Unknown Divorce: Revelation Beyond Time Novel by Miss Lyra (Chapters 231 to 240)  

Chapter 231

After a while, Campbell waved goodbye to everyone and slipped into his private quarters down the hallway.

Following him were Charlene, Stewart, Thorne, Granger, the Hawkins family, and the Spencer family. With so many people heading inside, the presence of the Hawkins and Spencer families didn’t seem out of place at all. Once everyone was inside, they settled into the garden and along the long patio. The servants came around with coffee and a variety of pastries. Campbell and Helena found themselves deep in conversation, clearly enjoying each other’s company a great deal.

In addition to Helena, Campbell had two other friends who were quite adept at painting. As their conversation took a lively turn, the three of them decided to create a painting on the spot and invited Helena to join in.

Campbell then turned to York, “York, could you fetch the art supplies from my study?”

“Sure thing,” York replied.

After they finished their artwork, Campbell was full of praise for Helena’s piece. The conversation naturally drifted to art and painting.

Charlene and Stewart chose not to interrupt and instead enjoyed their coffee and treats on the patio. They sat at a considerable distance from the Hawkins and Spencer families, so much so that they didn’t even exchange glances. To anyone not in the know, it seemed as if they were complete strangers.

Meanwhile, Thorne was seated with Vesta, Granger, Moran, and Dalton. As peers within the same social circle, their gathering seemed perfectly ordinary.

Noticing Charlene and Stewart sitting separately, York leaned over to Dalton and whispered, “So, have Stewart and your group not made peace yet?”

York had heard they were collaborating, so it seemed odd that the atmosphere was still tense, much like at previous gatherings.

Dalton glanced at Stewart across the way, pondering for a moment before saying, “I think there’s still some friction between Stewart and Thorne.”

York was surprised; he hadn’t heard of any bad blood between them. He speculated it might have something to do with Charlene and Vesta but decided against delving into private matters further.

York, wanting to be a gracious host, chatted briefly with Thorne and his group before moving over to Stewart and Charlene. “We have more guests than expected today. I hope you’ll excuse any lapses in hospitality.”

Stewart responded warmly, “We came unannounced, Mr. Watson. There’s no need for formalities.”

Quintin, a friend of Campbell’s, wasn’t really into art but had come to support his friend. Noticing Campbell was engaged, he asked York to bring out the chessboard and tea set, hoping to find someone interested in playing a game with him.

York excused himself from Charlene and Stewart to attend to this.

Quintin sat down, idly picking up a handful of chess pieces, and looked over at his friend Lance. With a playful grin, Lance remarked, “I never win against you. You should find someone else.”

Quintin glanced around, “York seems busy today.”

“Indeed,” Lance nodded. With so many guests to attend to, it was hardly the time for York or Hickey to sit down > for a game.

“How about one of the younger folks?” Quintin suggested.

Quintin was familiar with Thorne, known for his sharp intellect amongst their circle. Casting his gaze towards Thorne, he called out, “Young Henderson, I hear you’re quite the chess player. How about a game today?”

Chapter 232

Thorne set his glass of water down and said politely, “The pleasure is all mine to have a chess match with you, Quintin.”

Thorne walked over and took a seat across from Quintin. “Please, Quintin, guide me through this game,” he added.

Vesta and Granger, along with the others, gathered around to watch the game unfold.

Charlene and Stewart joined too, positioning themselves behind Quintin.

Now, Vesta and Granger were both familiar with chess.

Seeing Charlene so absorbed in the game, Granger approached. “Do you play chess?” he asked Charlene.

“A little,” Charlene replied modestly.

Stewart, standing nearby, muttered under his breath, “A little? More like a ton.”

But he said nothing more, perhaps because he wasn’t too familiar with her.

At first, both Quintin and Thorne’s strategies were quite nebulous.

Gradually, though, as they got a feel for each other’s style, Quintin leaned towards an aggressive strategy.

Thorne, on the other hand, focused on thwarting Quintin’s attacks while carving out new paths for himself.

At a glance, it seemed like Thorne was struggling.

In reality…

Charlene watched intently, her focus sharpening as the game progressed.

Stewart, who also knew a thing or two about chess, eventually asked Charlene, “Who do you think will win?”

“It’s hard to say,” Charlene replied.

Vesta and Moran, close enough to hear Charlene, thought her response was dodgy and unclear.

