Unknown Divorce: Revelation Beyond Time Novel by Miss Lyra (Chapters 61 to 70)

Chapter 61

Thorne owned many companies and was always busy with work.

With Thorne away on business in the next few days, Jasmine was battling boredom at home. Unable to resist, she dialed up Charlene once more.

When Jasmine called, what happened in the past few days had faded for Charlene.

Seeing Jasmine’s name flash on her phone, she picked up eagerly.

Jasmine sighed into the phone, “Mommy, when are you coming home?”

Learning Thorne was out, Charlene promised to swing by after work.

Charlene’s return lit up Jasmine’s world. She clung to Charlene, sharing a barrage of school stories, and introduced her to the latest video game craze, insisting on teaching Charlene how to play.

With her homework done, Charlene indulged in whatever Jasmine wanted to do or explore, as long as it was healthy and safe.

It didn’t take Charlene long to understand the game, and they teamed up for a good hour of playtime.

That night, Jasmine was over the moon and insisted on Charlene staying by her side until she fell asleep, a request Charlene happily Obliged, preferring it to the emptiness of the master bedroom.

On Thursday evening, as Charlene turned off the exhaust fan and was about to exit the kitchen with dinner, Jasmine’s voice rang out, “Daddy, you’re back!”

Followed by a deep, pleasant voice. “Yeah, have you guys eaten yet?”

“Not yet, but Mommy’s just about done.”

“Is that so?”

Charlene paused, then stepped out with the dish in her hands.

By then, Jasmine and Thorne had come from the living room.

“Mommy, Daddy’s back.”

Charlene glanced at Thorne briefly before returning to the meal at hand.

After hanging up her apron, they took their usual seats at the table.

Munching on the veggies Charlene had served her, Jasmine asked, “Daddy, weren’t you supposed to be back tomorrow?”

“Wrapped things up early, so I came back.”

“Oh…”

Dinner at the Henderson family was a casual affair. Jasmine was lively, and though Thorne wasn’t much of a talker, he always engaged with his daughter.

Bubbling with stories, Jasmine turned to Charlene, “Mommy, why aren’t you saying anything?”

Charlene replied softly, “I enjoy listening to you two.”

“Oh…”

Even the housekeeper couldn’t help but notice something was off with Charlene.

While she often kept conversations with Thorne to a minimum that wouldn’t bother him, she never missed an opportunity to welcome him warmly upon his return from trips. However, she barely even looked at him today.

Thorne seemed clueless to Charlene’s weird vibes, and his face didn’t change.

Then, Thorne’s phone started ringing. It was a call from Irma.

“Off on another trip?”

“I just got back.” Thorne set down his phone, switched on the speaker, and continued eating as he talked, “What’s up, Grandma?”

Irma chuckled. “I haven’t seen Charlene and Minnie in a fortnight. It’s getting colder now. Why don’t you bring them over to Sapphire Springs Resort tomorrow? We could all do with a warm soak in the springs.”

Thorne nodded. “Got it.”

Hanging up, Jasmine was thrilled. “We get to soak in the hot springs again. Yay!”

Thorne looked at Charlene, saying, “I’ll arrange for someone to pick you up tomorrow evening.”

Without looking up, Charlene said, “No need. I’ll drive over from the office myself.”

Chapter 62

No way, Mommy. Can you come with me, please? Sapphire Springs Resort is so far. It will be boring if I go alone.”

Charlene paused.

Oh well.

“Alright.”

PrimeStar had been developing a new app, and after dinner, Stewart called to discuss some technical issues with her.

While Thorne and Jasmine chatted in the living room, Charlene stepped outside to take the call. It was half an hour later when Charlene finally wrapped up the conversation.

Jasmine looked up at her, unable to resist commenting, “Mommy, you’ve been getting a lot of calls lately, talking for hours every evening. You never used to do that.”

Overhearing that, Thorne looked up at her.

Hearing Jasmine mention it made the housekeeper realize it was true. Before, Charlene rarely spent so much time on the phone, let alone have such lengthy conversations.

Could Mrs. Henderson be having an affair? the housekeeper wondered.

No, that seemed unlikely. Given Charlene’s feelings for Thome, that just couldn’t be it.

“Just some work stuff,” Charlene replied briefly. “I’m going upstairs to handle a few things.”

