Chapter 94

That is, she was responsible for caring for Jasmine every weekend. Thorne's visits to Jasmine have been more regular in recent years, for unknown reasons. If Thorne was unable due to personal or truly unavoidable circumstances, it was up to Charlene to step in and take Jasmine under her wing. Charlene returned to the townhouse. During dinner, she casually asked Jasmine where she wanted to travel for the weekend. After a moment of reflection, Jasmine shook her head. "I don't really want to go anywhere special." Charlene knew Jasmine had a long list of locations she wanted to visit; she simply preferred spending her weekends with Thorne and Vesta. Jasmine's desire to do anything else had waned because neither of them was present.

Not wishing to force the matter, Charlene suggested a new activity: "How about horseback riding?" It had been a long time since Jasmine had ridden a horse. Her interest was peaked, and she enthusiastically nodded. "Yes, please!" The following day, Charlene took Jasmine to the local equestrian center. Charlene overheard Jasmine conversing with the riding instructor while her back was turned. "My dad and Vesta are both fantastic horseback riders, and they're also quite cool. It's very bad they couldn't join me today..."

Charlene hesitated at the entryway, not wanting to disrupt their talk. The instructor noticed her and rose to meet her. "Ms. Ross," Charlene nodded, and the instructor said, "I'll call someone else to help you." "That'd be great, thank you," Charlene said. Even though Charlene was a superb horseback rider, she mainly focused on Jasmine during their previous visits and rarely rode herself. It had been roughly three to four years since she had last ridden a horse. Charlene, initially wary, permitted the instructor to accompany her. However, after demonstrating her ease and competence on the horse, she confidently snatched the reins and galloped away with a flick of her riding crop. After several laps, Charlene went to check on Jasmine. She approached and paused a long distance away at the sight of Thorne and Vesta.

They were unexpectedly present. Jasmine was contentedly holding to Vesta's leg, and the three were having a pleasant chat. Soon later, Jasmine and Vesta mounted a horse, with Jasmine leading and Vesta following. Thorne mounted another horse. And the two horses walked side by side, the three on top chatting and joking, giving the impression that they were a close-knit family. Charlene removed her attention and turned to go as they slowly went away without recognizing her presence. Thorne's call arrived after she had changed out of her riding gear and taken a moment to recover. Charlene responded, "Hello?" Thorne said over the phone, "I'm also at the equestrian center." "I will take Minnie." "Alright," Charlene said. Thorne quickly hung up the phone once she finished speaking. Charlene had been waiting for this call to finalize Jasmine's arrangements. She took her suitcase and left.

Driving away from the stables, Charlene found herself at a loss for where to go next. Connie and Stewart were busy with their own things. She considered returning to the Ross estate, but with Jasmine away, going back alone would just worry the matriarch...