Unknown Divorce: Revelation Beyond Time Novel by Miss Lyra (Chapters 121 to 130)  

Chapter 121

Just then, Jasmine saw Charlene pulling her suitcase along and called out, “Mom?”

“Yep,” Charlene snapped back to reality, closed the door, and said, “Mom’s got some work to attend to, I have to head back. You stay here and have a good time with Dad, okay?”

Jasmine nodded eagerly, “Okay, I got it, Mom.”

Dragging her suitcase downstairs, Charlene bumped into Thorne who was hanging out with Vesta.

*Seeing her leaving with the suitcase, he just asked, “Heading out?”

Charlene replied coldly, “Yeah.”

“Did you call a cab?”

“I did.”

They didn’t try to stop her, just said, “Alright then.”

With that, Charlene dragged her luggage out the door, got into her car, and left.

Moran woke up rather late today.

Joining Thorne for lunch, he suggested, “Hey Thorne, maybe you should go up and invite her down?”

He meant Charlene, of course.

Thorne replied casually, “No need, she’s already gone.”

Moran raised an eyebrow, clearly shocked. “Left?”

Granger paused too.

“Yeah,” Thorne continued, “She’s got some company stuff to deal with.”

Moran knew about the tension involving Charlene, the decision not to hire Vesta, and Charlene’s new gig at PrimeStar. He remembered Thorne mentioning last night that Charlene couldn’t join them for dinner because she was busy with work.

Thinking about it, he chuckled, “So busy, huh? Last night was busy, and today is also busy. Must be swamped!”

That level of busyness made it seem like PrimeStar couldn’t function without her. But everyone knew Charlene got in through the back door, lacking significant skills and not being a major shareholder.

“Busy” seemed more like an excuse–a pretty weak one at that. Moran was at a loss for words.

Vesta caught on to Moran’s insinuation and couldn’t help but smile silently as she continued eating.

What Moran and the others thought, Charlene had no clue about.

After leaving Sapphire Springs Resort, she headed straight to PrimeStar.

She was busy till nightfall.

After two days of non–stop work, Charlene was planning to head back early to rest when her uncle Vernon called.

Half an hour later, Charlene returned to the Ross household.

Vernon and his wife, along with their two kids, Nadine Ross and Carl Ross, were all home.

Seeing her, they greeted her. Charlene smiled, “Hey.”

Carl asked, “Where’s Minnie? Didn’t you say she’s back in the country? Why didn’t she come back with you for dinner?”

She went to the hot springs, and hasn’t come back yet.”

Oh..

Carl, thinking Jasmine might have gone to the hot springs with Thorne, didn’t inquire further.

Before entering, Charlene paused as she glanced at the villa across the street.

Going to Sapphire Springs Resort, she hadn’t thought to bring the keys to that villa. If she had, she could have started clearing out all traces of the Spencer family and planned a renovation…

Helena’s birthday celebration was already in the planning stages by Vernon and his wife. Besides wanting Charlene’s input, there was another matter they needed her to handle.

“These two invitations are for the Henderson family and Tiffany Henderson, try to deliver them in the next few days,” Vernon said.

Charlene hesitated, then took them, answering, “Alright.”

After dinner and chatting with Helena and Vernon’s family until about 9 p.m., Charlene prepared to leave.

As she was leaving, Helena came out to see her off, holding her hand she said, “If those Henderson folks don’t want to come, then let it be. It doesn’t make any difference to me whether they show up or not!”

Chapter 122

Even though Vernon whispered the party invitation to Charlene while avoiding eye contact, she quickly picked up on it.

“I’ll be there,” Charlene assured.

Helena and Irma were as close as two peas in a pod. Naturally, when Helena’s birthday rolled around, everyone expected Irma to show up.

But Irma was older than Helena, and in their local tradition, it was considered improper for someone older to celebrate the birthday of someone younger with a big bash.

For the past few years, Helena’s birthdays had been low–key affairs, just a simple family dinner, nothing more.

