Divorce Time 45
Before Stewart could utter a word, Charlene heard someone approaching to greet Stewart. While glancing sideways, her gaze met Vesta’s head-on.
Initially wearing a polite smile, Vesta instantly turned icy when she laid eyes on Charlene.
With just one look, she shifted her gaze away as if Charlene was invisible and turned to Stewart with a light smile, about to speak. However, Stewart smiled and turned to Charlene, saying, “This is Ms. Hawkins, Charlene. Would you like to meet her?” Stewart’s statement carried multiple layers. First, it indicated his close relationship with Charlene. Second, he was aware of the tension between Charlene and Vesta. Third, he made his stance clear. Between Vesta and Charlene, he sided with Charlene. ‘Vesta had no idea about the friendship between Stewart and Charlene, not to mention their close bond. But even though she didn’t know the specifics, she quickly caught on to Stewart’s hint.
“So, Mr. Ferguson, are you suggesting I shouldn’t bother showing up at PrimeStar Technologies tomorrow?” she asked, her tone cold. Stewart chuckled appreciatively, setting down his glass and clapping in approval. “Ms. Hawkins, you’re indeed sharp.” Stewart could have conveyed his message more diplomatically. But he chose not to.
In doing so, he made it clear to Vesta that there was no room for subtlety. He was on Charlene’s side, and he made his decision for Charlene.
Vesta understood. Yet, she didn’t feel embarrassed or humiliated. In her eyes, PrimeStar was decent but couldn’t compare to the Henderson Group. Stewart wasn’t significant enough to humiliate her. Without another word, she turned and left. Watching the exchange, Charlene smiled warmly and was about to speak to Stewart when she noticed Thorne, Granger, and Moran looking their way.
Their attention was initially on Vesta and then shifted toward her. They might be surprised to see her at the gathering.
Moran and Granger had shocked looks on their faces, but Thorne’s face was a total poker face. It seemed like Charlene might as well have been a stranger to him instead of his wife.
“What’s up?” Stewart inquired.
Charlene shook her head, smiling. “Nothing.”
By then, Vesta had returned to her group, and Thorne and his companions no longer paid attention to Charlene.
Charlene continued her conversation with Professor Hancock.
After Professor Hancock left, Charlene sipped her drink and noticed Moran smirking at her from across the room. As for Thorne, he turned away from her. Seeing her gaze, Moran raised his eyebrows and toasted her from afar.
Charlene frowned, puzzled by Moran’s gesture. It seemed Moran was mocking her, implying the issue with Vesta wasn’t over. Charlene’s frown deepened. Later, having made his rounds, the evening’s host returned and casually asked Stewart, “You know Ms. Hawkins?” Naturally, he was referring to Vesta. Stewart replied with a smile, “Sort of. Why?”
“I chatted with her earlier. It turns out she’s from Riverstone, not Starfall. Her family business is doing well in Riverstone and is
reputable there. But here in Starfall, they’re considered more modest, especially compared to the Henderson, the Harden, and the Albright families. They’re practically invisible.”
Stewart asked, “So?”