However, Stewart picked up on something else; he sensed that Charlene had more on her mind that she wasn’t sharing.

Charlene genuinely found it difficult to articulate her thoughts.

Because although Thorne appeared to be at a disadvantage often, he consistently found ways to bounce back. Or perhaps, he was cleverly setting traps, leading Quintin to follow his rhythm.

Overall, the game seemed evenly matched.

However…

When she said it was “hard to say,” it wasn’t because she was Thorne actually wanted to win.

Unsure of the outcome. She just wasn’t certain if

As a younger player, he might choose to let Quintin take the victory.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, Quintin chuckled and glanced at Thorne. “Young man from the Henderson family, even though my skills aren’t top–tier, you’re letting me off too easily. That won’t sit well with me,” he teased.

Thorne chuckled back, “It’s been a while since I played; I’m a bit rusty.”

Quintin snorted with amusement, not buying the excuse.

Quintin was quite competent, though, and it took another ten minutes before Thorne managed to win by a single piece.

Instead of being upset, Quintin felt invigorated, eager to test Thorne’s true abilities.

Thorne smiled and gestured for him to continue.

Quintin didn’t hold back and dove right into another round.

This time, Thorne’s attacks were more aggressive. Quintin glared playfully at him, and Thorne simply smiled, “Thanks for letting me win.”

Quintin was actually delighted, as it had been ages since he’d lost so enjoyably.

They started another game.

Before they began, Quintin asserted, “Show me your real skill; don’t treat me like some old fool.”

“Quintin, you’ve misunderstood me,” Thorne replied.

“Hmph,” Quintin huffed, diving into the game with focus.

And unsurprisingly, Quintin faced defeat once again.

He put down his pieces and stood up. “I concede, thoroughly impressed.”

Before Thorne could respond, Quintin turned to the others. “Anyone else wants to try their luck? I’m not asking you to beat him, just make him sweat a little, will you?”

Chapter 233

Charlene was going over their chess match in her head when something caught her attention.

Just then, she overheard Vesta saying, “Quintin, after watching your game, I’m really tempted to give it a try, but I’m afraid I’m not quite skilled enough yet to take on Thorne.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it,” Quintin chuckled. “I was just joking earlier. If you’re interested, go for it.”

Vesta was about to respond when someone chimed in with a laugh, “If Ms. Hawkins is playing, the outcome really is anyone’s guess, haha.”

“Exactly! Even if Mr. Henderson is a chess whiz, if he beats Ms. Hawkins, he might end up sleeping on the couch when he gets home,” another quipped.

The crowd erupted in laughter at the comment.

Quintin hadn’t realized there was a connection between Vesta and Thorne. Looking at Vesta, who was strikingly beautiful and carried herself with confidence, he could see why she was a good match for Thorne.

With a teasing grin, he turned to Thorne and said, “Oh? Well, in that case, I’m eager to see if you can keep your cool like you do against us old–timers when you’re playing in front of your girlfriend.”

Vesta, not bothered by the spotlight, gave Thorne a confident smile and said, “I can handle losing. Let’s just play fair and square.”

Thorne gave a subtle, charming smile, “Alright.”

Someone couldn’t help but comment, “They haven’t even started playing yet, and they’re already showing off their romance.”

“Showing off or not, Ms. Hawkins is a top–notch PhD graduate from one of the best universities in the world. If she’s speaking so confidently, she must have some serious skills.”

Quintin, who hadn’t known about Vesta’s academic background, remarked with surprise, “A PhD, huh? You’ve got quite the eye, Thorne.”

Stewart rolled his eyes at the banter. He had been about to suggest to Charlene that she should give it a try, but Vesta had interrupted before he could say anything.

Now watching the scene unfold, he muttered under his breath, “Enough with the chit–chat. Just start the game already.”

Though his voice was low, Charlene and Granger caught his words. Charlene merely smiled.

Granger glanced at Charlene, noting her composed and calm demeanor, which put him at ease.

Finally, Thorne and Vesta began their chess match.

Charlene could see that Vesta was no novice at chess. She clearly knew her way around a chessboard, and she was far from being a beginner. But…

After watching for a while, Charlene shifted her gaze away.

Stewart, after observing the game for a bit, rolled his eyes again, feeling like he couldn’t endure another moment.

