Helena Ross laughed. “I don’t think she’s lost weight, just growing up. She’s starting to look more and more like Charlene.”

The Ross family had decided to head South, planning to take in the scenic landscapes and historical sites of the region.

Over the next two or three days, they went river rafting, climbed mountains, walked across glass-bottom bridges, participated in local cultural activities, and sampled famous regional delicacies. Charlene could sense that Jasmine was genuinely having a good time.

Moreover, the girl had grown a bit closer to the rest of the Ross family again.

On the third night, just as they returned to the hotel, Stewart sent Charlene a message. When she opened it, she realized it was a screenshot of a news article.

The content of the screenshot was about Thorne.

Before she even finished reading the text, Stewart sent another message: [I heard he flew to Hillcrest this time specifically for this project. He sure is busy. But, if I remember correctly, The Henderson Group rarely dabbles in the pharmaceutical industry. Isn’t he afraid of losing every last dime by dumping so much money into it all at once?]

Charlene didn’t want to talk much about anything related to Thorne. It had nothing to do with her anyway.

Stewart was just bored and had seen the news online, unable to resist gossiping with her. They chatted for a few more lines before dropping the subject.

Charlene had no idea what Thorne was busy with these days, but she did know that he hadn’t called Jasmine even once.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, her phone rang.

The caller was Thorne Henderson himself.

Charlene paused for a second before answering. Before she could speak, his voice came through the line. “The Butler told me Minnie went on vacation with you. I tried calling her just now, but she didn’t pick up.”

Realizing he was just calling to find his daughter, she handed the phone to Jasmine, who had just stepped out of the shower. “It’s your dad.”

Jasmine froze for a moment but eventually took the phone. Looking down, she spoke in a flat tone, “Dad.”

“Hey,” Thorne said, his voice laced with a smile. “Are you having fun on your trip?”

“Yes,” Jasmine replied.

“Where have you gone so far?” Thorne asked.

Jasmine pressed her lips together, clearly unwilling to elaborate. “I’m tired. I want to sleep.”

“Dad’s been busy these past few days and didn’t have time to call. Are you mad at me?”

“No.”

“Really?” Thorne paused before

adding, “won’t be able to head back

until after the holiday. I’m pretty swamped right now, so I probably won’t have time to call you every day.” NovelPeak.org

Jasmine’s tone remained freezing cold. “Oh.”

“Goodnight,” Thorne said.

Jasmine didn’t reply. She just hung up.

After ending the call, she instinctively wanted to toss the phone aside but

remembered it was Charlene’s. Instead, she handed it back.

Charlene hadn’t deliberately eavesdropped on their conversation, but she could still sense that

Jasmine was holding a grudge. against Thorne. In the past, the little girl would have been ecstatic every time she received his call, eagerly chattering away about althe fun things she had done that day. NovelPeak.org

But just now, she hadn’t shared a single detail.

Furthermore, Jasmine hadn’t mentioned her anger toward Thorne at all over the past few days.

Keeping this in mind, Charlene didn’t

push the issue. She simply ruffledet?

the girls damp hair and said, you’re tired get some rest NovelPeak.org

“Okay,” Jasmine murmured.

Charlene looked away. Just then, another message from Thorne popped up on her

screen.