Just as another set of elevator doors slid open, Moran stepped out into the lobby.

Charlene was visibly surprised to see him there.

She hadn’t expected him to show up at Sapphire Springs Resort.

However, Irma and Thorne didn’t seem taken aback, clearly in the loop about Moran’s visit to Sapphire Springs

Resort.

*Catching sight of Charlene, Moran arched an eyebrow before warmly addressing Irma, “Grandma, you’re leaving already? Why not stay for lunch first?”

The families of Albright and her had always been on good terms.

Irma, having watched Moran grow up, smiled gently and replied, “No, no, you kids have fun.”

They escorted Irma to her car.

Once the car had driven off, Jasmine immediately asked with excitement, “Mr. Albright, what brings you here?”

Moran leaned down, gave Jasmine’s cheek a gentle pinch, and said, “Your dad told me to swing by, I gave Irma a heads up and headed straight over. Pretty loyal, huh?” “So it was dad who sent you?”

“Yep.” Moran smiled warmly. “When I heard Irma was leaving, I also let Granger and Vesta know. They’ve set off and will be arriving soon. Happy?”

He made sure to glance at Charlene as he mentioned this.

Charlene caught the hint, aware that Moran had meant for her to hear that.

Jasmine was obviously thrilled. Just as she was about to nod, she hesitated, remembering Charlene was there and looked up at her instead.

Charlene pretended not to notice, ruffled her hair gently, and said, “You kids have fun, I’ll head back first.”

With that, she didn’t spare Thorne or Moran another glance and turned to leave.

Seeing Charlene’s indifferent reaction to his words, showing none of the worry or unease she used to have about Vesta coming, it seemed she didn’t care at all.

Jasmine was still there, so he couldn’t speak openly. Watching Charlene’s retreating figure, Moran moved closer to Thorne, lowering his voice to ask, “What’s going on?” Thorne remained expressionless, “Are you here alone?”

“Of course not. What fun is there in soaking in the hot springs alone? Naturally, I brought my darling with me- Moran paused, turning his head to look at him, “Wait, you’re changing the subject.” Thorne didn’t deny it, simply stating, “Your darling is here.”

Right on cue, a tall, stunning woman in a bikini underneath her bathrobe approached them.

Back in her room, Charlene slipped into her regular clothes and settled down at the small round table. She fired up her computer and dove deep into researching the exhibits from the last Future Tech Expo. Combining the information she had gathered over time, Charlene suddenly had a breakthrough and called Stewart, “Are you free?”

“I’m at a masquerade ball, what’s up?”

Charlene shared her idea with him.

Stewart’s face lit up with a mix of seriousness and excitement. “Hold on, I’m heading back right now.”

Okay.”

After hanging up, Charlene focused intensely on her work.

Time flew by until she suddenly heard voices from downstairs.

Charlene paused, suspecting Granger Harden and Vesta might have arrived.

She got up, closing the window.

Feeling a bit hungry by now, Charlene used the intercom to order a meal delivered to her room. The response was prompt.

Soon after her meal was prepared, resort staff promptly delivered Charlene’s order to her room.