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Chapter 451

Dalton stayed close by Vesta’s side, showing no intention of leaving.

A few minutes later, just as Vesta was about to look for Thorne, she realized he was no longer with Charlene. Instead, Charlene was deep in conversation with Hickey.noveldrama

Given the rapport between Hickey and Dalton, it was only natural for them to exchange greetings when they ran into each other. After a brief hello, Dalton began to introduce Vesta, “Hickey, this is—”

But Hickey cut him off with a friendly smile. “Ms. Hawkins, we’ve met before.”

Vesta returned his greeting with polite composure.

Hickey nodded and turned his attention back to Charlene. “Still keeping busy these days, Charlene?”

The conference might have ended, but it was still a public space. Yet Hickey addressed Charlene by her first name, and his tone with her was noticeably softer than it had been with Dalton.

It was clear Hickey made no effort to hide his admiration and fondness for Charlene.

Charlene simply nodded. “I am.”

She could sense his warmth, just as she always had. In the past, she’d greeted Hickey as she would anyone else, never thinking much of it. But now, with Dalton standing beside her, she was suddenly reminded that Hickey was York Watson’s father.

Even with York’s recent pursuit of her, Charlene didn’t feel awkward around Hickey. After all, nothing had actually happened between her and York.

Vesta, meanwhile, glanced down quietly.

Hickey’s attitude toward her hadn’t been cold or dismissive, but it was certainly a far cry from how he treated Charlene. After their brief greeting, Hickey made no further effort to include Vesta in the conversation. It was as if he had no real interest in getting to know her, let alone offering any signs of appreciation.

Normally, she thought, someone like Hickey would have at least mentioned Neural Nexus Tech to her-after all, she’d only been invited to attend the summit because of her role there.

The realization made her smile falter just a little.

Dalton, for his part, didn’t seem to notice Hickey’s lack of enthusiasm for Vesta. But he did catch that Hickey wanted to chat with Charlene

a while longer. Though Dalton

wasn’t exactly fond of Charlene himself, he saw no reason to interrupt, so after saying his hellos, he quietly left with Vesta.

Vesta noticed that Dalton’s opinion of Charlene seemed unchanged from before. Something seemed to occur to her, and she remarked, “It seem Mr. Watson and Mr. Ramirez both have quite a soft spot for Ms. Ross. Not long ago, Thorne and I ran into her and Mr. Ferguson-Mr.

Watson and Mr. Ramirez were with

them, playing golf together…”

Dalton’s surprise was obvious. “My father and Hickey, playing golf with Charlene and Stewart?”

“Yes. It looked like Ms. Ross and your father know each other quite well-like it wasn’t even their first time meeting up.” Vesta’s lips curled in a small, knowing smile as she asked, feigning surprise, “You didn’t know Mr. Ramirez and Ms. Ross were so well acquainted?”

Dalton frowned, shaking his head. “No, I had no idea.” Apparently, his father had never mentioned it to him.

Vesta could see right through it.

She lowered her gaze, thoughtful. The last time she’d seen Abelard Ramirez, it had been clear he was rather fond of Charlene-she’d assumed he’d mention her to Dalton, and that might have changed Dalton’s view of Charlene, even if just a little.

But as it turned out…

Hickey was busy, and after a few more words with him, Charlene moved on to other matters.

A little while later, Charlene found a quiet moment and slipped out of the hall.

Seeing her leave, Granger’s mind stirred. He turned to Thorne and said, “Thorne, I’ve got to head out.”

Thorne glanced back. “Not staying for dinner?”

Granger shook his head. “No, not tonight.”

“Alright,” Thorne replied without pressing. “Let’s catch up again when things are less hectic.”

“Sounds good,” Granger agreed, and then he was gone.