And throughout these years, Thorne hadn’t once made it to celebrate with Helena.

At first, he’d excuse himself citing a busy schedule.

But Charlene knew better. Even when he had the time, he’d rather hang out with friends than attend a family gathering.

Yet, every year as Helena’s birthday drew near, Charlene found herself asking Thorne if he could find the time to come with her to the Ross family home for her grandmother’s birthday celebration, holding onto a sliver of hope. But she was always met with disappointment.

This year, however, Charlene had resolved not to ask Thorne.

Yet, this year was significant as it marked her grandmother’s milestone birthday. Vernon had invited numerous business associates to the Ross family celebration, and despite Charlene and Thorne’s rocky relationship – they hadn’t officially divorced yet – the longstanding friendship between the two grandmothers meant an invitation was extended to the Henderson family as well.

Whether the Hendersons chose to attend was another matter.

Charlene had initially planned to return to her own place that evening.

But upon reflection, she decided to head back to Thorne’s mansion instead.

Arriving back, Charlene realized Thorne and Jasmine weren’t home yet.

Irma, having some matters to attend to, had gone back to the old family estate for a few days.

After setting down her purse, Charlene headed for the shower.

Half an hour later, just as she finished drying off, she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside.

Predictably, Thorne and Jasmine had returned.

Charlene sat down to dry her hair, her mind wandering, completely indifferent.

Jasmine burst into the room first, throwing her arms around Charlene. “Mommy, we’re back!”

She smelled strongly of Vesta perfume.

Charlene responded coolly, turning off the hairdryer and caressing Jasmine’s face. “Have you taken your bath yet?”

“No, not yet,” Jasmine replied.

“It’s past ten, you should head to your room and take a bath. You’ve got school tomorrow.”

As Charlene spoke, Thorne entered the bedroom, their gazes briefly meeting. Charlene quickly looked away, focusing on her daughter who was tugging at her, pleading, “Then mommy, will you help me bathe?”

Sure, let me just finish drying my hair.”

Okay!” Jasmine, excited, ran off to her room to get ready for bed.

Thorne, seated across the room, finally spoke. “When did you get back?”

Not long ago,” Charlene replied, avoiding his gaze as she continued drying her hair.

Thorne didn’t press further, heading to the closet to get ready for his own shower.

That’s when Charlene remembered the important matter. She turned off the hairdryer, and before he could disappear into the bathroom, she pulled out an invitation from her purse and handed it to him. “My grandmother’s birthday is coming up. This is for your family.”

As Charlene got closer to give him the invitation, she realized that he, too, was wearing that distinct Vesta perfume.

Chapter 123

Charlene subtly touched her nose and then, as if nothing had happened, dropped her hand and took a small step back, increasing the space between them.

Thorne seemed oblivious to her actions and, after opening the invitation, casually commented, “Her 70th birthday bash?”

Charlene simply nodded. She didn’t ask him if he was free like before, nor did she plead for him to make some time to attend. She just said, “Could you let my folks know for me?”

It was unclear if Thorne had noticed her lack of inquiry about his availability that evening.

He glanced at her, then set the invitation aside carelessly, saying, “Got it.”

Without another word, he turned and headed into the bathroom.

Charlene watched his retreating figure, put away the hairdryer, and then went to give Jasmine a bath in her room.

After bathing Jasmine and drying her hair, nearly an hour had passed.

Jasmine clung to her arm, snuggling close, and asked if she could sleep with her that night.

Given the current state of things with Thorne, what was stopping her?

Charlene returned to the master bedroom, gathered her things, and on her way out, informed Thorne, “I’m crashing in Minnie’s room tonight.”

Thorne, deep into his book, just hummed in response, neither asking questions nor raising any objections.

The next day, after breakfast and dropping Jasmine off at school as per her request, Charlene headed back to the office.

Her grandmother’s birthday was drawing near, and with over a month consumed by work, Charlene hadn’t yet found the time to buy her a gift.

