Chapter 390
Thorne had a business commitment and couldn’t spend time with her, yet he found time for Vesta?
Before she could voice her thoughts, Jasmine chirped in, “Mom, you should have called earlier! If you had, I could have shown you the view from the helicopter.”
Charlene could see that Jasmine was thrilled with Thorne’s arrangements this time.
For a moment, Charlene was at a loss for words, but a heavy feeling settled in her chest.
Jasmine kept chatting about her plans for the next day, then mentioned she’d be flying back home that evening.
Charlene listened quietly, but before she could respond, Jasmine asked eagerly, “Mom, do you have time tomorrow? I’d love to call you.”
Charlene snapped out of her thoughts, and after a brief pause, she replied, “Yes, I’ll have time tomorrow.”
“Yay!” Jasmine exclaimed.
Knowing her daughter was on her way back to the hotel, Charlene felt a little relieved. After chatting a bit more, they ended the video call.
It was now time to meet Nadine Ross and the others for a rafting trip. Charlene put away her phone.
She had been looking forward to this vacation, but now her enthusiasm had waned.
Still, she didn’t want to dampen Nadine and the others’ spirits, so she joined them as they left the hotel.
As they queued up at the destination, someone tapped her on the shoulder.
Charlene turned around to find Gaylord Hearst standing there.
He had asked her about her vacation plans and decided to join when he heard about the rafting. Seeing him now wasn’t a complete surprise. She asked, “When did you get here?”
“This morning.”
Since joining PrimeStar Technologies, he had wanted to find a chance to hang out with her, but opportunities had been scarce. They only met at work or at that one company gala.
At the office, Charlene dressed more formally. Today, she was out in a casual sleeveless top and shorts, with flip-flops on her feet. The sunlight highlighted her fair skin, giving her a warm, sweet allure that was stunning, even more so than when she was in her business attire. People around couldn’t help but glance her way.
Gaylord’s gaze lingered on her, almost glued.
He was striking himself, a few years younger than Charlene, with a fresh, clean look in his T-shirt and shorts, reminiscent of a college student on summer break.
Charlene’s aunt, Maisie, noticed Gaylord and couldn’t help but ask, “Charlene, who’s this handsome fellow?”
Charlene replied, “He’s a colleague from PrimeStar.”
Maisie smiled, noting Gaylord’s attentive gaze. She sensed there was more to it but didn’t press further. After all, Charlene was still sorting out her own affairs, and entangling herself in another situation might not be wise.
Having chatted enough, it was their turn for the rafting. Charlene waved goodbye to Gaylord, who suggested, “Maybe we can hang out later?”
Charlene nodded, “Sure.”
As Charlene walked away, Gaylord’s friend sidled up to him. “I have to admit, Ms. Ross looks even more stunning than she did at the gala.”
Gaylord shot him a stern look, “Cut it out.”
His friend, now aware of Gaylord’s genuine interest, mimed zipping his lips and gave a thumbs-up, respecting Gaylord’s feelings for Charlene.