Noticing Charlene seemed disinterested as well, he asked, “Want to head back to the lounge and grab something to eat?”

Charlene shook her head, “No, let’s wait a bit longer.”

Granger had noticed Charlene’s dwindling interest in the game much earlier than Stewart. When Thorne and Quintin were playing, Charlene had been intently focused. Now, with Thorne and Vesta, she’d only watched briefly before her attention waned, despite the back–and–forth of the game.

Even though Vesta was managing quite well, it was clear that her skills weren’t on par with Quintin’s, let alone Thorne’s. Still, she was certainly impressive. Charlene’s reaction said it all.

“Not bad at all,” Campbell’s voice suddenly piped up from nearby.

He and York had somehow arrived on the scene, now standing beside Quintin.

Chapter 234

Quintin chuckled, “Not bad at all.”

Then he asked, “Why aren’t you busy with your painting?”

“I’m just here to make sure you feel well taken care of, didn’t want you thinking I was neglecting you.”

“Go on, get back to your work, and stop interrupting my chess game.”

But Campbell didn’t budge.

The Hawkins and Spencer families lit up with smiles when they heard Quintin and Campbell praising Vesta.

Everyone around was well aware of Vesta.

She was a figure who inspired both admiration and envy.

After all, Vesta had it all–beauty, brains, and now, thanks to her chess skills, she had caught the attention of both Campbell and Quintin.

Not to mention, Vesta’s charm had won Thorne’s affection, elevating the Spencer and Hawkins families in the social ladder.

Who wouldn’t want a daughter like that?

Someone couldn’t help but express their envy to the Hawkins and Spencer families, “Katie, Mr. Hawkins, Mrs. Hawkins, you really have a wonderful granddaughter and daughter.”

“Absolutely,” others chimed in, eager to know, “How do you raise such an outstanding child? We’re all friends here, Mrs. Hawkins, could you share some of your secrets with us?”

The Hawkins and Spencer families were soon surrounded by several society ladies.

With so many people praising and envying Vesta, Rhoda couldn’t help but feel proud too.

She glanced over at Charlene, who was standing nearby, and with a smug smile, she whispered to Maureen, “Compared to Vesta, she really has to take a backseat.”

Maureen’s expression turned frosty, clearly displeased by the comparison between her daughter and Charlene.

Katie and Henley also overheard Rhoda’s comment. They glanced over at Charlene.

Indeed, Vesta seemed to outshine Charlene in every way.

With that thought, they turned their attention back to Vesta, their eyes filled with warmth and gentle smiles.

Just then, Vesta stood up and said to Quintin, “Sorry, I lost.”

Quintin gave a kind smile and replied, “Even if you lost, you did very well. After all, not everyone is like Thorne. You’re already a remarkable young person with both academic and chess skills.”

Vesta smiled at the compliment, “You’re too kind.”

Quintin asked, “Want to play another?”

Vesta shook her head with a smile, “Once is enough for me, let someone else have a turn.”

With that, Quintin asked, “Anyone else want to give it a go?”

Silence fell over the room.

Granger glanced at Thorne and noticed him holding a chess piece, looking back at him.

Just then, Charlene stepped forward, looking at Thorne and asking, “How about a game with me?”

Thorne paused, a chess piece in hand, and lifted his gaze to her.

Granger looked away, taken aback by Charlene’s bold move. He truly hadn’t expected Charlene to step up and challenge Thorne in such a public setting.

Even more surprised than Granger were the Hawkins and Spencer families, including Vesta.

Like Granger, she hadn’t anticipated Charlene making such a bold request.

Because she assumed that with Charlene’s personality, even if she wanted to play chess with Thorne, she wouldn’t dare to ask so openly.

Who would’ve thought-

Members of the Hawkins and Spencer families frowned.

Laverne Hawkins muttered, “If I had known she’d pull a stunt like this, I would have warned her earlier.”

Chapter 235

At that moment, Thorne spoke up, “Alright.”

Charlene sat down across from him, her demeanor calm and collected.

Vesta, after the initial surprise, quickly regained her composure. She greeted Campbell and the others before returning to stand by Thorne’s side.

The surprise wasn’t limited to just Granger, the Hawkins family, or the Spencer family. York and Campbell were also taken aback.

Even though Hickey had introduced Charlene to everyone earlier in the art gallery, neither York nor Campbell knew much about her.