Jasmine said, “Okay.”

Charlene booted up her computer to start working on the files Stewart had sent her.

Seeing her so busy, Jasmine didn’t want to disturb her. After playing alone and taking a bath, she peeked in again.

Charlene hadn’t neglected her professional skills in the past few years. Occasionally, when she had free time, she’d even design a few programs, sharing some basics with Jasmine when she came over, though Jasmine was only three or four and often fell asleep listening.

As Jasmine looked on, Charlene didn’t mind her and kept working.

Jasmine didn’t understand much but suddenly realized this work seemed familiar. Vesta had done something similar.

Jasmine watched for a bit before heading to bed.

Charlene continued working until she finished, then shut down her computer. Checking the time, she realized it was already past 2 am.

She hadn’t gone back to the master bedroom, and Thorne hadn’t shown any reaction. Maybe her bunking in Jasmine’s room and cutting back on their time together was just what he wanted.

The following day, Charlene didn’t wake up to make breakfast.

Jasmine woke up. Seeing Charlene asleep beside her, she realized her mom had stayed with her through the night.

Seeing Charlene still asleep, Jasmine quietly got up and left the room.

Seeing Thorne, she yawned, “Morning, Dad.”

Thorne responded with a simple “Hmm.”

“Mommy’s still asleep.”

“Hmm.”

When Charlene got up for breakfast, Thorne almost finished eating. They didn’t talk much, and Thorne left after finishing his meal.

Charlene also headed to the office when it was time. She left work on time that evening. When she got home, Jasmine was already waiting in the car. But Thorne hadn’t returned yet.

Charlene and Jasmine waited for over twenty minutes, with Jasmine frowning. “Dad’s taking forever.”

Calmly reading a book, Charlene didn’t seem bothered.

Then, the living room phone rang.

A few seconds later, the housekeeper relayed, “Mr. Henderson says he’s busy and can’t make it back. He’s asked you and Miss Minnie to go to Sapphire Springs Resort, and he’ll join later.”

Charlene was indifferent, responding, “Got it.”

Thorne had said he’d join them later but never showed up that night, not even when it was deep into the night.

Chapter 63

Imma hadn’t seen Thorne, and it was getting under her skin, leaving Jasmine feeling pretty down in the dumps, too.

But Charlene was the picture of calm amidst the storm, pouring Irma a cup of coffee with a serene expression, suggesting, “Maybe he’s caught up in something urgent and can’t break away.”

Irma was in a foul mood, calling it a night much earlier than usual.

Jasmine tried calling Thorne several times, but it was like talking to a brick wall. She got no answer,

The following morning dawned. When Charlene woke up, the bed beside her was empty. There was no sign of Jasmine anywhere.

After getting ready for the day, Charlene left her room to find the place eerily quiet.

Bored out of her mind because Thome was a no–show, Jasmine had someone take her to the city for excitement bright and early. And Irma? She caught a chill from the evening breeze the night before, ending up with a splitting headache in the wee hours, and had headed back to the Henderson Mansion before Charlene even stirred.

Not wanting to disturb her rest, they didn’t even bother to inform Charlene.

So, there was Charlene, the only guest in the huge Sapphire Springs Resort, except for the staff.

wasn’t like Jasmine couldn’t have waited for Charlene to wake up to take her out for some fun. But Jasmine sneaking off without a word probably meant she got some news from Thorne’s end, planning to meet with him and Vesta, and was worried Charlene might object.

The weather was dreary, with rain pouring down, but the hot spring under its protective cover offered a cozy refuge. There’s something special about soaking in the hot waters while reading a book and admiring the rainy landscape.

Besides, Charlene enjoyed her solitude, which allowed her more time to herself. So, even with everyone gone, Charlene decided to stay put at Sapphire Springs Resort.

It was Sunday afternoon. Charlene planned to have dinner before heading home and got a call from Irma. “Charlene, I rang Thome in the morning, asking him to pick you up from Sapphire Springs Resort tonight. Did he get in touch?”

Nope. Thorne was supposed to join them at Sapphire Springs Resort but had been MIA without a call.

Jasmine hadn’t reached out, either, since she sneaked off the day before.

But Charlene wasn’t about to bother Irma with this.

To keep things simple, she lied, “Yes.”

