12:11
Chapter 302
After work, Charlene and Stewart arrived at Kenton’s villa just as Kenton was frowning into his phone, deep in conversation.
Seeing them, he ended the call, sat down, and said, “I’ve gone through your latest research. There are a few folks interested in meeting you. I’ll introduce you when the opportunity arises.”
Charlene nodded obediently. “Okay.”
Her research had been earmarked for a national project. Kenton continued discussing the related matters with
her.
Later, Charlene and Stewart sought Kenton’s advice on a few issues. It wasn’t until late into the night that they finally left.
The next morning at the office, Charlene was going through resumes that the company’s HR had pre–screened for the tech department.
She paused suddenly as she scanned through them.
Stewart, who was nearby, noticed her change in expression and asked, “What’s up?”
“Vesta’s resume,” Charlene replied.
Stewart raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “She actually applied again? Talk about persistence.”
Charlene said nothing and promptly passed on Vesta’s resume.
That afternoon, Stewart was due to travel out of state for a business trip. He mentioned, “The roundtable in two days is all yours.”
Charlene assured him, “No problem.”
The roundtable Stewart referred to was a government–business discussion organized by the city council.
Only about thirty companies received an invitation to this event. Charlene, representing PrimeStar, arrived at the venue and encountered a familiar face as she stepped out of the car.
She paused briefly, then refocused and walked up the steps into the hall.
Dalton watched Charlene’s retreating figure, about to follow when someone called his name, “Mr. Ramirez.”
Dalton turned to see who it was. “Mr. Henderson.”
Thorne greeted him. “It’s been a while.”
Dalton agreed, “Indeed.”
They exchanged pleasantries as they made their way upstairs to the conference room.
Inside, each seat had a nameplate representing a company.
Charlene was already seated at hers when they entered.
Both Thorne and Dalton noticed her presence.
As Dalton observed her, he also realized Thorne’s company nameplate was right next to Charlene’s.
Thorne appeared unfazed.
The conference table was long and rectangular, with Dalton seated directly across from Charlene and Thorne.
Dalton smiled at him and nodded, then turned to take his seat next to Charlene.
Charlene was absorbed in her phone and made no move to greet him.
Thorne leaned slightly towards her, saying, “You seem to have lost weight. Busy these days?”
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Charlene knew he was speaking to her but didn’t respond, eyes fixed on the documents in her hands.
Just then, someone came up to greet Thorne, who stood up to make small talk.
Soon, the room filled, and Hickey Watson, along with other officials, entered the conference room.
Seeing Charlene and Thorne, Hickey paused.
Like Abelard Ramirez, he hadn’t known who Charlene’s husband was until Abelard mentioned it after a recent lunch meeting–Charlene was married to Thorne.
Now, witnessing their distant demeanor, seemingly more unfamiliar than married, Hickey looked away.
The roundtable officially began.
Charlene and Thorne kept to themselves, only speaking when it was their turn to address the meeting.
