Chapter 30
She would never shy away from a challenge or care much about what the other kids thought of her.
Suddenly, she found it hard to let go of Charlene, clinging to her without wanting to release her grip. “Mommy…”
“Yeah?” Charlene embraced her back. “What’s up?”
“I was thinking…”
It had been a while since she last enjoyed a meal cooked by Charlene, and she missed it. Just as she was about to express her thoughts, she remembered her plans to attend Vesta’s game that evening.
Her eyes flickered with hesitation before she let go of Charlene. “It’s nothing.”
A meal prepared by her mom could wait. There would always be another time. However, Vesta’s games were not as frequent. Without much hesitation, she chose to go to Vesta’s game.
“Okay, then you better head in. Don’t keep your teacher waiting.”
“Okay.” Jasmine finally let go, but before she entered the classroom, she couldn’t help but look back. “Call me during lunch, okay, mom?”
Charlene promised, “Of course.”
Feeling reassured, Jasmine confidently walked into her classroom.
Charlene watched Jasmine confidently introduce herself on stage and take her seat before waving goodbye and heading off to work at the Henderson Group.
Upon arrival, she didn’t see Thorne but saw Josh, who had brought someone to her desk.
Josh announced, “This is Sunny Fields. She’ll take over your position.”
Sunny was beautiful, dressed in designer brands from head to toe.
After giving Charlene a once–over and sensing her clean and pretty aura, Sunny’s gaze held a hint of scrutiny, though she didn’t show it. Instead, she extended a warm hand and introduced, “Hi there, I’m Sunny. I’ll be shadowing you for the next few days. Please, I could use all the help.”
Charlene shook her hand. “No worries at all.”
graduated from Starlight University this June. I just finished my master’s. And you? Where did you graduate from? You-” Charlene thought, ‘She jus
just graduated this year? So, Sunny probably doesn’t have much work experience to take over my role.’ However, that was just a general assumption.
Perhaps Sunny had her unique skills. After all, many in the office don’t have a master’s degree, but Charlene became their team leader.
Keeping this in mind, Charlene softly interrupted Sunny, “Ms. Fields, we have a meeting coming up soon. Let’s stick to work–related topics for now.”
With a flirtatious “Oops,” Sunny replied, “Look at me. I almost forgot about the real deal. Let’s talk business first.”
On their way to the meeting, Sunny couldn’t help but ask in a lowered voice, “Is it true that Mr. Henderson is super handsome?”
Charlene confirmed, “Yeah.”
Sunny seemed thrilled. “Hearing you say that makes me even more excited to meet him. Too bad Josh mentioned he won’t be in the office today.”
Charlene wasn’t aware Thorne wouldn’t be in. Given Thorne’s extensive personal ventures, it was a fact that he didn’t come to the Henderson Group daily.
By lunchtime, Sunny had dragged Charlene to the cafeteria. After getting their meals, Charlene took out her phone to call Jasmine:
Sunny teased, “Calling your boyfriend?”
“No, calling my daughter.”
“Your daughter? You’re married?”
“Yeah.”
On the other end, Jasmine was video chatting with Vesta, and Thorne was there too.
Jasmine pouted, “You guys are mean, having lunch together without me.”
Well, Minnie, you had school, right? How about this? I’ll pick you up after school, and we’ll all have dinner together. Deal?”
“That’s more like it,” Jasmine responded, then glanced at Thorne.
07:33
$.
After Thorne served Vesta some food with his fork, he asked, “What would you like to eat tonight? I’ll have them ready for you in advance.”