They observed Charlene’s gentle and quiet demeanor, which didn’t strike them as someone who would seek the spotlight. They figured that even if she could play chess, she wouldn’t volunteer to do so in such a setting.

Quintin wasn’t familiar with Charlene, but she had certainly caught his eye. With her striking looks and her calm, polite demeanor, she struck him as someone from a respectable family. He even thought she would make the perfect granddaughter–in–law…

He was surprised to learn that Charlene could play chess as well.

Thorne looked at Charlene and said, “You go first?”

In chess, having the first move can be a significant advantage.

Charlene didn’t refuse and made the first move. Thorne followed suit.

At first, their moves were subtle and understated. They didn’t speak, and Charlene focused solely on the board, barely glancing at Thorne sitting across from her.

After a while, Campbell and Quintin noticed that Charlene’s strategy mirrored her personality–calm and steady. She attacked and defended without haste, clearly controlling the flow of the game rather than moving impulsively.

Realizing this, Campbell and Quintin were astonished. They had previously praised Vesta for her quick thinking and skillful play, but even then, she was led by Thorne throughout their game, who was clearly going easy on her.

That game had lasted quite a while, as Thorne’s laid–back approach gave it a playful, almost romantic feel. Despite this, Vesta was indeed among the best in her peer group in terms of adaptability and strategic thinking.

But now……

Thorne realized that Charlene wasn’t just going along with his tactics; instead, she was cleverly luring him into her own strategy. When he dialed back his aggressive approach, Charlene took advantage of the opening, skillfully blending defense with a robust offense. This strategic play forced Thorne to hesitate before making his next move.

He looked up at Charlene and gave a slight smile.

Quintin, impressed by Charlene’s tactics, couldn’t help but cheer, “Nicely done!”

Stewart raised an eyebrow, smiling.

Granger and York were taken aback. They realized that they had lost track of Charlene’s strategy quite some time ago.

In fact, they were initially deceived by her calm, defensive approach and failed to spot her hidden maneuvers. It was only now that they realized Charlene not only played chess but played exceptionally well.

Vesta, standing by Thorne, was also more focused on his side of the game. Like Granger and the others, she had long lost track of Thorne’s strategy.

Initially, she thought Charlene would quickly be defeated. But as she observed Thorne’s increasingly serious expression, even more so than when he played against her and noticed Campbell and the others watching the game intently, she finally realized that Charlene was truly skilled at chess–possibly even more skilled than herself.

Chapter 236

Vesta began to focus more on Charlene’s situation.

Watching Charlene navigate the tricky scenario Thorne had set up, in ways she hadn’t expected, made her heart skip a beat. And when she heard Quintin’s cheers, it sank like a stone.

Charlene was intensely focused, her attention solely on the chessboard in front of her.

The situation was steady for now, but she knew winning was nearly…

She paused, glancing at Thorne.

Thorne made his move.

Charlene halted her hand mid-movement.

Campbell observed with a smile, saying, “This is truly impressive. I never thought I’d witness such a captivating chess match in a place like this, especially between two young players. Quite remarkable.”

Quintin, irritated by the noise, snapped, “Keep it down!”

Campbell fell silent.

Several tense minutes ticked by before Charlene finally made her move, managing to slightly even out the tilted board once more.

Two minutes later, Thorne responded with another piece.

Charlene placed the piece she was holding back onto the board and said, “I lost.”

Though she could have continued for a few more moves, the outcome was inevitable.

It wasn’t necessary.

She stood, intending to leave, when Thorne suddenly spoke up, “Another round?”

Charlene paused but eventually sat back down.

Campbell chuckled and said, “This girl, who seems so quiet, actually stood up to challenge a Henderson kid ig a match here. She probably doesn’t often run into opponents as tough as the Henderson boy, does she? Looks like she’s keen not to let this opportunity slip by.”

He was speaking to Stewart.

Stewart nodded in agreement. “Indeed.”

Campbell speculated, “You probably wouldn’t stand a chance against her.”

Despite Stewart being another prodigy in their circle, second only to Thorne.

Stewart admitted frankly, “I wouldn’t.”

After all, Charlene had been Kenton’s chess partner before.

Even though she had never won against him.

Kenton’s reactions and praises made it clear that Charlene was actually a formidable opponent.

And she was so young.

