Chapter 229
“Granger.” Leah called out sweetly as soon as she saw Granger return.
Granger nodded coolly in response.
Seeing Thorne looking around, Maureen mentioned, “Vesta just got a call and stepped outside to take it.”
“Alright, got it,” Thorne replied.
Just then, a stir broke out among the nearby crowd.
It seemed Campbell had emerged from the room, accompanied by members of the Watson family, including Hickey, York, and others.
The place was packed, and once everyone settled down, Campbell began speaking, expressing his gratitude to everyone who had come.
Charlene and Stewart stood further back in the crowd, but Hickey noticed them nonetheless.
Stewart was there to present a gift on behalf of the Ferguson family patriarch, which York had already informed them about. However, Hickey hadn’t expected Charlene to be there as well.
Seeing Charlene, Hickey nodded and smiled at her.
Charlene, unaware of the connection between Hickey and Campbell, returned the smile politely.
Although the folks from the Hawkins and Spencer families saw Hickey greeting someone, they couldn’t quite tell who it was.
Once Campbell finished his speech, the room erupted in applause. Soon, guests started approaching Campbell to discuss his artwork, while others greeted Hickey and his group.
With so many attendees, it took a while before Granger and Thorne made their way over to speak with Campbell.
Accepting their gift, Campbell said, “That’s very thoughtful of you.”
His gaze shifted among Thorne, Granger, and Dalton, and he chuckled, “It’s been a few years, but you young folks are looking sharper than ever. Well done.”
As Campbell chatted with Thorne and his friends, Hickey worked his way through the crowd, greeting other guests and gradually making his way toward Charlene and Stewart.
Upon reaching them, Stewart was the first to greet him.
After exchanging pleasantries with Stewart, Hickey turned to Charlene and said, “Charlene, we meet again.”
“Hello, Hickey,” Charlene replied with a smile.
Hickey broke into a grin and, once he learned who Helena was, he greeted her politely.
Hearing Charlene mention Helena’s admiration for his father’s paintings, Hickey said, “If you don’t mind, Mrs. Ross, I’d love for you to come inside and take a closer look. Despite the crowd, true appreciators of my father’s art are rare, so knowing there’s someone like you who truly understands would surely make him very happy.”
Though Hickey had deliberately come over to speak with Charlene, to others, it appeared as though he was simply making the rounds and happened to reach Stewart.
Everyone assumed Hickey was showing respect to the Ferguson family by speaking with Charlene.
Meanwhile, as Thorne was chatting with Mr. Campbell, his phone rang. Apologizing, he stepped away to take
the call.
After some time, Vesta returned from her call. With her striking appearance and demeanor, she stood out as she joined Dalton and Granger. Campbell noticed her at once.
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10:10
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Chapter 22
Thinking she might be Granger or Dalton’s girlfriend, Campbell was just about to ask when Dalton, noticing Granger hadn’t made the introductions, stepped in and said, “Campbell, this is Vesta. She’s Mr. Henderson’s girlfriend.”
“So, you’re Thorne’s girlfriend,” Campbell chuckled, “A fine match, indeed.”
