At the sound of Leah''s words, Vesta''s hand froze midair, the spoonful of


    nourishing soup hovering just inches from her lips.


    She quicklyposed herself, masking her reaction so well that no one else at the table seemed to notice anything amiss.


    Henley looked over. "Vesta, is Thorne back in the country?"


    Vesta''sshes fluttered almost imperceptibly.


    How could she admit she had no idea Thorne had returned? He hadn''t mentioned a word to her. Earlier today, she''d tried calling him several times, but he never picked up. She''d simply assumed he was busy with work.


    Before she could answer, Henley continued with a smile, "We really owe Thorne for what happenedst time. I''ve been meaning to invite him over for dinner, but you said he was on a business trip abroad, so your father decided to wait. Now that he''s back, could you ask him when he might be free to join us?"


    Katie chimed in, nodding. "Absolutely, Thorne shoulde over for dinner soon." Vesta forced a smile. "Sure, I''ll talk to Thorne and let you knowter."<fn3cd3> Follow current nov?ls on </fn3cd3>


    With that, the conversation drifted to other topics.


    As for what Leah had mentioned earlier about Thorne going out with Charlene, the rest of the Spencers and Hawkinses didn''t give it a second thought.


    They all assumed Thorne was still the same as ever-indifferent to Charlene, with absolutely no interest in her. It never even crossed their minds that anything could change between the two. Hearing that Thorne and Charlene had gone out together, they just naturally assumed it was because of Jasmine, and that Thorne must have already told Vesta about it.


    Vesta understood their assumptions all too well.


    She used to think the same way herself, which was why she''d never paid much attention to Charlene.


    But now-


    She stared nkly at her half-finished soup, unable to taste a thing. Setting the bowl aside, she stood up. "I''m going upstairs for a bit."


    Maureen noticed the pallor on Vesta''s face as she came in. She''d specially arranged for a nourishing dessert to be prepared, yet Vesta had barely touched it. "Vesta, why don''t you have a little more?"


    Vesta shook her head. "I can''t eat any more."


    Without another word, she turned and climbed the stairs.


    As soon as she reached her room, she dialed Thorne''s number.


    The call connected, but no one answered.


    Her grip on the phone tightened, knuckles whitening as the line rang on. When it finally disconnected she considered calling Jasmine instead, but after a moment''s hesitation, she put her phone down.  s


    *


    Meanwhile.


    Charlene and Thorne had arrived at a high-end music store that specialized in drum kits.


    Someone must have called ahead, because the moment they stepped onto the sidewalk, a staff member came out to greet them. "Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Henderson? Please,e in."


    At the sound of "Mr. and Mrs.


    Henderson," Charlene paused mid-step, but Thorne simply nodded


    in acknowledgment. Nog her


    hesitation, he turned and said quietly, "Let''s go inside."  s


    Before Charlene could react, Jasmine''s attention was already caught by the gleaming rows of drum kits inside. Eyes bright


    excitement, she grabbed Charlene''s hand and all but dragged her into the store. .


    s


    There were no price tags on any of the kits, and while Charlene knew nothing about musical instruments, the elegant showroom and polished finishes made it clear these sets cost a fortune.


    But money wasn''t a concern for either her or Thorne now-they could easily afford to give Jasmine the best.


    Jasmine, overflowing with energy, zipped around the store, inspecting every set, falling in love with nearly all of them.


    While Jasmine darted from kit to kit, Thorne stayed close to Charlene, trailing a few steps behind their daughter.


    Once Jasmine had looked her fill, Thorne spoke up. "If you like one, go ahead and try it."


    "Really?" Jasmine looked up at the store manager.


    "Of course, go right ahead."


    The manager began patiently teaching Jasmine how to y, guiding her hands over the drums.


    Charlene lingered where she was, watching. Thorne gently took her wrist. "Come on-let''s sit for a while."