At lunch, Charlene called Connie Snyder, asking her to come shopping for a birthday present that evening.

Connie immediately agreed upon hearing it was for her grandma’s birthday.

The invitation for Tiffany hadn’t been sent out yet.

After hanging up, Charlene tried calling Tiffany. The call went through, but no answer.

Charlene knew Tiffany wasn’t fond of her, or any of the Ross family, for that matter.

Tiffany’s silence on the phone could very well be intentional.

However, out of respect for Irma, Charlene went through with all the necessary steps.

After the call naturally ended, Charlene dialed again. This time, the call was deliberately cut off.

It was clear Tiffany was avoiding her calls.

Charlene wasn’t bothered. She was merely following protocol.

She texted Tiffany, explaining the reason for her call and asking when she might be free to receive the invitation.

After sending the message, Charlene didn’t wait for a reply, choosing instead to focus on her tasks.

That evening, after dinner with Connie and a long, fruitless search for the perfect gift, Connie suddenly suggested, “There’s a charity auction the day after tomorrow. Maybe you could find something there?”

“But I don’t have an invite…”

Connie appeared a bit troubled. “The invites for that auction were sent out half a month ago. It’s indeed tough to get one now, but maybe…”

It was clear Connie was hinting at asking Thorne for help.

After parting ways with Connie around 9 pm, Charlene eventually decided to head back to Thorne’s villa.

Upon her return, she found Thorne had already arrived home and was busy in his study.

Chapter 124

Charlene knew she was off–limits from his study room, so she stayed in the bedroom, reading a book while waiting for him.

It was nearing 1 AM when Thorne finally came back to the room.

Seeing him return, Charlene put down her book and looked at him. Thorne, noticing her gaze, asked in a calm voice, “Something on your mind?”

Charlene didn’t beat around the bush and directly said, “I heard there’s a charity auction at Zenith Core in a couple of days-”

Thorne, gracefully removing his tie, glanced at her and said, “You want an invite to the auction?”

Charlene was momentarily taken aback, “Yes.”

“Consider it done.”

With that, Thorne turned and headed to the walk-in closet, and shortly after, he went to take a shower.

Charlene was taken aback by his straightforward agreement. But his consent gave her a sense of relief.

It was getting late, so she put down her book, lay down in bed, and fell asleep before Thorne had finished his shower.

Because the auction was the day after tomorrow, Charlene, after leaving her job at PrimeStar, returned to their villa.

However, Thorne wasn’t home, but Jasmine was.

Seeing her return, Jasmine clung to her, begging her to make some delicious snacks.

Charlene agreed.

After dinner, the butler suddenly came to her, saying, “Ma’am, someone delivered this for you.”

Charlene opened it to find the invitation to tomorrow’s ZenithCore charity auction.

Thorne really got it for her.

And there were two invites.

But since he had it sent to her, does it mean he won’t be coming home tonight?

Just as she was about to go take a shower, her phone buzzed twice.

Connie had sent her two texts.

As Charlene opened them, she paused. It was a screenshot of a social media post.

The screenshot showed a photo under a splendid fireworks display, capturing Vesta’s sweet, smiling profile next to Thorne’s back, captioned: “Tonight’s fireworks festival was so beautiful.”

The photo indeed also captured several other couples in the background.

This confirmed that the fireworks festival Vesta mentioned was indeed a romantic event meant for couples.

From Vesta’s caption about the beauty of the fireworks festival, coupled with her joyous expression, it wasn’t hard to deduce that while the festival might have been beautiful, what truly delighted her was her mood.

Because she had Thorne by her side.

Thorne didn’t come home because he went on a date with Vesta, leaving Jasmine behind…

Charlene, looking at the screenshot, felt calm, yet puzzled, and texted Connie back.

“Did you add Vesta as a friend?”

Otherwise, how could she have gotten a screenshot of Vesta’s post?

I have a friend who knows her. She mentioned it, so I asked her to send me a screenshot,” Connie replied.

