Chapter 898
Recalling Maximilian Croft’s aloof expression just moments ago, Vesta shook her head. “We’ve only met once. I wouldn’t say I know him.”
Still, it had been more than half a month since their last encounter. She had assumed Maximilian had already left Starfall City, never expecting to run into him here.
That same evening after work, Charlene and Stewart attended a partner’s banquet together.
Once in the car, Charlene massaged her temples. Realizing she had barely spoken to Jasmine over the past two weeks due to the company’s new R&D project, she decided to call her daughter.
Jasmine had rarely reached out to Charlene during this time either, but she answered the call almost immediately. “Mom.”
A smile touched Charlene’s lips. “Yeah, did you eat dinner yet?”
“I did,” Jasmine replied. “Are you done with work?”
“I am, but I still have a few things to take care of,” she answered. “How have you been lately? Do you have a lot of homework? Anywhere you want to go tomorrow? Want me to go with you?”
“Everything’s fine,” Jasmine said. “I don’t really have anywhere in mind. Whatever you want to plan is fine.”
“All right.”
The mother and daughter chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up.
Stewart turned his head to look at Charlene. “The dynamic between you two… It doesn’t seem incredibly close, but it’s not exactly distant either. What’s going on?”
He had overheard bits and pieces of Charlene’s previous calls with Jasmine. It felt as if the little girl didn’t outright reject Charlene’s affection, but she certainly wasn’t as clingy as she had been a few months ago.
Charlene shook her head, clearly not in the mood to discuss it.
From her recent calls, she knew Thorne had deft on a long business trip. Worried that Jasmine would be lonely at home, Charlene had recently suggested she come stay with the Ross family for a while. Jasmine hadn’t taken her up on the offer and had rarely reached out since. NovelPeak.org
Seeing her reluctance, Stewart dropped the subject. Still, knowing how much Jasmine weighed on her mind he asked, “Thorne’s been gone for a while When is he getting back?” NovelPeak.org
He had fought ruthlessly for custody, yet he had no qualms about leaving the kid home alone. Sure, they had staff, but it still made Thorne look incredibly irresponsible.
“I don’t know.”
Jasmine hadn’t mentioned it, and since she was willing to stay there by herself, Charlene felt it wasn’t her place to pry.
Once they arrived at their destination, they greeted the host of the banquet. As soon as they turned around, they spotted Corinne and Leonard Lancaster.
This was the first time Stewart and Charlene had bumped into the Lancaster siblings since Dr. Lucas’s gala.
Corinne and Leonard hadn’t expected to see them here, either.
Leonard seemed completely unfazed, but Corinne looked visibly uncomfortable upon noticing them.
While Corinne stayed rooted to her spot, Leonard confidently strode over to greet them. “It’s been a while.”
“It certainly has,” Stewart replied.
They exchanged a few pleasantries. Just as they were wrapping up the conversation, they locked eyes with someone else.
Seeing a stranger, Charlene and Stewart offered polite nods. They were just about to look away when the host of the banquet led the man straight toward them. “Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Ross,” the host introduced. “This is Mr. Croft, CEO of The Croft Corporation over in Hillcrest. He’s been looking into semiconductor and industrial robotics projects lately. I figured you two might have a lot to talk about. Care to meet?