Chapter 85
Charlene had agreed to all of Jasmine’s requests, including dropping her off at school the following day. Ten days had passed since their Sapphire Springs Resort getaway. That night, Charlene stayed at the villa, but instead of returning to the master bedroom, she shared a bed with Jasmine. The last time they’d shared a bed was when Jasmine was ill; this time, Jasmine hadn't requested it.
Watching Charlene prepare for bed, Jasmine wondered why she wouldn't return to her and her father's room. Jasmine loved sharing a bed with Charlene; she found comfort in her warmth and scent. However, Charlene's presence made saying goodnight to Vesta more complicated—she didn't want Charlene to discover their secret.
Charlene didn't go to bed until after eleven, but Thorne hadn't yet returned home. The following morning, he was still absent. Having last seen him leaving with Vesta, Charlene assumed he'd spent the night with her. She dismissed these thoughts while dropping Jasmine off at school before heading to PrimeStar for work.
Jasmine seemed preoccupied with Vesta, only contacting Charlene occasionally—usually after a period of silence or when Thorne was away and she was bored. Otherwise, Jasmine appeared less dependent on Charlene's presence. After Jasmine's foot healed, she stopped calling daily or questioning Charlene's late nights. Thorne, meanwhile, remained unconcerned with Charlene's whereabouts.
PrimeStar had secured two major projects, resulting in significant revenue and a company-wide team-building event on Friday. After discussion, a spa retreat was selected. Charlene’s wry smile betrayed her feelings.
Stewart asked, “What’s up? Not keen on a spa retreat?”
“It’s not that,” Charlene replied, recalling Thorne abandoning her at Sapphire Springs. Though it felt like yesterday, nearly two weeks had passed. Time certainly flew. Despite her reservations, it was her first major company event since returning, so she participated. The previous trip to Sapphire Springs had been to the Henderson family’s private estate; this event was at a much larger spa resort with various amenities.
After changing into a robe, Charlene went to the spa pool. Few women from her company were present. As she settled in, she noticed a young girl, roughly Jasmine's age, reaching into the water near the poolside. The pool was four feet deep, and the girl appeared shorter.
Concerned she might fall, Charlene started to rise, but a splash interrupted her. The girl had fallen in. Charlene rushed over, pulled the girl out, and held her close. The child clung to her, coughing and crying, her face reddening.
As Charlene comforted the girl, patted her back, and gathered her family's information, they stepped outside and saw Granger nearby. Before Charlene could react, the girl reached for Granger, crying, “Uncle Granger…”