What Connie didn’t mention was that her friend was green with envy over Vesta. Because in their circle, it was almost common knowledge that Vesta had captured Thorne’s heart, and he treated her like a treasure.

Thinking of the extra invite, Charlene sent another message to Connie, asking if she wanted to join her at the auction.

Connie immediately responded with excitement, “Yes, absolutely!”

Thorne didn’t come home that night.

Charlene had expected as much.

After all, he and Vesta went out for the festival, and she guessed they would have an even more wonderful and, sweet evening afterward.

Thorne not coming home meant she had the bedroom to herself, which was quite alright by her.

Chapter 125

Charlene and Connie got themselves ready and headed to the auction.

Their outfits weren’t exactly formal, but with their striking looks, they turned quite a few heads as they entered the auction hall,

Connie, who had attended several auctions and was quite active in the social scene, was recognized by many. Charlene, on the other hand, was a fresh face to most attendees.

Seeing her with Connie sparked curiosity among the crowd, leaving them guessing which affluent family she might belong to.

They found seats towards the middle–back of the hall, arriving not too early but just in time, settling in minutes before the auction was about to start.

Just then, a commotion upfront caught their attention.

Charlene and Connie glanced over to see what was happening, and Charlene froze for a moment.

Connie whispered, “It’s Thorne and Vesta… I can’t believe they’re here too.” She then asked Charlene, “Did you know they’d be attending?”

Charlene shook her head, replying, “No idea.” She hadn’t expected him to be there, and Thorne hadn’t mentioned it to her.

After their appearances at a high–profile gala and a tech expo, Vesta had become quite the talk of the town. Her arrival with Thorne naturally drew many eyes.

“Last time Mr. Henderson showed up with her at that gala, her outfit was worth over 30 million. And now, she seems just as lavish.”

“That diamond set aside, her dress alone is a creation by the world–renowned designer Ines, who, as everyone knows, has been in semi–retirement for the past decade, crafting only three gowns a year, each valued over 10 million-”

“Thirty million last time, and now another fortune. Mr. Henderson really spares no expense on her.”

“Indeed.”

Vesta shone brightly in a shimmering blue satin gown, her striking jewelry adding to her allure, making her the center of attention that evening.

Front row seats were a symbol of status and prestige.

Amidst the surrounding murmurs of admiration and envy, Vesta and Thorne took their seats in the very center of the first row.

This sparked even more envy among the attendees.

“The center of the first row… What a statement. I wonder what it feels like to sit there. Their front–row seats, in addition to their status, suggest they’re probably big spenders tonight, oh my—”

“Stop, you’re making me jealous. It’s depressing how some people just have it all.”

Connie, feeling a bit sour, leaned towards Charlene and whispered, “He’s with Vesta in the front row, leaving us back here…”

It wasn’t the first time Thorne had favored Vesta over her. But by now, Charlene was used to it and didn’t really care much anymore.

After all, she was here to buy a birthday gift for her grandmother, not to worry about seating arrangements.

Connie added, “Does Thorne even know where we’re seated? He hasn’t glanced this way once.”

The tickets were likely arranged by Thorne, who probably didn’t care much about their exact location.

And as for Connie’s remark about Thorne not looking their way, even if he knew where they were seated, it was, unlikely he’d make a point of checking on them.

Chapter 126

After all, the last times Stewart took her to galas and that tech expo, Thorne had completely ignored her.

As she was mulling over this, the auction was about to begin. The auctioneer took the stage and the room fell silent.

Charlene had already carefully reviewed the auction catalog earlier that evening.

She had her eye on a set of emerald jewelry and a renowned artist’s tapestry.

“Which one to bid on would depend on how the evening unfolded.

The auction kicked off promptly.

Charlene, with clear objectives, didn’t raise her paddle unless she was interested in an item. Thorne and Vesta hadn’t made any moves either.

After a while, Charlene and Connie noticed Vesta starting to bid.