Kenton, as the story went, hadn’t lost a match since his teens.

There weren’t many who received such accolades from Kenton, regardless of age or gender.

It was evident that Charlene’s chess skills were commendable.

As they chatted, Charlene and Thorne had already reset the board.

Thorne suggested, “Do you want to start?”

“You go first.”

She had lost more than one piece to him earlier.

She wanted to understand her limitations.

Like Campbell guessed, besides Kenton, she hadn’t faced many formidable opponents in a while.

She certainly didn’t want to miss this opportunity.

Now, in her eyes, Thorne was nothing more than a chess opponent.

She wouldn’t back down from playing him just because he was Thorne.

Hearing her response, Thorne didn’t argue.

He made the first move.

They continued playing in silence, without any conversation.

Yet somehow, as Campbell and Quintin watched, they sensed an unspoken understanding between them.

As if they weren’t strangers, but rather old acquaintances.

Chapter 237

They glanced at Thorne, then at Charlene, and finally settled their gaze on Vesta, their brows furrowing slightly. In the silence, Thorne suddenly spoke up, “Been a while since you played chess?”

Charlene was focused on dismantling his strategy and responded without looking up, just giving a small “Yeah.”

Ever since marrying him, she had pretty much stopped playing chess altogether.

Thorne commented, “You seem a bit rusty.”

Charlene didn’t reply, keeping her concentration on the board. The situation wasn’t in her favor.

It looked like there was a promising path near Thorne’s side, but in reality, he had set hidden traps, waiting for her to take the bait so he could catch her off guard.

After pondering for a moment, Charlene bypassed his traps and made her move elsewhere.

The board finally began to clear up.

Now, Thorne was on the back foot.

Thorne raised an eyebrow with a smile and took a long moment before making his next move.

The game became tense once more.

After a few more exchanges, Charlene lost by a narrow margin.

“Pity,” Campbell commented, “but this game was far more thrilling than the last one. She didn’t have the advantage of the first move, yet she managed to pick up on parts of her opponent’s strategy from their previous match. She skillfully navigated through it while laying her own traps–such as sharp observation, memory, and strategic thinking at such a young age. Quite impressive.”

With that, he turned to Quintin and declared, “You wouldn’t stand a chance against her.”

Quintin conceded, “Yeah, I know.”

If he had been the one playing against Thorne, he wouldn’t have lasted as long as Charlene did.

After tidying up the chess pieces, Charlene stood up. Seeing that she didn’t intend to continue, Thorne suggested, “How about another game?”

Hearing this, Vesta tightened her lips.

Before Charlene could respond, someone chimed in, “Yeah, the gap was so small. Another game and you might just win.”

“Exactly!”

But Charlene shook her head, “No, thanks.”

The last game looked like she was close to fully understanding Thorne’s strategy.

But who knew if what she thought she understood wasn’t just a façade he intentionally created?

With that thought in mind, she left without looking back, vacating her spot.

Lance stepped in to fill the vacancy.

Stewart approached her and suggested, “Fancy a drink?”

Charlene agreed, “Sure.”

Campbell noticed the close rapport between Stewart and Charlene and paused, “The young one from the Ferguson family is quite lucky.”

Quintin nodded in agreement, “Indeed.”

They had initially thought Vesta was quite impressive.

But after watching Charlene play two rounds, they realized she was on a whole different level.

Charlene was poised and intelligent, her gaze clear, and she seemed well–mannered. They had been considering whether to inquire if she had a boyfriend, but before they could, Stewart had already made his move.

Campbell noted, “They make a good match.”

He glanced meaningfully at York beside him.

York caught on immediately. He chuckled wryly, watching Charlene and Stewart as they walked away, then returned his attention to the scene.

Charlene and Stewart took a seat in the garden, enjoying each other’s company when Laverne and Henley joined them.

They figured Charlene had played chess with Thorne just to grab his attention, hoping it might make him rethink going through with the divorce.

Moreover, during the game, Thorne seemed to have a soft spot for her, his demeanor noticeably warmer than before.

This wasn’t looking good.

Chapter 238

They wanted to have a little chat with her.

Henley started, “Charlene…”

Before Charlene could even respond, Stewart chuckled, “Mr. Hawkins, are you here to announce to everyone about you and Charlene?”