Feeling relieved, Irma didn’t press further after Charlene inquired about her health, and they ended the call.

Charlene had dinner at Sapphire Springs Resort as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Irma mentioned Thorne would come for her, but there she was, waiting until nearly nine with no sign of him.

Sapphire Springs Resort was a good hour and a half from her home, and Charlene couldn’t wait longer. She arranged for a resort shuttle to take her back.

Sleep was about to claim her on the ride home when her phone jolted her awake. It was Connie.

Picking up, Charlene said, “Connie?”

“Damn it! That bitch!”

Caught off guard, Charlene was stunned, and Connie quickly explained, “Sorry, just venting.”

“What’s up?”

“Well, I was at this charity gala tonight, right? And I saw your deadbeat dad and Vesta. Some girl called Vesta out for being a homewrecker, doused her in red wine, and made a huge scene. This girl, from a well–to–do family, didn’t let it go easily. I was enjoying the drama when, guess what, your husband showed up!”

Charlene was silent for a bit, then continued to listen as Connie spoke, barely concealing her irritation. “It was a high–profile charity event, live–streamed and everything. Vesta and her crew aren’t A-listers, but him showing up to back Vesta and whisking her away got caught on camera and broadcast live.”

Connie sent over the live stream link.

Charlene opened it to find a noisy gala with performances, making it hard to catch any conversation. But the video did a fine job capturing the moment the girl confronted Vesta, the ensuing argument, and the wine–throwing incident in all its messy glory.

Chapter 64

The scene was chaotic, a modern-day Shakespearean drama unfolding at the edge of the dance floor. Connie had been all along. The f’s family did come from money, judging by their bold confrontation with the Hawkins family. Henley tried to ease the tensions, his demeanor humble, attempting to reason with the furious party, but the girl’s family had none of it. Their barrage of insults left the Hawkins family looking visibly shaken, a storm cloud of humiliation brewing over them,

When the night seemed to hit its lowest, Thome made his grand entrance. In a move out of a Hollywood movie, he shed his jacket, draping it over Vesta’s shoulders, before exchanging a few hushed yet firm words with the girl’s elders. Without waiting for a response, he scooped Vesta up in his arms and left the scene with the confidence of a knight in shining armor

Thorne’s stepping in drastically changed the mood of the girl’s family. They tried to follow, maybe hoping to smooth things over, but they were stopped by the evening’s security discreetly set up by the dinner hosts.

As the video of the incident spread like wildfire across social media, the girl’s family’s initial bravado faded into a desperate attempt to reconcile with the Hawkins family. But Henley and his party, buoyed by Thorne’s assertive rescue, paid them no mind, their earlier anxiety replaced by silent solidarity as they followed Thorne out of the venue.

The buzz surrounding the event wasn’t just about the stars in attendance but the juicy drama that unfolded. Though Vesta and the other girl were strangers to the public eye, the story caught fire, fueled by the revelation that Thorne, a young and successful entrepreneur known for his low profile despite his high society lineage, was the knight in the tale.

The online world erupted with admiration for Thorne’s unexpected heroism and good looks, comparing him to his business achievements and social standing. Meanwhile, Vesta’s credentials as a PhD holder, racer, adventurer, and hacker at 25 sparked fantasies of her being a real-life heroine straight out of an adventure novel.

As fans connected the dots from past times, Thorne was spotted at Vesta’s races. Their cheerleading for the couple ramped up, and they painted their pairing as a match made in heaven. Speculation about the girl’s boyfriend trying to hit on Vesta seemed absurd to the public, given the evident disparity in charm and achievement between him and Thorne.

The saga left Charlene feeling out of the loop, especially after waiting for Thorne to pick her up from Sapphire Springs Resort, a plan forgotten in the evening’s drama. Unperturbed, she retreated into the night, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts, only to find solace in the comfort of her bed and the peace of a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 65

The next day, Charlene woke up to a sunny morning, grabbed a breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs, and headed to work as usual.

At lunch, she was halfway through her sandwich when her phone rang. It was Jasmine, calling for the first time since she had snuck away from Sapphire Springs Resort.

Charlene answered, “Hey, sweetie.”

“Hi, Mommy.” Jasmine’s voice came through, light and a bit cautious.

