Chapter 119
Due to the angle and the height of the camera during the video conference, the only thing the colleagues could see was the silhouette of the person entering the room: a figure that was strikingly fit and moved with an elegance and composure that spoke volumes.
It was clear from just the demeanor that this was no ordinary individual.
Yet, the face remained unseen.
At first, folks around the office had speculated that there might be something more than professional between
Charlene and Stewart.
It was only later that they learned Charlene was already married, and not just that, but her kids were well past the toddler stage.
However, Charlene was quite private about her personal life.
As such, details about her husband were virtually unknown to her colleagues.
Given Charlene’s stunning appearance and the realization that her skills far exceeded everyone’s initial expectations–outshining even Stewart’s–it was no wonder everyone was curious about the man who had captured the heart of such a capable and beautiful woman.
Now, as Charlene’s husband finally made an appearance, she unexpectedly shifted the camera away.
Patton and the rest were about to crack a joke when Thorne beat them to it, “Still busy?”
Charlene glanced his way, “Yeah.”
Thorne nodded, and without wasting any more time, he grabbed a change of clothes from the wardrobe and headed into the bathroom for a shower.
Charlene refocused on the task at hand.
The two other women in their team couldn’t help but comment, “Your husband has such a nice voice.”
Indeed, Thorne wasn’t just a looker. His voice was remarkably appealing too.
Caught off guard by their compliments, Charlene could only muster a polite, “Thank you…”
Time was indeed getting on, and while there was still a willingness to continue working, Stewart proposed wrapping up the meeting after addressing a few remaining points, to either continue the next day or the one after.
But even concluding matters took its time.
Thorne, now fresh from his shower, saw the meeting was still ongoing and remained silent.
But then, Jasmine returned.
“Mommy-”
Hearing her, Charlene turned towards the door, but Thorne spoke first, “Mommy’s working.”
At his words, Jasmine held back what she wanted to say, watching as Charlene moved to Thorne’s side before whispering, “Daddy, can I sleep with Ms. Hawkins tonight?”
Thorne nodded, “Sure.”
Caught up in her excitement and forgetting to keep her voice down, Jasmine threw her arms around Thorne’s neck and exclaimed, “Thank you, Daddy!”
Fortunately, by this time, Charlene had officially ended her work and turned off the camera. She was about to Speak to Jasmine when she noticed Vesta standing at the door.
08:55
Charlene paused, her lips pressed tightly together.
Damine and Thorne also noticed Vesta.
Thorne stood and walked out; soon, the two of them left side by side,
Jasmine, wanting to follow yet noticing Charlene’s troubled expression, chose to stay, softly calling out, “Mommy…”
Charlene’s gaze returned to her daughter as she began tidying up the papers and books on her desk, asking, “Did you take your bath?”
* “Yes.”
Charlene didn’t inquire further, instead asking, “Feeling sleepy?”
“Yeah…”
“Then off to bed with you.”
Relieved, Jasmine replied, “Okay, Mom, you should rest too.”
“I will, goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Mommy.”
After that, Jasmine hugged Charlene and trotted off, leaving Charlene to gather her stuff and get ready for her own shower.
Neither Thorne nor Jasmine had closed the door behind them.
