Chapter 782

Jasmine was over the moon that night.

Usually, when Thorne was home, she had a habit of bringing her homework, books, or sketchpads into his study to keep him company.

Around ten o'clock, after brushing her teeth and getting ready for bed, Jasmine turned to Charlene. "Mom, I'm gonna go check on Dad in his study and see if he's done working. I want to tell him goodnight."

"Okay," Charlene replied.

Jasmine darted out of the room but suddenly spun around, poking her head back through the doorway. "Mom, aren't you coming with me?"

Charlene shook her head. "I'll stay here. You go ahead."

Jasmine was already accustomed to the lack of affection between her parents, so she didn't find the refusal odd. "Alright," she chirped, before bounding down the hall.

When she reached Thorne's study, she pushed the door open and peeked inside. Seeing him still typing away at his keyboard, she sighed dramatically. "I knew you were still awake, Dad."

Even without a knock, the sound of the door opening told Thorne exactly who it was.

He looked up from his monitors, an eyebrow arched. "You and your mom getting ready for bed?"

"Yep." Jasmine let out a small yawn. "Are you not tired?"

"Not really. I'll be up for a while longer. If you're tired, go to sleep with your mom."

"Got it." Jasmine waved at him. "Goodnight, Dad."

"Goodnight."

Perhaps the exhaustion of the past few days had finally caught up with her, because Charlene slept in the next morning.

By the time she woke up, Jasmine was already dressed.

When Charlene finally made her way downstairs, Jasmine had finished her

breakfast and was grabbing her backpack.

Jasmine waved excitedly. "Morning, Mom! Hurry up and eat! I gotta go to school now."

"Minnie, let me drop you off—"

"No need, Mom! The Butler made all your favorites this morning. He specifically told the kitchen to prep it just for y you. You sit and eat, an get to school on my own. With a bright wave to both Charlene and Thorne, she happily skipped out the front door.

Once Jasmine was gone, the Butler was about to invite Charlene to the dining table, but Thorne beat him to it. "Eat your breakfast first

afterwards

Her own car wasn't here, and getting a cab in this exclusive neighborhood was notoriously difficult.

Charlene didn't argue. She walked over and took a seat.

Just as Jasmine had promised, the table was laden with her favorite dishes. She offered the Butler a warm smile. "These are exactly what I like. Thank you." The Butler beamed, practically glowing with happiness. "It's my pleasure, truly." He glanced over at Thorne. As Charlene began to eat, Thorne asked, "Are you heading to The Henderson Group or PrimeStar Technologies today?"

Charlene didn't look up. "PrimeStar."

"Did you read those two new Al papers?"

She knew exactly what he was referring to—the latest joint publications on intelligent agents released by several top-tier international teams and industry experts.

"I did," she replied smoothly.

She had read them ages ago.

She had already finished dissecting them with Stewart, too.

"Any thoughts?" Thorne pressed.

Charlene remained silent.

Seeing her refuse to engage, Thorne understood she had no interest in a deep conversation with him. He didn't push the issue, lowering his head to focus on his meal.

For the rest of breakfast, neither spoke a word.

Watching the suffocating silence stretch between them, the Butler could only offer a quiet, internal sigh.

After eating, Charlene climbed into

Thorne's passenger seat. As the sleek car glided out of the estate's main gates, a vehicle that had been waiting patiently in the shadows quietly fell into line behind them.