Chapter 894
Stewart also recognized Thorne’s number.
He scoffed. “What does he want? Is he calling to ask you to beg Axiom Flux Technologies for mercy on behalf of the Hawkins family? Is he really that much of a coward?”
Charlene didn’t say a word. She answered the call, and before she could speak, Thorne’s voice came through the line. “Jasmine has been running a fever all day. If you have time tonight, could you come check on her?”
Charlene frowned, her voice tight with immediate concern. “She’s been burning up for that long? How is she right now?”
“She’s still on an IV drip. Her temperature hasn’t come down yet.”
“Got it. I’ll head over a bit later.”
“Thank you.”
Charlene stayed silent and ended the call. After quickly wrapping up her pending tasks, she left PrimeStar Technologies.
When she arrived at the Henderson residence, the Butler hurried out to greet her, looking relieved. “Charlene, you’re here.”
“I’m going upstairs to check on Jasmine,” Charlene said, already moving past him.
Upstairs, Jasmine had just finished her IV drip and was drifting in a feverish sleep. Charlene walked into the room, her heart aching as she looked at her daughter’s furrowed brow. She sat on the edge of the bed and gently pressed her hand against Jasmine’s forehead.
The Butler stepped into the room, speaking in a hushed tone. “Her temperature has dropped quite a bit, but the doctor warned she might spike a fever again.”
Charlene nodded. At that moment, Jasmine’s eyelashes fluttered. She opened her eyes, blinking in confusion when she saw Charlene. “Mom?”
“Yeah, it’s me.” Seeing her daughter look so weak and drained, Charlene kept her voice soft and soothing. “Are you thirsty? Or hungry? Do you want a little something to eat?”
Jasmine didn’t have much energy. She shook her head, her eyes drooping as if she were about to fall back asleep. But then, as if suddenly remembering something, her eyes snapped open again. “Did Dad tell you I was sick?”
“He did,” Charlene replied quietly.
Jasmine pressed her lips together. Before she could say another word, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway echoed from downstairs. “That should be Thorne returning,” the Butler noted.
Charlene’s expression remained
perfectly neutral at the mention of his name. After the Butler headed downstairs, she turned her attention water.
back to Jasmine. Have So
first. If you’re still tired, you can go back to sleep for a bit.” NovelPeak.org
She had just helped Jasmine take a few sips from a glass when Thorne walked upstairs and stepped into the room. Seeing him, Charlene immediately let go of Jasming
hand and took a few steps back, giving him space.
Thorne didn’t sit down. Instead, he leaned over, reaching out to feel Jasmine’s forehead. But Jasmine immediately turned her face away and swatted his hand aside. “Go away. I don’t want you here.”
Thorne gently caught her wrist,
ignoring her resistance, and managed to lightly check her temperature anyway you definitely don’t feel as warm,” he murmured. “YouNook a bit better than you did on the video call, too.”
to NovelPeak.org
Charlene stood quietly to the side, watching the tense interaction between father and daughter.
Thorne looked exhausted, his clothes slightly rumpled, making it clear he had rushed straight back from an out-of-town trip.
Jasmine kept her mouth pressed into a stubborn line, turning her head entirely to ignore him.
Thorne didn’t look angry at the rejection. “Dinner is ready,” he offered gently. “I can have it brought upstairs, and I’ll eat with you in here. How does that sound?”
“I don’t want you here!” Jasmine snapped instantly.
Thorne shifted his gaze to Charlene, but she kept her eyes averted, refusing to meet his stare.
She honestly had no idea why the two of them were at odds, or why the tension hadn’t dissolved after all these days.
But this was between him and his daughter. She had no intention of getting involved.
Besides, even though Jasmine was throwing a tantrum right now, Charlene knew deep down that her daughter’s bond with Thorne had always been stronger than her bond with her.
Now that Thorne was back, she could finally relax.
Sensing that Charlene was about to make an excuse to leave, the Butler quickly stepped in with a warm smile, directing his attention to the little girl. “How about Charlene keeps you company for dinner instead?”
Jasmine hesitated for a second before nodding. “Okay,” she agreed softly. “Mom can stay.”