Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 411

After their round of golf, Charlene Ross and Darius still had other plans for the afternoon.

Thorne Henderson and Vesta Hawkins had joined them midway but seemed to sense that Charlene’s group had somewhere else to be. Not wanting to intrude, Thorne offered, “We have some things to take care of, so we’ll leave you all to it.”

Darius and Abelard Ramirez didn’t try to persuade them to stay. “Alright then. Next time, let’s all get together again,” Darius said with a smile.

Thorne nodded, still smiling, and left with Vesta.

Stewart Ferguson had actually been worried Thorne and Vesta might tag along for lunch or tea, so seeing them make their exit on their own accord put him at ease. He leaned over to Charlene and murmured, “At least he knows when to bow out.”

Charlene smiled. “He does.”

A little ways down the path, after they’d left the others behind, Thorne broke the silence. “You look a bit down.”

Vesta had indeed been feeling glum after her lackluster performance—twice in a row, no less. And it didn’t help that Darius and the others seemed so taken with Charlene.

Even though she knew they were only charmed by Charlene’s surface, it still left a sour taste in her mouth. But she didn’t say any of this out loud. Instead, she forced a wry smile. “I made a fool of myself more than once today. I have to admit, it’s a little discouraging. Clearly, I still have a lot to learn.”

“You’ve got strengths of your own. Don’t let a minor setback get to you,” Thorne told her.

His words did help lift her spirits a little.

Watching Charlene handle herself that afternoon, Vesta had to admit she was impressed. Charlene was quick on her feet, always thinking two steps ahead—something Vesta hadn’t quite expected.

And she could tell Thorne was also surprised by Charlene’s performance, maybe even seeing her in a new light.

But that was as far as it went. Thorne didn’t seem any more interested in Charlene because of it. On the other hand, he clearly wasn’t bothered by Vesta’s less-than-stellar showing. In his eyes, her appeal hadn’t faded a bit.

Truth was, neither of them had any plans after golf. Vesta realized Thorne had only suggested leaving because he noticed she was upset and didn’t want her to feel worse.

With that thought, the gloom lifted from her heart.

——

That afternoon, a little after three, Charlene finally made her way back to the Ross estate after having tea with Darius and the others.

Jasmine Henderson spotted her coming in and ran over for a hug. “Mom, you’re home!”