“Eaten yet?”

“Just did!”

Jasmine received Vesta’s call that morning at Sapphire Springs Resort. Vesta said Thorne had taken her out for fun and asked if she wanted to join. Without a second thought and without letting Charlene know, she dashed off.

They had a blast, only returning to town late yesterday afternoon. However, they didn’t come home the night before. This morning, back at school and feeling guilty, Jasmine worried Charlene might be upset, so she called.

But hearing Charlene casually ask about her meal made it sound like she wasn’t mad about her sneaky exit, which made Jasmine feel relieved. She knew Charlene couldn’t stay mad at her!

Recently, Jasmine noticed a shift in Charlene’s behavior – fewer daily calls and less prying into her whereabouts. Jasmine appreciated the newfound freedom.

Charlene didn’t ask about the past two days. She wasn’t interested.

After chatting briefly about Jasmine’s school life, Charlene hung up and returned to her desk when Stewart approached. “The Future Tech Expo is tomorrow. Shall we meet up at the office to head over together?”

“Sounds good,” Charlene agreed.

The following morning, minutes after she left home, Charlene’s car broke down, causing a fender bender that escalated into a traffic nightmare. Amidst the honking and frustrations, Charlene apologized to the other drivers and called for roadside assistance, worried about making it to the expo on time.

As she waited, a familiar figure crossed the street toward her.

“Car trouble?” Granger’s voice was calm.

A bit surprised to see him, Charlene briefly explained her situation. She had informed Stewart, who suggested waiting for a company–arranged pickup, but Granger offered a ride instead.

They were on their way five minutes later, sitting awkwardly apart in the backseat.

“Thanks,” Charlene muttered, to which Granger replied, “No problem.”

Granger was busy with calls for most of the ride, offering Charlene a reprieve from the awkward silence. Eventually, they arrived at the expo, and Charlene thanked Granger before quickly heading inside.

No sooner had Charlene left than a sleek black car pulled up beside Granger’s. Spotting the car, Vesta confirmed it was Granger and approached him with surprise and curiosity.

After a brief exchange, after recognizing Granger, Henley and Laverne greeted him warmly. Granger excused himself after a phone call and Vesta’s group moved on to the expo.

Inside, Charlene caught up with Stewart and the team. Stewart whispered, “Our mentor’s here, too. Luckily, you got here on time. He wouldn’t have been pleased with tardiness.”

Charlene breathed a sigh of relief, feeling thankful her day hadn’t started with a lecture from a mentor known for his strict punctuality The close call only emphasized the importance of first impressions, even years after graduation.

Chapter 66

They scanned their tickets and entered the exhibition hall, which was buzzing with excitement. The hall was vast and full of flying cars, lifelike robots, and other displays.

There were numerous exhibits, each focusing on its core technology. Charlene and her group were immediately captivated upon entering.

Being well–known, Stewart had barely been there a moment before people started coming over to greet him. He also took the time to introduce Charlene to some of his contacts.

As she smiled, greeted people, and faced the direction of the exhibition hall’s entrance, her gaze met with Vesta and her group, who had just walked in.

Vesta stopped. She hadn’t expected to see Charlene there. After all, this kind of tech expo was a dream networking event for the elite, and every spot was highly precious.

As a major shareholder of PrimeStar, Stewart’s taking Charlene, an undergraduate student, under his wing at PrimeStar might not have raised eyebrows among the staff. But allocating such a valuable expo spot to Charlene, a new undergraduate recruit, surely fed feathers among the other PrimeStar elites.

Stewart was Kenton’s student, and Vesta had heard that his expertise in the field was still unmatched even though he divided his attention between business and his passion for Al. The direction of product development at their company had always been his call. His knack for technology, value for talent, and the company’s core fortress, CUAP, meant PrimeStar had flourished over the years Raleigh had always spoken highly of him, calling him an exceptional boss.

However, Vesta had been skeptical of Stewart’s judgment when he chose not to hire her, feeling he didn’t live up to Raleighi’s praise. And then, he had given Charlene such a crucial expo spot. It seemed like a complete mess to her With that thought, Vesta frowned.

Henley and Laverne also spotted Charlene and shared the same surprised look. They weren’t expecting to see her there.

Charlene merely glanced at them before turning her attention away.

