“Okay” Jasmine replied.

Then Char sid, “I’ve got to head to work soon, so I’ll hang up now.”

“Alright, bye Mom”

With that, Charlene ended the call.

After finishing her breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast, she headed to the office.

Yesterday had been a whirlwind of activity, and today promised to be just as hectic.

However, she managed to leave a bit early in the afternoon to head back to the Ross family home for dinner with Helena.

Upon arriving, Charlene noticed that Helena seemed a bit down.

A quick glance around the living room confirmed that Jasmine was missing.

Jasmine was likely out having dinner with Thorne and his crew again.

Charlene didn’t mind much, but Helena couldn’t help but notice how attached Jasmine was to Thorne.

With a hint of concern, she advised, “Charlene, once you’re done with your current projects, you really should spend more time with Minnie, or else…” Charlene nodded absentmindedly, “I know, I will. Let’s eat first.”

Helena let it go at that.

After dinner, Charlene spent some time chatting with Helena before heading upstairs to relax.

Around nine, as she descended the stairs, she noticed a call from the security post indicating a visitor.

Peering out, she recognized Thorne’s car.

Charlene frowned slightly, but before she could react, her phone buzzed.

It was Jasmine calling.

Helena, not yet asleep, emerged from her room, understanding that Thorne was dropping Jasmine off.

She quickly instructed the security to let Thorne’s car in.

Charlene answered the call, exchanging a few words with Jasmine before hanging up.

Moments later, Thorne’s car pulled up in front of the Ross family mansion.

Jasmine hopped out excitedly, “Mom, I’m back!”

Charlene smiled softly, while Helena beamed with joy.

The car door still open, Thorne stepped out, holding Jasmine’s forgotten backpack and a cake box as he approached Charlene and Jasmine. Charlene remained silent.

Jasmine, realizing what she had left behind, cheerfully thanked Thorne, “Thanks, Dad.”

“You’re welcome.” Thorne acknowledged, nodding at Charlene and Helena, “Good evening, Mrs. Ross.”

Helena gave a curt nod, while Charlene reluctantly took the small cake from Thorne.

As Jasmine began to rave about how delicious the cake was, Charlene quickly cut her off, “Minnie, say goodbye to your dad.”

Jasmine, not thinking much of it, asked, “Dad, you’re leaving?”

Thome chuckled, “Yes,”

“Goodbye Dad,” Jasmine said.

“Goodbye, Thorne replied, nodding once more towards Helena, then returned to his car.

Charlene, holding the little cake, took Jasmine’s hand and led her inside, without any intention of seeing

Thome off

His car soon drove away.

Inside, Jasmine chirped, “Mom, Great-grandma, Dad and I got this cake for you. It’s your favorite, strawberry! Want to try it?”

Jasmine carried a faint scent of Vesta’s perfume.

Charlene set the cake aside, “I just had dinner, I’m too full to eat it now. Let’s save it for later.”

Helena agreed, nodding..

Jasmine replied with a simple, “Oh…”