**Chapter 10** In the sprawling estate of the Henderson family, the air was thick with indifference toward Charlene, a stark contrast to the warmth she often extended. Only Irma Henderson, Thorne's grandmother, seemed to hold any genuine care for the woman who had poured her heart into the family. Meanwhile, the younger generation mimicked this neglect, particularly Tiffany’s son, who, though he relished the delicious meals Charlene prepared, regarded her with disdain, treating her as little more than a servant instead of a true family member. Once upon a time, Charlene had poured her efforts into nurturing and supporting Thorne, tolerating the barbs and dismissive attitude of Tiffany's child with grace. But the tides of their relationship had turned; as the specter of divorce loomed over her, a quiet resolve began to manifest in Charlene. No longer was she the accommodating wife willing to bend over backwards. “I’m sorry, Tiffany, but I’m busy tomorrow,” Charlene declared, her voice steady even when Tiffany sought yet another favor. The decision to put her career first was final. She intended to reclaim her time, no longer allowing Thorne or Tiffany to monopolize her thoughts or her life after the divorce. The look of shock that flickered across Tiffany's face was almost gratifying for Charlene. She had always been the good daughter-in-law, the one who catered to Thorne’s family, but now, the tables had turned. “What could possibly be more important than helping us?” Tiffany challenged, her tone dripping with incredulity as she scanned the area for any sign of Thorne or Jasmine. Charlene’s lips curled into a bitter smile, a realization dawning upon her. For years, she had lost herself in her roles, swirling around Thorne and their daughter, Jasmine, like a ghost in a house of mirrors. Tiffany’s words stung, but they also held an undeniable truth. Standing at the brink of something new, something promising, Charlene felt invigorated by the thought of moving on. Just then, a group of familiar faces approached, their voices ringing out, “Ms. Henderson!” They were searching for Tiffany, and their fleeting glances at Charlene’s striking figure did little to mask their curiosity. One of them, a colleague from Starlight University, inquired, “Ms. Henderson, and who might this be?” Without granting Charlene the dignity of recognition, Tiffany coolly replied, “A friend.” The dismissiveness could have crushed her spirit in another time, but tonight, Charlene simply watched as they glossed over her, their interest piqued momentarily before drifting back to Tiffany. As Tiffany swept away with her old friends, the ache of neglect her earlier self would have felt was replaced by a growing sense of indifference. Charlene straightened her back, gathering her purse with resolve, before stepping out into the night, embracing the liberation that came with it. Hours later, Thorne and Jasmine returned from their flight. Jasmine was barely awake, drifting off before they even reached home. Thorne, carrying her upstairs, paused at the threshold of their master bedroom, the door ajar and the room shrouded in darkness. After tucking Jasmine safely into her bed, he turned to find their own sanctuary devoid of its mistress. “Where’s Charlene?” he wondered aloud, a vague unease settling in as the butler approached, lugging their luggage behind him. “Mrs. Henderson has gone on a business trip,” the butler replied, casting no glance in Thorne’s direction. Half a month absent for work was uncharacteristic for Charlene, and the abruptness of her departure nagged at him. Thorne’s question hung heavy in the air, unanswered, leaving a sense of uncertainty to linger in the dimly lit room.