Chapter 872

The weather that evening was perfect. An observation deck had been built on the mountain, offering a stunning view of the city’s glittering lights below.

By the time Charlene and Jasmine reached the summit, a group of PrimeStar Technologies employees had already set up grills in the clearing next to the deck and were busy barbecuing.

Seeing them, the group quickly called out their greetings. Someone offered, “Ms. Ross, we’ve got a real grill master here. The meat smells incredible. Would you like some?”

Charlene smiled, accepting a skewer. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it! There’s plenty more where that came from.” The employee then held out another skewer to Jasmine. “You must be Jasmine. Here you go, sweetie.”

Jasmine took it politely. “Thank you.”

“Oh, she’s so sweet!” the employee gushed. “Ms. Ross, she’s absolutely gorgeous. She has your exact temperament, too—so well-behaved, sensible, quiet, and polite.”

Another coworker chimed in with a laugh. “Yeah, Mr. Ogden was just saying how jealous he is. His little girl can’t sit still for a single second; his wife can barely keep up with her at home.”

Hearing this, Charlene looked down at Jasmine, who was quietly eating her barbecue. She paused.

To be honest, over the years, many people had commented on their physical resemblance, but this was the very first time someone had claimed their personalities were alike.

Frankly, she had never thought Jasmine acted anything like her.

However, she had to admit that during their last two visits, the little girl seemed much more subdued. She was no longer as playful or affectionate as she used to be.

Especially today…

She didn’t know if her daughter was only acting this way around her, or if she was simply in a bad mood and lacked the energy to do anything else.

As she was lost in thought, Gaylord Hearst walked over. He handed a gift box to the girl. “Here’s your present. Do you want to open it and take a look?”

Jasmine hesitated for a moment before taking it. She unwrapped the box and peeked inside. “I really like it. Thank you, Mr. Hearst.”

“You’re very welcome.”

Seeing her appreciation brought a smile to Gaylord’s face. He unfolded a blanket he had brought up and laid it out on the grass so she could sit down and play with the building blocks.

Jasmine obediently took a seat.

It was a thoughtful gift. Charlene knew her daughter genuinely liked it.

Yet, she could also see that the girl’s face completely lacked the usual joy of receiving a favorite toy.

The evening was lively. There was fruit-picking, barbecuing, stargazing, and enjoying the view of the valley Ordinarily, Jasmine would be running all over the place-picking fruit one minute, checking to see if herfood was ready the next and only sitting down to play with he

blocks under the stars when she was completely exhausted.

She would have been having the time of her life.

But now…

Gaylord sat down beside her. “Do you want me to help you build it?”

Jasmine paused, then nodded. “Thank you.”

Charlene watched her closely. “Jasmine, do you want any more food?”

She shook her head. “No thank you, Mom.”

“You barely ate anything tonight. Aren’t you hungry?”

“I had some milk in my room earlier. I’m full.” “Alright then.”

Jasmine was incredibly bright. She didn’t need any instructions for the toy Gaylord had brought Even though the blocks were complex, she figured them out instantly, leaving him with very little room to actually help.

Seeing how adeptly she handled it, he backed off. He faintly remembered that the

last time he saw her, she had been a vibrant, energetic child.

The girl sitting in front of him now was a drastic departure from the one he had met two or three years ago.