Seeing Charlene chatting amicably with a tall man, Henley frowned and asked Vesta, “Do you know that man?”

“That’s Stewart.”

“That’s Stewart?” Henley was genuinely surprised.

He knew about Charlene’s move from the Henderson Group to PrimeStar but didn’t realize Stewart held her in such high regard.

Before Vesta could reply, someone approached them. “Ms. Hawkins, Mr. Hawkins, glad that you made it.

“Mr. Gallagher.” Vesta and Henley greeted the newcomer.

They initially had only two tickets, but after the charity gala “incident” the night before, which made their connection with Thome a top of hot gossip, Mr. Gallagher, seeking to curry favor with Thorne, had a ticket delivered to them overnight upon learning they were one short for the Future Tech Expo.

Following last night’s drama, the link between Thorne and Vesta was well known. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Mr. Gallagher, more people came to greet them. Soon, their group became the center of attention, drawing curious glances from the crowd- On Charlene’s side, noticing the buzz around the Hawkins family, Mr. Roland remarked, “Over there, the Hawkins family, you’ve heard right? Ms. Hawkins and Thorne have a deep connection. Look at them. Everyone’s rushing to schmooze.”

Mr. Roland’s tone carried a hint of disdain. Stewart was also aware of last night’s charity gala drama involving Vesta.

Chapter 67

Charlene glanced at Mr. Roland as he spoke with disdain about the Hawkins family, prompting her to ask, “Do you have some best the Hawkins family, Mr. Roland?”

Mr. Roland shook his head. “Beef? Nah, not really. See, the gal who was arguing with Ms. Hawkins last night, Star, is actually the daughter of a good buddy of mine. I’ve seen her grow up since she was a little squirt. Starr can be a bit wild but she’s not the type to fy off the handle.”

“Her fiancé, that Bush kid, got pretty cozy with another girl a few years back and almost called off his engagement to Start But then, out of the blue, that girl got to know Thorne and dropped the Bush boy like a hot potato.”

Mr. Roland’s story implied Vesta had once interfered in Starr’s relationship with her fiancé, but after climbing the social ladder by getting involved with Thorne, she had backed off.

However, Mr. Roland was not dwelling on the past. But the fiasco from the night before had riled him up.

He sighed, “My friend and Starr were supposed to attend today’s expo as well, but after last night’s drama and Mr. Henderson’s intervention went viral online, people have been bashing Starr left and right online, leaving her in tears,

“Furthermore, after discovering Ms. Hawkins and Mr. Henderson’s connection, many old foxes rushed to cozy up to the Hawkins family to avoid becoming targets themselves today. So, my friend and Starr decided to bail.”

Listening to this, Charlene and Stewart didn’t know what to say.

When Charlene peeked at Vesta again, she saw even more folks clustering around her.

After wrapping up the conversation with Mr. Roland, Charlene joined Patton and others in exploring and discussing the expo’s exhibits. They were all excited over the multitude of new technologies on display.

After a while, Stewart suddenly approached Charlene, gesturing in a direction.

It was Thorne. He had shown up, too. His tech firm had a significant footprint domestically. And known for his tech–savvy, it didn’t surprise Charlene that he’d attend, especially since Vesta was there. How could he not be?

And there he was, standing right by Vesta’s side, surrounded by people as if they were a couple.

Charlene spared them a glance before looking away.

Then, she spotted Moran. He was there as well. However, Moran was in conversation and hadn’t noticed her.

Stewart inquired, “Does he know you’re here?”

Charlene shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

After all, although she and Thorne had met occasionally, they had never discussed their situation. Their conversations, if any, revolved around their daughter, Jasmine. So, how could Thorne know she was at the expo?

Visibly annoyed, Stewart said, “Are you not going to say hi?”

Charlene and Thorne were still technically married. If she made her presence known as Mrs. Henderson, Stewart wondered about Thorne and Vesta’s reaction.

Charlene understood his point. She shook her head, “No, let’s not.”

First off, it wasn’t really required.

Secondly, if she boxed Thorne in, for Vesta’s sake, he might spill the beans about her past plot against him to everyone.

Without proof, even if she weren’t the culprit, she’d be the one embarrassed. With so many entrepreneurs around, the mishandling situation could affect her uncle’s business. Charlene didn’t want to act on a whim.

