Chapter 375
Although the coach hadn’t explicitly stated it, Charlene easily read between the lines.
Even if Jasmine’s coach hadn’t said anything, Charlene could have guessed that Jasmine took up fencing because of Thorne or Vesta’s influence.
Charlene didn’t dwell on it too much.
Despite having relinquished custody of Jasmine and knowing she might not be a big part of Jasmine’s future, Jasmine was still her flesh and blood. No matter how distant they might become, she wanted the best for her daughter.
As long as fencing was beneficial for Jasmine, that was enough for her.
Who inspired Jasmine to learn wasn’t important to her.
Charlene didn’t hover over Jasmine during training sessions.
That morning, as Jasmine’s practice wrapped up, Charlene was engrossed in her
phone, researching something, when she felt someone approach.
She looked up, and sure enough, Thorne’s deep-set eyes met hers.
Charlene looked away almost immediately after making eye contact.
“What kind of model data is that?” Thorne asked.
Charlene tucked her phone away without answering.
Thorne seemed ready to continue the conversation, but then Jasmine finished her session, removed her mask, and ran over. “Dad!”
Thorne chuckled, ruffling her hair. “All done training?”
“Yup!” Jasmine replied, then turned to Charlene, asking her to wipe her sweat.
She looked up at both Thorne and Charlene. “I’m hungry. Can we go grab some lunch?”
“Sure,” Thorne agreed.
Jasmine looked to Charlene. “Mom, what do you feel like eating?”
As Charlene finished wiping Jasmine’s forehead, she said, “I have some things to
take care of, so I won’t be joining you for lunch.”
Jasmine paused, not entirely surprised.
This wasn’t the first time such a scenario had played out. Many times, when she and her dad wanted to have a meal with her mom Charlene would plead busy
Jasmine had hoped that since Charlene had spent the whole morning with her, maybe today
would be different, and they could actually have lunch together
But alas…
Jasmine’s disappointment was evident as she pouted, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Thorne spoke up, “Why don’t you join us? I promise I won’t bring up anything you don’t want to discuss.”
Charlene’s reluctance to join them wasn’t just about avoiding discussions about Neural Nexus Tech.
“No, you two go ahead,” she replied.
She didn’t mind dining with Jasmine, but with both of them? There was no need.
Her tone was calm but firm.
Seeing her resolve, Thorne smiled slightly and didn’t press further. “Alright then.” Jasmine’s disappointment was palpable as her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Charlene hesitated, then gently stroked Jasmine’s hair. “Next time, when I have some free time, we’ll go out for a meal together.”
Despite Charlene’s attempt to comfort her, Jasmine’s spirits didn’t lift much. But she wasn’t as despondent as before and nodded quietly.
Feeling she had said all she could,
Charlene picked up her bag to leave. Jasmine, reluctant to let her go clutched Charlene’s hand and looked
Cingly.
up
“Mom, can you come to my competition next month?”