Vesta was after a diamond bracelet, a piece clearly designed by a renowned international designer, perfect for the younger crowd.

Undoubtedly, Thorne was bidding on this bracelet for Vesta.

The opening bid for the bracelet was $150,000.

Vesta raised it to $300,000.

Others pushed it to $400,000.

At this point, Charlene noticed Vesta and Thorne conferring briefly before Vesta, with a clear voice that resonated through the hall, bid: “$800,000.”

Her bid caused a stir.

While the bracelet was stylish, its intrinsic value didn’t justify $800,000. Even $400,000 was a stretch. But Vesta seemed to adore the bracelet.

Thorne, who had deep pockets, seemed determined to ensure that no one outbid Vesta, hence the staggering bid of $800,000.

This move by Thorne, his disregard for the cost and his indulgence towards Vesta, shocked and sparked conversations among the crowd.

As expected, after the $800,000 bid, no one else bid.

Vesta successfully acquired the bracelet.

Connie, green with envy, muttered through clenched teeth, “Makes my teeth hurt.”

Before Charlene could respond, the next round of bidding began.

Some time later, an antique vase was presented.

Vesta bid again.

The vase’s starting bid was $500,000.

While others were raising by $50,000 or $100,000, Vesta’s opening bid was $1,000,000.

Immediately, the number of bidders dropped.

However, the room was not short of wealthy individuals.

Seon, a male voice chimed in: “$1,500,000.“,

Charlene looked over.

He was a young man, remarkably handsome.

That’s Dalton Ramirez,” Connie informed Charlene.

Charlene nodded.

Vesta seemed hesitant now, looking towards Thorne.

From this, Charlene and Connie could tell, Vesta personally wanted the vase.

Just then, Charlene remembered Vesta’s grandmother, Katie Hawkins, was also an avid antique collector.

It was clear, Vesta was bidding on the vase for Katie.

Thorne nodded, and Vesta raised her paddle again: “$2,500,000.”

Dalton smiled and said, “$3,000,000.”

Vesta hesitated even more, consulting with Thorne, seemingly ready to give up.

But Thorne shook his head.

Vesta bid again: “$4,000,000.”

Dalton’s voice rang out once more: “$5,000,000.”

He smiled, looking over at Thorne’s direction.

Vesta frowned, turning to Thorne, “Maybe… we should let it go?”

$5,000,000 was just too much.

Chapter 127

Thorne chuckled, “No worries, isn’t it something your grandma adores? Go for it.”

Vesta’s heart melted at Thorne’s smile, lifting her paddle again, “Sixty million,”

Dalton was quick to follow: “Seventy million.”

After his bid, he turned to Thorne and said, “Mr. Henderson, you know how the elderly folks at home love these treasures. Could you do me a solid?”

Thorne glanced over with a polite smile, “Sorry, Mr. Ramirez, but the elders in my family love it too.”

Their exchange was open for all to hear. Naturally, Charlene and Connie overheard. The vase was for Katie.

Yet Thorne referred to her simply as “the elders in my family,” showing he already considered the Hawkins family his own.

This contrasted starkly with how he treated other family members.

Vesta raised her paddle: “Eighty–five million.”

This time, Dalton did not counter.

Ultimately, Vesta secured the antique vase for eighty–five million, drawing envious glances from around the room.

Yet, even with the deal done, Vesta felt a bit uneasy.

Though the Hawkins were well–off, and her grandmother was indeed an antique enthusiast who’d spend a fair bit on her passion yearly, dropping nearly a hundred million on a single item was beyond their wildest dreams.

If her family found out, it would surely be a shock.

Moreover, Thorne had initially suggested she bid a hundred million.

But she felt that was too steep, opting for eighty–five million instead.

Vesta’s heart warmed at the thought of Thorne’s generosity.

Connie couldn’t help but exclaim, “Damn, that’s almost a hundred million!” Adding both items, the total was indeed nearing a hundred million.