Chapter 68

Charlene withdrew her gaze as Patton called her over for some assistance. Without further ado, she turned her back, no longer

reoccupied with what was happening on Thorne’s end.

As she spun around, Moran caught sight of her.

At that moment, Vesta had drifted toward Henley, leaving Thorne by his lonesome.

Moran walked over, nudging Thorne’s side with his elbow before subtly gesturing toward Charlene. “Over there. Your wife’s here, too.”

Following Moran’s hint, Thome looked in the indicated direction and spotted Charlene.

She held a tablet, explaining a prototype’s technical nuances to Patton and his crew.

Charlene and the team were so engrossed that they didn’t sense Thorne and his company’s curious glances.

Moran paused before quizzing, “Who are those folks with your wife? Is she discussing the core tech of the prototype? She’s savvy, huh?” Thome stared at Charlene, his gaze unyielding, words unspoken. Sensing something, Charlene glanced their way. Their eyes met across the distance, and it was a silent exchange.

Charlene hesitated. The distance made it hard for Charlene to decipher the exact emotion in Thorne’s eyes, but she noticed Thorne seemed to smile.

Was he smiling at her? Perhaps she was overthinking it. With confusion and curiosity, Charlene averted her gaze.

Moran noticed and asked, “What’s with the smile?”

Thome replied, “Nothing.”

Moran didn’t press further. He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow when Charlene saw them, especially Thorne, and reacted as if looking at a stranger, keeping her composure.

Was Charlene playing hard to get, or was she just being tactful?

Given Thorne’s reluctance to make their marriage public, whether at that party or the expo, she had always maintained a distance from Thorne, careful not to reveal any signs of their relationship. Indeed, Charlene seemed quite considerate in this aspect.

Vesta approached, asking, “What are you guys talking about?”

Ever quick, Moran responded, “Nothing.” Then, turning to Vesta, he asked, “Have you finished your chat?”

Before Vesta could answer, someone approached them with Professor Hancock, introducing, “Professor Hancock, this is Ms. Hawkins, the tech prodigy I mentioned earlier.”

It was the same Professor Hancock Stewart introduced to Charlene at a previous gathering.

Vesta had seen Hancock then but hadn’t paid much attention, given her focus wasn’t on mingling with the tech elites, barely recognizing Hancock.

A disagreement between Vesta and Stewart slightly marred their previous encounter. But engaged in conversation with Charlene then, Hancock hadn’t paid much mind to it and never brought it up.

Greeting Vesta, he said, “Nice to meet you, Ms. Hawkins.”

“Nice to meet you.”

With the Hawkins family’s tech firm in dire need of tech talents, learning of Professor Hancock’s reputation made Vesta courteous, with Henley coming over to greet Hancock.

After that, Vesta and Professor Hancock had a lengthy conversation, surrounded by numerous prototypes ripe for discussion…

Not being tech–savvy, Henley and Laverne stayed out of the technical chatter.

Chapter 69

They were at the expo with a clear goal of networking and making connections.

Of course, after Thorne’s arrival, Henley and Laverne couldn’t help but keep an eye on him while networking. They were curious how he would react upon seeing Charlene.

Soon enough, they noticed that when Thorne saw Charlene, he had zero reaction. It was as if he saw a stranger. He didn’t even bother to give her a second glance.

Rumor had it that Charlene had resorted to some pretty low tactics to corner Thorne into marrying her. Thorne had no affection for her. He hardly spent time at home and harbored nothing but disdain for Charlene. It seemed the rumors were true.

‘As the expo was gearing up to start, the staff gave a heads up to the key folks from different companies to make their way to the

conference hall for the closing get–together.

Stewart and Charlene represented PrimeStar in the conference hall, leading the way. Vesta and Laverne were surprised to see Charlene entering the hall.

Laverne leaned to Vesta and whispered, “Seriously? Stewart holds her in such high regard?”

After seeing Stewart bringing Charlene along to the expo, it was clear that Stewart had a soft spot for Charlene. But they hadn’t expected him to be this invested.

After all, Charlene was a divorcee with a child. Despite her beauty, being a catch himself, Stewart could find someone arguably better.

On the verge of her second marriage was beyond them. Why he was so into Charlene, a woman on

Vesta remained silent.

