Chapter 781

Charlene shook her head, offering a warm smile. "No need to go to any trouble. We grabbed a bite out before coming back."

Jasmine suddenly looked crestfallen, a pout forming on her lips. "Aw, man. If I knew you were coming home tonight, we should have just eaten dinner here. You haven't had dinner at home in forever, Mom."

She was starting to forget what it even felt like to sit around the dining table with

both her parents.

Over the past year or so, even when Charlene came over for Jasmine's sake, she almost never stayed for dinner. She would occasionally stay the night and join them for breakfast, but evenings were rare.

Charlene didn't point that out. Instead, she smiled, gently ruffling Jasmine's hair to change the subject. "Didn't you say you had some new things to show me? Where are they? Lead the way."

Jasmine's attention shifted instantly. Tugging on Charlene's hand, she pulled her toward the stairs. "They're in my room! Hurry, Mom!"

Even though mother and daughter managed to see each other almost every week, those visits usually took place at the Ross family home. During those times, Jasmine would chatter endlessly about school and her friends.

Now, stepping into Jasmine's room, Charlene noticed a fresh stack of certificates in the desk drawer. The wall shelves displayed several new trophies, alongside a collection of trinkets Jasmine had found herself or received as gifts from Thorne.

Every item was a quiet testament to Jasmine's growth.

Looking around, Charlene felt a sudden ache. The time and energy she had actually invested in Jasmine's daily life was far less than she had convinced herself it was.

She sat with Jasmine for a long time, listening to her recount funny stories and detail her newest hobbies.

Jasmine had recently taken up Go. Hearing about her new interest, Thorne had specially commissioned a White Jade Go Set for her.

It was a masterpiece. The black pieces were carved from rare dark jade, while the white pieces were crafted from the finest mutton-fat jade, giving them a smooth, luminous texture. A conservative estimate placed its value at nearly millions of dollars.

The set had just arrived yesterday. Clearly oblivious to its staggering price tag, Jasmine handled the stones carelessly, even rolling them around like glass marbles when she got bored.

Charlene watched the casual display of wealth but kept her thoughts to herself.

After a lengthy show-and-tell

session, Jasmine eagerly convinced Charlene to play a match with her

Sometime later, mid-game, Jasmine

suddenly looked up toward the doorway Dad? When did you get here?"

Charlene turned her head. Thorne was standing casually in the doorframe, holding a mug of water.

He hadn't stepped inside. Meeting their gazes, he simply said, "Just now."

He nodded toward the board. "Playing Go?"

"Yeah!" Jasmine chimed in. "Mom is super good at it!"

At that, Thorne's gaze shifted to Charlene. "How does the set feel? Is it alright?"

Before Charlene could even open her

mouth,

Jasmine answered for her.

Mom says it feels amazing She

totally loves it!"

Thorne chuckled softly. "Is that so?"

"Yep!" Jasmine nodded emphatically, then narrowed her eyes at him. "Why are you here, anyway? Are you done with work?"

"Not yet. I have a video conference in a bit." He took a sip from his mug. "I just

wanted to come check on you two."

Jasmine waved a hand dismissively. "Okay, well, you can go now. Don't interrupt our game."

Thorne laughed. "Alright, carry on."

With a final, lingering glance at

Charlene who had remained silent the entire time-he turned ander

walked away down the hall