Tiffany frowned. She wasn’t fond of Charlene but wasn’t keen on Vesta either. She wanted to add more, but catching the displeasure in Thome’s eyes, she dropped the subject, “So protective. I can’t even discuss it, huh? Fine, I won’t talk about it then.” Charlene listened with clenched fists, her cheeks reddened from the cold night air. She forced a strained smile, suddenly losing all nterest in eavesdropping, and turned to walk away.

As she walked away, Tiffany remembered something. “Oh, speaking of Charlene, didn’t she say she submitted her resignation?

Planning to leave the company?”

Thome replied, “The day before yesterday, Coy mentioned she messed up. Coy was pretty upset, so I told him to proceed with the termination as per company policy.”

Tiffany laughed mockingly. “I see. She made it sound like she was quitting on her terms when talking about it. Now, it makes sense. Seeing how she clings to you, I never thought she’d resign on her own. So, she got fired. Funny.”

Tiffany burst into laughter.

Thome remained silent, seemingly indifferent to the matter.

Upon reaching the second floor, Charlene was about to head back to her room when she nearly collided with Terence, who was coming downstairs.

hey startled.

Recovering first, Terence apologized and asked with concern, “Charlene, you okay?”

Terence was the only one in the Henderson family, aside from Irma, who treated her kindly.

Charlene shook her head, offering a smile. “I’m fine.”

When Charlene and Thorne married, Terence was still young and unaware of many things. Over the years, he thought of Charlene as beautiful and gentle, always making an effort to accommodate his brother.

He thought that if his future wife could be like her, he’d treat her like a queen. Even after growing up and understanding the story, he still liked Charlene.

Seeing her seemingly upset, likely due to something related to his brother, he scratched his head and sincerely said, “Charlene, you’re great. I’m sure Thorne will see that someday. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Charlene paused, not wanting to delve into the details of her nearing divorce, and replied, “Thanks, Terence.”

“I’m off to grab a drink. It’s getting late. You should rest.”

Charlene responded with a smile, “Good night.”

Charlene turned off the lights and settled for the dim bedside lamp before lying in her room.

As she was about to drift off, she heard Thorne’s footsteps as he entered the bedroom.

Charlene opened her eyes. Thorne looked back at her, their eyes meeting.

In the past, she would have jumped out of bed to hang his suit and happily find his pajamas, then run a bath for him. But then, she made no move to get up. Instead, she slowly closed her eyes again.

Though Thorne had been neglectful and indifferent to her caring gestures in the past, the stark contrast in her behavior did not escape his notice.