Though they had made it to the expo, the conference hall seating was limited. Their company hadn’t provided any exhibits, which meant seating in the back rows. However, Thorne had arranged for Vesta to sit in the front row with him.

Hearing that, Henley couldn’t help but chuckle. Charlene was there, yet Thorne had Vesta sit with him.

Laverne laughed, adding, “I heard Kenton will give a speech later. Scoring a front-row seat means we’re more likely to get a word in with him.”

Of course, Vesta was well aware of this.

Seeing Charlene and Stewart settling down in a middle row, Laverne initially felt miffed. But then, knowing Vesta got to sit before her she instantly felt better.

Vesta, of course, noticed Charlene and Stewart. As she passed by Charlene with Thorne, she acted as if Charlene was invisible, not sparing her a glance.

Charlene and Stewart noticed them but didn’t pay much attention.

However, someone nearby mentioned with envy, “I heard Mr. Wagner is sitting in the front row. Being in the front row means you can speak to him. How envious.”

“Indeed.”

Charlene and Stewart exchanged glances.

Stewart leaned in and whispered, “Don’t worry. She won’t catch his eye even if she gets a chance to meet Mr. Wagner.”

Stewart had a fair idea of Vesta’s professional level since they met for the first time.

Charlene understood his point but countered, “What if she’s hiding her true abilities?”

Stewart was momentarily speechless. That was a possibility he had considered, but could it be true?

While he mulled over that, the host took to the stage to start his talk. Shortly after the host concluded his lengthy address, he announced, “Please welcome Mr. Kenton to the stage to deliver his speech!”

Chapter 70

Kenton was a name known globally, yet he was surprisingly young and was just a tad over forty.

Tall and slender with rimless glasses on his nose, he went to the stage amidst thunderous applause as the host finished the introduction.

After reaching the center of the podium, his gaze swept over the audience, bringing an instant hush to the room.

“Thank you to the organizers for this heartfelt invitation…” he began, keeping his opening remarks brief.

After summarizing and affirming the exhibits at the show, he answered questions from some of the corporate attendees. Many people wanted to ask questions, but time was limited. Half an hour later, Kenton stepped down from the stage.

There were other segments to follow in the conference, and after stepping down, Kenton moved toward the front–row seat prepared for him by the organizers.

As he passed, several business tycoons in the front row stood to shake hands and greet Kenton, causing a wave of envy from those in the back, especially among some of the technical staff.

Sitting next to Kenton’s seat was Thorne. As Kenton approached, Thorne stood up.

Sitting beside Thorne, Vesta did the same.

Thorne reached out for a handshake, “Mr. Wagner, it’s been a while.”

Thorne and Kenton had met before. It was many years ago

With a cold demeanor, Kenton extended his hand. “It has indeed been quite some time.”

If one were to count, it had been over a decade.

Kenton’s aloofness wasn’t personal toward Thorne. He was like that with everyone, including his students.

Vesta also extended her hand. “Mr. Wagner, I’m Vesta. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Kenton glanced at her, grunted in acknowledgment, and after shaking hands with her and a few others who came up, he sat down. Thorne sat to Kenton’s right while someone else on his left chatted with him. Kenton engaged in a half–hearted chat with them. Thorne sat, listening to the speakers on the stage. Vesta wanted to talk to Kenton, but with Thorne in between, it wasn’t easy. Noticing Thorne wasn’t initiating conversation with Kenton, she leaned in and whispered, “Did you and Mr. Wagner have a fallout?”

Thorne chuckled. “Not at all.”

“Then why…”

Everyone wanted a moment with Kenton, so why didn’t Thorne seize the opportunity to talk more with him?

She considered asking to switch seats with Thorne but decided against it, seeing Kenton engaged in a lively conversation with a well–known business magnate to his left. Given her lower profile, disrupting their chat could potentially offend them.

“He doesn’t think much of me,” Thorne finally said.

“What?” Vesta was shocked, wondering if she had misunderstood.

But Thorne’s smile confirmed she hadn’t. Yet, if that were the case, didn’t it imply some tension? However, Thorne seemed utterly unfazed.

Without further discussion, Vesta dropped the subject.

Time flew by, and finally, the conference was done. Rumors swirled that Kenton wouldn’t leave right away.

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