Chapter 327
Charlene didn’t look back at Thorne as she turned and walked away.
Thorne took a step forward, trying to stop her, but was interrupted by the ringing of his phone.
He glanced at the caller ID, hesitating for a moment while watching Charlene’s silhouette disappear into her car. He then picked up the call.
Stewart had initially wanted to stop Thorne from approaching Charlene. But seeing Thorne give up so easily, he threw a disdainful look his way, let out a dismissive “huh,” and got in the car with Charlene.
Stewart hadn’t quite caught what Charlene and Thorne were talking about earlier. Once inside the car, he turned to her and asked, “What did he want?”
Charlene explained about Irma’s upcoming birthday celebration.
Stewart was genuinely surprised; he hadn’t heard about Irma’s birthday plans. The Ferguson and Henderson families weren’t particularly close, but given the grandeur of Irma’s party, the Fergusons would likely get an invite.
Stewart, who seldom visited his family’s estate, was not up to date on these matters. After listening to Charlene’s explanation, he agreed, saying, “You’re right not to go.”
He paused, frowning, “Hasn’t he already taken Vesta to Henderson Mansion to meet the family? He’ll probably bring her to Irma’s birthday too. So why ask you to go? Wouldn’t it be better if you didn’t?”
Charlene had thought about it too. But she figured she and Thorne wouldn’t cross paths again. His business with Vesta was none of her concern. Though it seemed odd, she didn’t dwell on ‘it.
Stewart, after a moment, added, “Could it be that he brought Vesta home, but the family wasn’t thrilled with. her? Maybe he thinks since the old lady likes you, if you approve, they’ll accept Vesta and the two of them can be together?” Charlene paused, then simply said, “Maybe.”
Stewart scoffed, “No wonder he’s come crawling back to you. He’s playing his cards well.”
Charlene didn’t reply, focusing on driving.
Meanwhile, Thorne wrapped up his phone call.
Dalton hadn’t left yet. Seeing Thorne end the call, he hesitated before asking, “Ms. Hawkins?”
Thorne chuckled, “Yeah.”
He slipped his phone back into his pocket, smiling at Dalton. “Mr. Ramirez, got plans later? How about grabbing a bite together?”
Dalton paused, glanced at Thorne, and agreed, “Sure.”
Half an hour later, they arrived at the restaurant.
Thorne grinned, “I heard from my uncle yesterday that Mr. Ramirez is considering discussing a new project with him in a few days?”
Dalton immediately understood Thorne’s “uncle” referred to Vesta’s father, Henley. He knew Thorne was attentive to the Hawkins family, but he hadn’t realized just how in-the-know Thorne was. Dalton replied nonchalantly, “Yes, there’s something to that effect.”
Thorne added, “I’m quite interested in this project. Would you mind sharing some details with me?”
Dalton quickly realized that Thorne’s interest wasn’t genuine. His concern was for the well-being of the Hawkins family, not the project itself.
Otherwise, Thorne would have asked directly about Dalton’s company instead of mentioning Henley first.
Would Dalton actually put the Hawkins family at risk?
Dalton gave a cold smile but chose not to voice it. Instead, he said casually, “I’m sorry, Mr. Henderson. The project is still under wraps, so I can’t discuss it in detail right now, I hope you understand.” 14:07