Connie felt more than just a tinge of jealousy; it was overwhelming.

Charlene’s expression turned sour, noticing which, Connie asked, “You okay, Charlene?”

Seeing Thorne treat his mistress so well, especially knowing this mistress was the daughter of her father’s mistress, must have been hard to swallow.

But Charlene’s concern wasn’t about Thorne’s spending.

“It’s his money; he can spend it however he likes. I’m not interested. What bothers me is, if I want something Thorne and Vesta are bidding on, I stand no chance with my budget.”

Connie realized the predicament, “Right… but she’s already won two items. She might not bid again, right?”

One could only hope.

But with Thorne’s wealth, he could easily spend a few hundred million more without batting an eye.

As Charlene pondered this, the tapestry she was interested in was presented on stage.

The starting bid was five million.

Someone quickly offered six million.

Charlene raised her paddle, “Seven million.”

Initially, Vesta hadn’t noticed Charlene. But as soon as Charlene spoke, Vesta recognized her voice.

Tuming around, their eyes met.

Vesta’s expression was unreadable as she swiftly turned away and raised her paddle, declaring, “Ten million.”

Charlene’s heart sank.

Vesta had recognized her voice, and Charlene couldn’t believe Thorne hadn’t.

Yet, he didn’t turn around.

Connie cursed under her breath, “Damn it! She’s bidding again!”

Dalton also entered the fray, “Fifteen million.”

Charlene bit her lip, raising her paddle, “Eighteen million.”

Without looking back, Vesta countered, “Twenty–five million.”

Chapter 128

Vesta just skyrocketed the bid again!

Charlene’s heart sank. She wasn’t exactly swimming in cash.

Going into this auction, she’d capped her budget at 30 million.

After all, the Ross family’s business was hitting a rough patch.

They didn’t have cash to burn.

But now…

Dalton: “28 million.”

Charlene raised her paddle, saying, “30 million.”

Her voice, following Dalton’s twice in succession, was clear, gentle, and incredibly captivating.

Dalton, hearing her, turned to look.

His eyebrows raised in a mix of surprise and amusement upon seeing Charlene, and he offered a smile.

Charlene, noticing his glance, nodded politely in response.

Just then, Vesta went ahead: “40 million.”

Charlene, losing interest in Dalton, clenched her fist tight at the sound.

Dalton again: “43 million.”

Charlene, not backing down, countered: “45 million.”

Vesta said, “50 million.”

Boom! Charlene’s mind was blown.

Sure, her initial budget was 30 million.

But the moment Vesta made her move, Charlene had silently upped her budget to 50 million.

She could afford to go higher. After all, Thorne had just gifted her a villa worth a couple hundred million.

Since that money was a windfall, why not spend it?

But she knew the tapestry wasn’t worth 50 million.

She could afford to splurge, but she couldn’t afford to be reckless.

Selling the villa could fund more meaningful ventures.

With that thought, Charlene lowered her hand.

Connie suggested, “Why not call Thorne?”

Charlene had thought about it. But would Thorne actually ask Vesta to back off for her sake? That seemed unlikely.

Even knowing it was a long shot, Charlene still pulled out her phone and dialed Thorne.

Thorne, feeling his phone vibrate, took it out of his pocket.

Vesta glanced over, seeing only an unlabelled number, and asked, “A stranger?”

Thorne chuckled but didn’t answer, simply hanging up.

Watching the call get disconnected without a second thought, Charlene’s last shred of hope vanished.

She felt a momentary blankness in her mind.

Connie, indignant, said, “Damn, he actually ignored your call!”

Charlene remained silent, quietly slipping her phone back into her purse.

By now, the bidding had soared to 95 million.

Dalton, massaging his temples, turned to Thorne: “Mr. Henderson, can you do me a favor here?”

Thorne responded with a polite smile, “Maybe next time.”

Dalton was speechless.

Next time my foot!

He raised his paddle, pushing the bid to 120 million.

Vesta countered: “150 million.”

