Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 419

Although Charlene and Vesta both attended the panel discussion at St. Aurelia’s University, their paths never crossed that day.

By mid-afternoon, around three or four o’clock, Charlene and Stewart were ready to leave the campus. As Professor Hancock and the university president walked them out, Professor Hancock extended another invitation, “We’re holding a symposium downtown on Saturday. I wonder if you both might be interested…”

Charlene paused mid-step, her gaze landing on Maureen just a short distance away. She quickly looked away, pressing her lips together before replying, “I’m sorry, I have something important to attend to on Saturday, so I won’t be able to make it.”

After saying their goodbyes, Charlene and Stewart got into the car and drove out of St. Aurelia’s. It wasn’t until they were on the road that Stewart finally spoke. “You seemed a little off back there. Did something happen?”

He had noticed the flicker of emotion on Charlene’s face when Saturday was mentioned and her eyes fell on Maureen. There were too many people around earlier for him to ask.

Charlene kept her eyes down, her voice quiet. “Saturday is my mother’s birthday.”

Stewart’s voice tightened. He knew all too well that Charlene’s mother had been confined to a care home for years—all thanks to Maureen and her family. No wonder Charlene’s mood had soured around Maureen and Vesta.

After a long moment, he asked, “What are you planning to do about the Hawkins family and the Spencers?”

Charlene clenched her fist. “I don’t want to make things easy for them, but—”

But with Thorne protecting them now, even though PrimeStar was thriving, going after them would be incredibly difficult.

She didn’t need to say it out loud—Stewart understood.

He tried to reassure her. “What goes around comes around. I’m sure you’ll get your chance. Don’t lose hope.”

Charlene nodded. “Mm.”

On Saturday, Charlene and Vernon Ross baked a cake together before driving out to the care home.

They hadn’t seen Sybil Ross in some time, and she looked even thinner than before.

Watching the staff warmly celebrate Sybil’s birthday, seeing her sitting at the center of it all yet lost in her own world, oblivious to the laughter and well-wishes, was agony for Charlene and Helena Ross. Their hearts twisted with pain.

Just then, the director approached. Seeing the grief on their faces, she hesitated for a moment before speaking. “We ran a checkup on Sybil this morning. I’m afraid her condition has worsened; several of her organs are showing signs of failure…”

Charlene and Helena turned pale. “How—how could this happen?!”

The director explained gently, “She’s been under a great deal of emotional strain for years, and her appetite has suffered. Over time, it’s taken a heavy toll on her health. Her immune system is extremely weak now, so—”