Henley’s smile faltered a bit, but he quickly forced a laugh, “Mr. Ferguson, I have something to discuss with Charlene, if you could just-”

Stewart didn’t even let Charlene speak before he chimed in, “If Mr. Hawkins wants to let everyone know about you and Charlene, by all means, go ahead.”

Henley didn’t want to get on Stewart’s bad side.

So, with a resigned sigh, he and Laverne had no choice but to leave.

But before he walked away, he said to Charlene, “I’ll give you a call later, don’t forget.”

Charlene didn’t bother to respond. She simply didn’t care. And as for the call, she definitely wasn’t planning to pick up.

Stewart was visibly annoyed, “I’d love to just let it all go up in flames.”

Charlene felt the same way.

But she still hadn’t found any proof to clear her name from the incident with Thorne.

If she really had a public falling–out with the Hawkins family, Thorne and Granger would likely use it against her to protect Vesta.

Besides, she knew firsthand how the Spencer family could twist things around.

Wasn’t her mother still stuck in that care facility, unable to leave?

After chatting with Stewart for a bit, Charlene noticed that Thorne and his friends had stopped playing chess.

It was getting late, so they decided to find Helena.

Helena had just finished chatting about art with Campbell.

Campbell had more friends to entertain, so he went off to greet them.

Seeing that Charlene had come to find her and not wanting to impose on Campbell any longer, Helena decided it was time to head out.

Learning they were leaving, Campbell made a point to gift Helena with a picture of a mountain scene she had admired.

After a bit of polite conversation, Charlene and the others left.

On their way out, they spotted Thorne, Vesta, and their group enjoying tea and conversation in the gazebo.

Thorne noticed them, gave Charlene a brief glance, and then returned to his conversation with Granger and Moran. Vesta caught this and smiled slyly before also looking away. Granger, on the other hand, nodded at Charlene and Stewart.

Charlene and Stewart returned the nod before walking away without another glance.

The next day.

Charlene and Stewart were back to work at PrimeStar as usual.

The company’s latest project was gradually coming together, leaving them with plenty to do, and they soon found themselves completely absorbed in their tasks.

For the next few days, they were so busy they barely had time to catch their breath.

One day, Charlene received several apples from different people at the office.

She blinked in surprise, “Is it Christmas already? So soon?”

“Yeah,” a colleague stretched lazily, “The holiday spirit’s pretty strong out there. I’m planning to hang out with some friends after work and soak it all in. What about you? Got any plans?”

Charlene smiled, shook her head, set the apples aside, and dove back into her work.

After work, Charlene remembered one of her plants at home was wilting, so she decided to pick up a new one.

At the mall, she saw what her colleague had mentioned–Christmas trees and Santa Claus decorations were everywhere.

The festive atmosphere was palpable.

The streets were bustling with people, all paired up or in groups.

Charlene took in the lively scenes around her and found herself momentarily rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by the holiday cheer.

Chapter 239

Jasmine absolutely adored Christmas. Every year, she used to decorate the Christmas tree at home with her Mom.

On Christmas Day, they’d stroll through the bustling streets, soaking in the festive spirit with everyone around them.

But ever since Jasmine moved abroad with Thorne, those cherished Christmas traditions had faded. In fact, she had stopped celebrating Christmas altogether.

She was trying to move on. After all, Jasmine was her daughter, the one she had carried for nine months and raised for so many years.

Now, as she stood amidst the bustling crowds, memories surged back, stirring emotions she thought she had set aside.

“Ms. Ross?”

Charlene turned around. It was York.

She nodded politely, “Mr. Watson.”

“What brings you here on your own?”

Charlene masked her emotions with a smile, “Just out to pick up some greenery for the house.”

York had actually noticed Charlene standing alone in the crowd, her silhouette and expression seemed steeped in solitude.

There was an unshakeable sadness about her.

Though he didn’t know Charlene well, he wondered what could have caused such sorrow.

“Care for a drink?” he offered.

Charlene shook her head, replying, “I’m just picking up a few things and heading home.” She returned the courtesy, “What about you? What brings you here alone?”

York replied, “I was out for dinner with a friend, but they had to leave early.”

He had heard that there might be a special event later and mentioned, “There’s going to be a big fireworks show here later. Do you want to stick around for it?”

He wasn’t trying to ask her out, just giving her a heads–up.

