Charlene had just arrived at Jasmine’s school when she heard Sally calling her name. “Ms. Ross!” Sally’s voice was bright and cheerful as she ran over to Charlene.

“Ms. Ross, last night my mom baked some cookies for you, but you weren’t home, so I had to take them back,” Sally explained, looking slightly disappointed.

Charlene was about to say something when Jasmine, who was unaware that Charlene had moved out, chimed in with a scoff, “That’s not true. My mom was definitely home last night.” Sally scratched her head, confused. “Really? But then why…?”

Before Charlene could clarify, Jasmine’s teacher, Ms. Payne, called out to her. “Ms. Ross.”

Charlene acknowledged her. “Ms. Payne.”

Ms. Payne asked Jasmine and Sally to go inside because she needed to have a word with Charlene.

The girls scampered off, leaving the adults to talk.

“Next week, we have a parent-child event at the school. Are you aware of it, Ms. Ross?” Ms. Payne inquired. Charlene shook her head, “No, I wasn’t informed.”

Jasmine hadn’t mentioned it to her.

Ms. Payne hesitated, as if she had anticipated this response but felt it necessary to bring it up with Charlene

anyway.

“Someone else can accompany her,” Charlene replied, maintaining her usual detached demeanor.

With a resigned sigh, Ms. Payne agreed, “Alright, I understand.”

After thanking Ms. Payne, Charlene left the school and headed back to her office. It wasn’t long before she was informed that Vesta and Henley Hawkins had come by again.

The last time Vesta visited was just a courtesy call. Neither Charlene nor Stewart had any intention of collaborating with the Hawkins family.

After hearing about their visit, Stewart told his staff to politely turn them away. Shortly after, his phone rang. He checked the caller ID, then glanced over at Charlene. “Thorne?” Charlene guessed, looking up from her work.

“Yep,” Stewart confirmed.

Knowing what Thorne was likely calling about, Charlene continued with her tasks, completely unfazed.

Stewart answered, “Mr. Henderson.”

On the other end, Thorne proposed, “Mr. Ferguson, care to join me for lunch?”

Stewart, not one to beat around the bush, replied, “Mr. Henderson, this call is on behalf of the Hawkins family, isn’t it?”

Thorne admitted, “Yes.”

Stewart chuckled slightly and clearly stated, “Mr. Henderson, PrimeStar will never collaborate with the Hawkins family. I believe the reasons are self-explanatory.”

Without waiting for a response, he added, “Also, regarding the proposal The Henderson Group submitted, it’s promising. However, any collaboration entails one condition: your assurance that neither the Hawkins family nor the Spencer family will have any involvement in our projects.” If that’s not feasible, there’s no point in further discussions. Have I made myself clear, Mr. Henderson?”

* “Crystal clear,” Thorne replied.

“Great, Mr. Henderson. Goodbye,” Stewart concluded and ended the call.

Thorne didn’t call back, and for the next few days, they heard nothing further from The Henderson Group.

Thorne appeared ready to sacrifice a partnership for Vesta’s sake. Indeed, a few days later, Stewart found out that The Henderson Group had set up a team to work on a new project, which included members from both the Hawkins and Spencer families.

While missing out on partnering with The Henderson Group was unfortunate, there were several other companies of similar stature they could collaborate with. PrimeStar had options.

That Friday evening, Kenton Wagner returned.