Dalton had nothing to say.

Seeing this, Connie whispered fiercely to Charlene, “This is the first time I’ve seen Dalton at a loss.”

The Ramirez family, just like the Hendersons, were top–tier tycoons.

Dalton’s reluctance seemed not from a lack of funds but more from not wanting to overspend.

Whereas Thorne, seemingly in pursuit of a lady’s favor, appeared to spare no expense.

With no further bids, the tapestry naturally went to Vesta again.

Thorne turned to Dalton, saying, “Mr. Ramirez, I appreciate your understanding.”

Dalton replied, “Mr. Henderson, you’re too polite.”

Chapter 129

Connie sighed, “At this point, all we can hope for is that Vesta doesn’t bid on the emerald jewelry set coming up.”

Charlene felt the same way.

But…Was it possible?

The starting bid for the emerald set was ten million.

Someone bid fifteen million.

Charlene was the second to bid: “Eighteen million.”

“Twenty million.”

“Twenty–five million.”

Charlene and Connie sighed in relief when they saw Vesta hadn’t bid, but just as Charlene was about to raise her paddle again, Vesta lifted hers.

“Fifty million.”

The room gasped in surprise, but Vesta calmly lowered her hand.

Charlene clenched her fists, thought for a moment, and then bid: “Sixty million.”

“Sixty–five million.”

“Seventy million.”

At this, Charlene hesitated. It was her grandmother’s 70th birthday, a rare occasion, and if she bid eighty million-

Just as she thought this, Vesta raised her paddle again: “One hundred and twenty million.”

Charlene’s heart sank, and after catching her breath, she silently lowered her bidding paddle.

Perhaps everyone had become accustomed to Thorne’s extravagant spending.

From that point on, no one else placed a bid.

The item went to Vesta.

Charlene wasn’t interested in the remaining lots, but the auction house rules required attendees to stay until the end of the auction, so she had no choice but to remain seated.

The prices for the remaining items were expectedly higher, and seeing Thorne effortlessly spend over three hundred and sixty million in one evening, Connie couldn’t help but comment, “Thorne won’t keep bidding, will he? Even for someone as rich as him, there’s a limit to such spending. He really doesn’t hold back when it comes to spending on his mistress.”

Charlene couldn’t provide an answer to Connie’s musings.

However, the answer soon became clear when Thorne didn’t bid again.

After the auction, Charlene and Connie left the hall.

As they were leaving, Charlene didn’t give Thorne another glance.

Connie, however, was quite curious about that side of the room, so she saw Dalton going over to Thorne and Vesta to greet them.

As Charlene and Connie were exiting the auction hall, an acquaintance of Connie’s approached them. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Connie, the acquaintance’s gaze fell on Charlene and asked in a kind one, “Connie, who’s this young lady? I don’t think I’ve seen her before. Which family’s daughter is she?”

Connie introduced Charlene to her.

Hearing this, the lady’s smile faded slightly, “Ah, Mr. Ross’s niece, I see. Quite the beauty…”

She knew something about the Ross family situation.

It was said that Mr. Ross’s sister had suffered from love–related distress in her youth, which affected her mental health, leading her to spend years in a sanatorium.

Given Charlene’s attractive appearance and gentle demeanor, and assuming her education was also “impressive, her mother’s mental health issues might not be seen as too significant of a concern.

Unfortunately, the Ross family’s business had been declining over the past few years.

Even with Vernon tirelessly working for the company, the chances of The Ross Group making a comeback seemed slim.

With these two significant drawbacks, no matter how appealing Charlene was, she wouldn’t be deemed suitable to enter her doors.

What a pity…

Even though the lady didn’t outright say it, Charlene and Connie could somewhat pick up on what she was implying.

The lady had more to say to Connie, so they didn’t leave immediately.

Meanwhile, Thorne, Vesta, and Dalton also emerged from the auction hall.

Dalton excused himself, “I have to leave for a bit, we’ll catch up next time.”