Charlene smiled, “Oh, that explains why it’s so crowded here.”

Not knowing York well, Charlene was about to say something when she suddenly froze, spotting three familiar figures in the crowd.

It was Thorne, Vesta, and Jasmine.

They were heading towards the square, seemingly there for the fireworks too.

York noticed her gaze and turned to see Thorne, Vesta, and a little girl.

He paused, remembering something Dalton had mentioned recently. There were rumors floating around that Thorne had a child.

For years, there had been rumors about Thorne being married, but nothing was ever confirmed. Whether true or not, many people were left in the dark. Similarly, the idea of Thorne having a child seemed like just another piece of unverified gossip.

York had thought so too. But seeing Thorne and Vesta with a little girl on such a festive day was surprising.

Though, this didn’t necessarily mean the girl was Thorne’s daughter, right?

Besides, Vesta was said to be around twenty–five, and she’d been studying abroad.

Surely, she wasn’t balancing grad school and motherhood? It seemed unlikely.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Thorne, Vesta, and the girl vanished into the crowd.

He glanced back at Charlene.

Charlene had already averted her gaze.

York recalled that Charlene and Vesta weren’t exactly on friendly terms, but her reaction upon seeing them had been peculiar…

“Want to go for a stroll?” he suggested.

Fireworks, huh?

Charlene had been looking forward to them.

But now…

Avoiding the fireworks just because of Thorne and Vesta seemed a bit foolish.

Chapter 240

Thinking about it, she chuckled softly, “Alright.”

They moved along with the crowd.

As soon as they reached the railing, vibrant fireworks exploded across the river, provoking gasps and laughter from the crowd, which were quickly drowned out by the booming sounds of the fireworks.

Many were busy capturing the moment on their phones, while others made wishes under the dazzling display.

Seeing Charlene silently watching without taking any action, he asked, “Want me to record a video for you?”

Charlene shook her head. “No need, I’m just enjoying the view.”

York didn’t press further.

At that moment, Vesta glanced over in their direction.

They were several meters away, but York’s tall stature and distinctive looks made him stand out.

Having met York a few times before, they were somewhat acquainted.

Vesta contemplated whether to mention it to Thorne, who was holding Jasmine, and go over to greet them when she noticed Charlene, who had been momentarily obscured by York’s presence.

Upon seeing Charlene, Vesta’s smile faded.

What were they doing here together?

This kind of event was typically attended by families or couples.

Aside from dancing together at a previous party, Charlene and York didn’t have much of a connection.

How could they be?

She looked again, confirming it was just York and Charlene.

“Ms. Hawkins, look! It’s so beautiful!”

Jasmine, noticing Vesta’s distraction, leaned in with excitement to share the spectacle.

Vesta turned back. “Yes, I saw it.”

Thorne glanced over, noticing Vesta seemed a bit preoccupied. “What’s up?”

Vesta quickly replied, “Oh, nothing.”

Jasmine’s attention was fully captured by the grand fireworks display across the river, and she didn’t notice Charlene.

As Thorne turned to speak with Vesta, he happened to see Charlene.

With York speaking to her, Charlene’s gaze was also directed their way.

Their eyes met across the distance.

Charlene paused, pressed her lips together, and averted her gaze.

York turned back to watch the fireworks, his profile coming into Thorne’s view.

Even from just a glimpse of his side profile, Thorne recognized him instantly.

Seeing Thorne notice Charlene and York, Vesta remarked, “I didn’t expect to see them here together for the fireworks show…”

“Yeah,” Thorne replied nonchalantly, looking away.

Noticing Thorne’s indifferent demeanor, Vesta smirked.

However…

The thought of York being here with Charlene caused her smile to fade as she looked back toward Charlene.

York happened to glance over at the same time.

Realizing Vesta had noticed him, he nodded in acknowledgment. Vesta returned the nod with a smile.

Given their acquaintance, York should probably have gone over to greet Vesta.

But knowing there was some deep misunderstanding between Charlene and Vesta, he decided against it.

Vesta observed them, furrowing her brow before turning away.

Thorne didn’t look back at Charlene after that one glance. Meanwhile, Jasmine was happily taking photos with his phone, completely engrossed and totally unaware that Charlene was just a short distance away.

お金金

SEND GIFT or GCASH: +63.936.139.8714

COMMENT

Subscribe

♡
Prev | Next