Chapter 428
The next day, Sybil’s test results came back.
Overall, the organ failure was less severe than what the previous nursing home had found.
Ordinarily, with proper treatment and attentive care, her condition could be stabilized at this stage.
But Sybil’s overall health was so poor that her organs were deteriorating faster than usual. The prognosis still looked grim.
After the doctor’s explanation, Charlene and Helena felt a mix of relief and anxiety.
They were relieved that Sybil still had a fighting chance, but worried because, given her current state, Sybil probably wouldn’t be able to cooperate fully with the treatment.
That afternoon, Kenton called and invited Charlene and Stewart out for dinner.
But Stewart was away on business, so Charlene drove by herself to pick Kenton up that evening.
As they arrived at the restaurant and got out of the car, Vesta, just about to step out of her own vehicle, caught sight of them.
She noticed Charlene and Kenton together, but Stewart was nowhere in sight. Not thinking much of it, she got out and walked toward Kenton. “Mr. Wagner.”
Kenton glanced at her coolly, gave a curt nod, and immediately turned back to Charlene. “Let’s go,” he said.
He started walking ahead, picking up their earlier conversation as if nothing had interrupted them.
A few days ago in Thorne’s office, when Charlene had discussed some of the latest developments in artificial intelligence with Professor Mack and the others, she’d earned their praise. Even though part of her felt she was just repeating what she’d heard from others, she couldn’t help keeping up with new trends in the field.
She could tell that Kenton was now talking to her about recent breakthroughs in AI-brain-computer interfaces, edge AI inference, and other hot topics.
After Kenton responded to her greeting with such indifference, Vesta didn’t try to join in. She simply kept a polite distance of about six feet, trailing behind them as they entered the restaurant.
At the front desk, the hostess looked at Kenton and asked, “Good evening. How many in your party? Do you have a reservation?”
Charlene answered, “Two. Yes, I made a reservation under Ross.”
The hostess checked the list, then smiled. “Yes, Ms. Ross, we have your call on record. This way, please.”
Charlene nodded and followed the hostess, with Kenton beside her. The two of them left Vesta standing there, unnoticed.
Vesta paused, surprised.
Two people?
So Stewart wasn’t coming?
Did this mean Charlene had earned enough favor with Kenton to meet him one-on-one, even without Stewart present?
Kenton was a giant in his field, but he was notoriously aloof. He didn’t mentor just anyone, nor did he make small talk about Al with people he didn’t respect. Even when approached by colleagues, he rarely made time for them.
With his status, his arrogance should have earned plenty of criticism. But his expertise was unmatched, and his contributions to the country were undeniable.
So even if his behavior didn’t fit his position, no one dared challenge him.
Yet just now, he’d been the one to bring up professional topics with Charlene. He was the one making the effort.
Was Kenton actually impressed by Charlene?
Otherwise, why would he agree to meet her alone for dinner, something he almost never did, not even for close acquaintances?
Had Charlene truly managed to get Kenton’s attention?
Remembering Kenton’s obvious preference for Charlene over her, Vesta pressed her lips together as she watched them disappear into the restaurant.