Chapter 440
For the next couple of days, Charlene was completely absorbed in the Starfall Smart Mobility project. She even went on several site visits to make sure her ideas were sound, triple-checking every last detail. Finally, with just hours to spare, she submitted the bid documents-right on time.
When Stewart got the news, a smile tugged at his lips. He shot Charlene a quick message: “Great work. You’ve earned a break.”
He’d been swamped himself these past few days. Between managing his company’s day-to-day affairs and overseeing the partnership with the Henderson Group, Stewart also attended two business galas. Afterward, a handful of CEOs from autonomous vehicle companies had reached out, eager to connect. He decided he’d do some research on these companies before making any commitments.
Meanwhile, PrimeStar’s collaboration with the Henderson Group was moving along smoothly. They’d just entered the next phase of partnership. To celebrate, Thorne invited Stewart and another partner out for dinner. By the time Stewart replied to Charlene, he was nearly done with his meal.
Though Stewart wasn’t particularly fond of Thorne, he had to admit: Henderson Technology lived up to its sterling reputation. The company was packed with talent, and working alongside their engineers had been a genuinely pleasant experience.
Of course, not every moment was enjoyable. He often ran into members of the Hawkins and Spencer families at these gatherings. Stewart couldn’t be bothered to exchange even a polite word with them—he’d simply leave first, not looking back.
As he walked away, Leah watched him go, a smug smile curling on her lips. She leaned in close to Vesta and whispered, “Ever since your husband’s company started working with PrimeStar, that woman’s been constantly hanging around, as if the whole partnership would fall apart without her.”
“But these past couple days, she’s all but disappeared. Maybe she finally realized her efforts are pointless?”
Leah was, of course, referring to Thorne’s recent gift to Vesta: a Neural Nexus Tech self-driving car, which was making waves in the industry and garnering rave reviews. It was clear to everyone that Vesta was on the winning side.
After Thorne left, Leah’s voice took on a syrupy sweetness: “No matter how hard Charlene works, what does it matter? Stewart’s never going to just hand her a billion-dollar company. She could work her whole life and never come close to what you started with, sis! I mean, she pulled every trick she could to marry into the family, had a kid, and in the end, her share of the assets can’t even compare to the pocket change Stewart gave you. Isn’t it hilarious?”
“If I were her, I’d be devastated too, knowing Stewart could give you so much with hardly a thought.”
Vesta just smiled, saying nothing. She had to admit, seeing Charlene’s professional skills had stung a little at first. But, as her sister pointed out, Charlene had spent years scheming to get close to Stewart, pouring all her energy into it— and for what? Even if she’d improved her abilities and managed to win over Stewart and Kenton Wagner, when would she ever reach the kind of wealth Vesta enjoyed without even trying?
Rhoda chimed in with a sly grin, “Some people are just born on different rungs of the ladder.”
No matter how hard Charlene tried, she simply couldn’t compete with Vesta.
Henley listened in silence, but he agreed. In every way, Charlene fell short of Vesta. No wonder she’d worked so desperately for so long, only to end up with nothing.
That evening, Charlene and Stewart joined one of the autonomous vehicle execs for dinner-a quiet, businesslike affair.noveldrama
A few days later, the results for the Smart Mobility project bid were scheduled to be announced.
On the day of the bid, Vesta accompanied Henley to the venue. They arrived early, confident that they stood a strong chance. As they mingled with the other bidders, they wore easy, relaxed smiles.
Charlene and Stewart were the last to arrive. When Vesta and Henley spotted them, both froze in surprise. As far as they knew, PrimeStar hadn’t even entered the bidding-so why were Stewart and Charlene here?
But their presence could only mean one thing…
Realization hit them like a bucket of cold water. The confidence that had been shining on their faces vanished in an instant. With PrimeStar in the game, not even Thorne’s support could guarantee their win.
It was only now, seeing Stewart and Charlene together, that Vesta and Henley finally understood why Charlene had been absent at the Henderson Group these past few days.
So that’s what she’d been up to…
Ignoring the shocked faces around them, Stewart and Charlene took their seats, unbothered by Vesta and Henley’s silent stares.