felt like the morning dragged on forever, but they finally got a break at lunchtime.


    Just then, Charlene''s phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Connie, asking if she wanted to join her for some skiing in the afternoon. Charlene replied with a voice message, "Got a lot on my te today, so I''ll pass. You go have fun."


    Connie sent a simple, "Alright."


    Later, as Charlene stepped out of Kenton''s study to grab a drink, another message from Connie popped up. This time, t was a series of photos.


    In them were Thorne, Vesta, Jasmine, along with Granger and Daisy, all together.


    Following the photos, Connie texted, "Was having a st skiing with my friends, and then ran into them. Totally killed my vibe!"


    Charlene only nced at one photo before deciding not to view the rest, knowing who was in them.


    Upon seeing Connie''s message, she calmly replied with a voice message, "Just enjoy yourselves, don''t mind them."


    Connie quickly responded, "We might stay tillte. You sure you don''t wannae?"


    Charlene sent back, "I''m swamped here."


    Connie sighed, "Alright then."


    Putting her phone away, Charlene picked up her ss and went back into the study. They were busy the whole day.


    By evening, Stewart stretchedzily and suggested, "Hey, Kenton, how about we go out for dinner? Our treat!",


    Kenton barely gave him a nce before saying, "I''ve got ns."


    Charlene and Stewart exchanged surprised looks.


    "I''m having dinner with Thorne tonight."


    Stewart nced at Charlene, who was casually sipping her water.


    Kenton grabbed his keys and headed out as he said, "Make sure to lock up when you leave." Pausing, he added, "Though, I doubt I''ll be gone long."


    Charlene and Stewart both replied, "Sure, Professor."


    Meanwhile, on the other side of town.


    After a fun day of skiing, Jasmine was in high spirits.


    Exiting the ski lodge, she told Thorne excitedly, "Dad, I want seafood for dinner."


    Thorne replied, "I''ve got something on with Ms. Hawkins. The driver''s waiting in the parking lot for you. Just tell the chef what you want when you get home."


    Jasmine''s bright smile fell, "What''s so important that I can''te?"


    Thorne gently pinched her cheek, "It''s a big deal."


    "But-"


    Jasmine pouted, turning to Vesta with a whimper, "Ms. Hawkins..."


    Vesta, touched by Thorne''s words, bent down and hugged Jasmine, "It''s about a very special opportunity for me, something I''ve been waiting for a long time. I can''t afford any slip-ups Can you understand that for me,


    08:55


    apter 5


    Minnie?"


    Hearing Vesta''s exnation, Jasmine, though still a bit unhappy, nodded obediently, "Okay, but you owe me a treat next week, Ms. Hawkins."


    Vesta promised, "Absolutely."


    She smiled at Thorne, a silent conversation passing between them.


    Granger watched silently from the side.


    Daisy, however, came over to hold Jasmine''s hand, suggesting, "Let''s all have dinner together next week if we


    can."


    After a few meetings, Jasmine and Daisy had be good friends.


    Jasmine nodded, "Sure."