Chapter 289

Chapter 289 Jasmine shook her head and said, “I got through.”

Thorne held her close, gently rubbing her temple with his thumb, noticing how her eyebrows and eyes looked so much like his.

“Got through, but you’re not happy?”

Jasmine furrowed her little brows. “I am happy, but...”

It had been so long since she’d called her mom, and after finally talking to her, she really was happy. But still...

Thorne prompted, “But what?”

Jasmine mumbled, “But I also feel a bit sad.”

“Sounds a bit deep, doesn’t it? But...” Thorne propped his chin on his hand and chuckled, “Maybe it’s because you miss her too much after not seeing her for so long. Once your mom’s less busy, she’ll spend more time with you.”

Jasmine nodded, though still looking a bit down. “But Mom said she’s really busy and can only come next month...”

“Then next month it is. Dad will wait with you.”

“Okay.”

Feeling tired, Jasmine chatted a little more, yawned, and then slipped out of his embrace to head back to her room for some rest.

The next day was New Year’s Eve.

All morning, Claudia and Terence hadn’t seen any sign of Charlene.

When her husband returned for the holidays, Charlene hadn’t shown up at all. Claudia thought something big must have happened with the Ross family.

Charlene was absent even when the family matriarch was discharged from the hospital yesterday. Thorne had said she was busy, and knowing how much Charlene cared for her son, Claudia didn’t think Charlene would ever consider divorce, so she didn’t dwell on it.

But it was New Year’s Eve.

Charlene wasn’t in a profession like her husband’s where she couldn’t afford to take two days off to come by.

So...

Around eleven, when Thorne came downstairs, Claudia couldn’t hold back any longer and asked, “Are you and Charlene divorced already?”

Terence was right there, too.

With Charlene not around these past two days, he hadn’t given it much thought.

Upon hearing the question, he was utterly stunned.

Thorne took a sip of his coffee and replied calmly, “Not yet, but we’re in the process.”

Terence’s eyes widened.

So, they really were getting a divorce?

He had always known Thorne didn’t care much for Charlene, but...

They’d been together for so many years, he thought they’d just continue like this indefinitely.

But now...

15:20 Chapter 280 Now, it seemed they were definitely splitting up.

Claudia looked at Thorne.

If there was no love, then a separation was for the best.

But for Vesta...

She was about to speak, but Thorne seemed to guess her thoughts. He stood up and said, “Got a meeting upstairs.”

With that, he left.

Claudia frowned, “You-”

Meanwhile, at the Ross family home.

After a day of hustle and bustle and a hearty dinner, night had fully set in.

Charlene and Carl were getting ready to light some fireworks when Granger video–called her.

Charlene paused.

Granger calling her via video was unusual.

So...

Charlene picked up, and sure enough, Daisy’s little face popped up on the screen.

“Ms. Ross!”

“Hey there.” Charlene smiled. “Happy New Year, Daisy.”

“Happy New Year!”

Daisy, possibly in the garden, handed the phone to Granger and lifted the little rabbit–shaped lantern glowing with a warm orange light for Charlene to see. “Isn’t my lantern pretty? I love it, thanks, Ms. Ross!”

“I’m glad you like it, Daisy. You’re welcome.”

Daisy beamed. “Ms. Ross, Uncle and I are going to set off fireworks soon; do you want to join us?”

Charlene assumed by fireworks, Daisy meant visiting the Harden family.

She replied, “Not tonight, I’ve got other plans. Maybe next time.”

“Oh... alright.”

After chatting a bit more, Daisy got distracted by something else and wandered off.

Granger took the phone back and said, “Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year,” Charlene replied.

With Daisy gone, the video call felt a bit awkward for Charlene.

Granger asked, “Any plans for later? Fireworks too? Or heading out for the countdown?”

Charlene shook her head. “Probably going to.”

Carl and Nadine wanted to go, so she’d likely join them for a stroll.

She thought Granger was asking casually, so she didn’t give it much thought.

She still felt there wasn’t much to say between her and Granger.

She said, “I’ve got to go now, okay?” Granger replied, “Alright.” Charlene nodded, gave Granger a quick glance, and then ended the video call.

2/3 15:21 3/3