“Next time,” Thorne replied.

Dalton nodded and left with his friend.

Others came up to greet Thorne.

As Thorne turned his body towards them, he and Charlene’s eyes met.

Charlene paused, quickly averting her gaze.

Thorne, too, looked away and continued his conversation with the newcomers.

Vesta, noticing Thorne’s indifferent behavior towards Charlene, couldn’t help but let a slight smirk cross her face.

After chatting for over ten minutes, Connie’s throat was parched. She and Charlene headed to the refreshment area, planning to grab something to drink before leaving.

Chapter 130

The place was practically deserted when Connie was about to speak, but suddenly, a burst of conversation echoed from the side.
“Dalton, are you… interested in Thorne’s girlfriend?”
“Interested might be stretching it, but… she’s definitely intriguing.”
Charlene and Connie froze in place.
It turned out to be Dalton and his buddy.
However, they were facing away from them, with a row of drink coolers mostly blocking their view, so they didn’t notice Charlene and Connie.
“At the auction, I noticed you were quite taken with the graceful lady by Connie’s side. She’s probably still around in the hall, aren’t you going to say hello?”
Charlene hadn’t expected their conversation to suddenly shift to her.
Before Charlene could react, Connie raised an eyebrow, about to drag Charlene over to play matchmaker, when Dalton shook his head, his interest seemingly waned, and said, “Nah.”
Connie paused.
“Huh? What’s up? Suddenly lost interest?”
Dalton replied, “Yeah. That lady is beautiful,
sure, but… she seemed too gentle, too quiet, kind of bland, you know?”
“Man, and you say you’re not into Vesta!”
It was clear that after talking to Vesta, Dalton was more interested in her, leaving his prior interest in the dust.
“It’s not that, it’s just-“
Dalton hesitated, and his friend laughed,
saying, “I get it, Vesta’s become your new ideal, huh? But that just proves you’re into Vesta, man, hahaha!”
Before Dalton could respond, his friend added, “Honestly though, Vesta’s got that untouchable, ice-queen vibe that’s way more appealing, more of a challenge.”
“Ever since Vesta showed up, lots of guys have been interested, even obsessed. Too bad she’s Thorne’s woman. Gotta admit, Thorne’s got an eye for women.”
Connie’s smile froze, then her face darkened, ready to teach those two a lesson for casually discussing others, but Charlene held her back. Charlene shook her head, calmly saying, “It’s okay.”
She might be seen as plain, as unremarkable.
But she was herself.
She knew who she was.
Whether strangers liked her or not wasn’t so important to her.
After finishing their conversation and their
drinks, Dalton and his friend left.
Connie was fuming: “I used to think Dalton had
such a refined taste, thought he was
interesting. Turns out even he’s fallen for Vesta!”
Before Charlene could respond, a sleazy-looking guy approached them.
He and Connie knew each other.
With his puffy, leering eyes, he smiled at Charlene, “Connie, this friend of yours-“
Before he could finish, Connie knew his intentions, “What trash, thinking you can hit on my friend? Get lost!”
The guy’s face soured, “Connie, you!”
Connie glared at him.
The Snyders were not to be messed with, so he didn’t dare to truly anger Connie and left.
Connie took a big gulp of her drink, her chest aching with anger, “How many is that tonight, coming to hit on you? Why are all these trash men coming our way? And why do all the
decent guys seem to go for someone like Vesta?!”
Charlene tried to soothe her.
She thought, because Vesta is indeed outstanding, indeed exceptional.
But before she could voice her thoughts, Connie’s expression suddenly turned cold.
Following her gaze, Charlene saw Vesta standing not far from them, holding two drinks.
She wasn’t sure when Vesta had arrived, but given the smirk on Vesta’s lips, Charlene and Connie had a feeling she’d overheard Dalton and his friend’s conversation.
Seeing them look over, Vesta’s smile
deepened, but she didn’t speak. With a
dismissive glance at Charlene, she turned and walked away with her drinks.

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