Chapter 20

“So Mom’s coming back with us to Great-grandma’s?”

“Yeah.”

Jasmine frowned. It wasn't that she didn't want to see Charlene, or that she didn't miss her; it had been ages. Unusually, Charlene hadn't contacted her in over two weeks. Mentioning Charlene made Jasmine realize she did miss her. But Charlene's return meant she'd be back from her business trip. Jasmine only learned of Charlene's absence the morning after returning home.

Secretly, Jasmine had been thrilled Charlene wasn't home. She'd hoped for more time with Vesta during her mother's trip, as those opportunities would be rare once Charlene returned. Jasmine had hoped Charlene would stay away longer, but she was back after only two days. Now, Charlene wouldn't let Vesta take her to school. And Charlene certainly wouldn't let Jasmine go to Vesta's car race tomorrow night. This realization dampened Jasmine's mood considerably.

She'd already asked Vesta to take her to school, and Vesta had agreed. "What should I do?" she thought, feeling deflated. "Dad…"

Thorne looked over. "What's up?"

She could ask her dad to intervene, but that might cause a fight between her parents. What a headache! Jasmine lost her appetite. She'd compromise on the school issue, letting her mom accompany her, but she was determined to attend Vesta's race.

So she pleaded, "You promised to take me to Ms. Hawkins' race tomorrow night, but if Mom finds out, she won't let me go. We can't let Mom know. If she asks, can you cover for me, please?"

"Got it." Thorne's assurance eased her slightly.

Later, after breakfast, Thorne left. Charlene didn't encounter him upon arriving at the office. Around noon, Helena invited her to lunch at "The Feast," a short walk from the Henderson Group.

As Charlene left the office, about to turn the corner, she overheard, "Thorne, without your help, I doubt we could've secured that contract. I owe you one for this."

That familiar voice—Charlene stopped. Peering around the corner, she saw her biological father, Henley Hawkins. Thorne replied, "Henley, you're too kind."

Charlene clenched her fist. Thorne's tone was gentler than usual, a demeanor he reserved for those he truly valued. But she doubted this was about her. It didn't seem like Thorne was helping Henley solely because of her. Their meetings had been infrequent since Henley's divorce. He publicly acknowledged only Vesta as his daughter. The father-daughter bond between Charlene and Henley had long since faded.

Henley continued, "With Vesta here alone, her mother and I are worried. We'd appreciate it if you could watch out for her."