Chapter 33
Charlene couldn’t help but notice that even Thorne, known for his stoic and cold demeanor, couldn’t hide his astonishment and
dmiration.
Jasmine and Moran leaped from their seats as the competition intensified.
Terence snatched the binoculars back, seemingly fixated on Vesta. He seemed oblivious that Thorne and his crew were also in attendance.
As the competition took a brief pause, Vesta was in the lead.
Charlene asked Terence for the binoculars.
Terence was over the moon. “Charlene, you’re taken by my queen too, huh? I always say she’s got something that makes everyone, men and women alike, fall for her!”
Charlene smiled softly without a word and thought of calling Thorne, curious about his reaction. Yet, based on past interactions, she anticipated that he might hang up on seeing her call.
Considering their history, she nearly decided against it. But then, thinking it might be the last time, she dialed Thorne, glanced through the binoculars, and saw Thorne dismiss her call without hesitation, his attention swiftly returning to Vesta.
A was clear that his eyes had room only for Vesta.
Taking a deep breath, Charlene smiled, returned the binoculars to Terence, and lost interest in the rest of the competition and Thorne’s whereabouts.
As the event concluded, Vesta secured the first place.
Terence was thrilled, eager to get her autograph along with his friends.
“But I heard CC is not only an heiress but also a Ph.D. graduate who races just for fun. She doesn’t need fans, nor does she cater to them. She’s known for leaving right after her races without signing autographs, making it nearly impossible to get one.”
“Yeah, we figured we’d have a better shot since it’s a private race, but there’s a special exit for the racers, and without any connections, we’re out of luck.” Terence and his friends lamented as they learned Vesta had left to celebrate.
Claudia called, urging them to leave. After dismissing Terence’s plea to join his friends, Charlene decided it was time to head home. Before leaving, Charlene made a quick restroom stop. Exiting, she bumped into someone.
“Sorry.”
“My apologies.”
They both took a step back and apologized at the same time.
Looking up, Charlene froze.
It was Granger Harden, another of Thorne’s close friends. Granger recognized her as well. His already indifferent demeanor grew even colder when he saw her.
Charlene met Thorne when she was ten, but Thorne and Granger had been inseparable since childhood, sharing everything from school days to business ventures and regular catch–ups.
Despite knowing them for over a decade, Charlene remained an outsider to Thorne’s circle, barely beyond acquaintances with Granger Moran, and the rest.
Yet, Thorne had introduced Vesta to his close–knit group not long after meeting her, which was a privilege never extended to Charlene
napter 34
