However, Thorne was there too, and she kept her moves calculated, not saying much more than necessary,

Then Vesta walked over, but she was actually heading straight for Stewart to strike up a conversation,

She said with a smile, “Mr. Ferguson, what a coincidence to see you here again.”

Stewart replied with a forced smile, “Yeah, quite the coincidence.”

“I’ve been meaning to invite Mr. Ferguson for dinner, but I’ve been swamped recently and couldn’t find the time.”

“Ms. Hawkins, please, don’t mention it. I’m well aware of how busy a person you are.”

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken a whole month to show up at PrimeStar since their first meeting.

Henley also wanted to get on Stewart’s good side.

Seeing Vesta ignoring Charlene and taking the initiative to greet Stewart, and Thorne not objecting, he decided to join in.

Laverne Hawkins, seeing this, also followed suit.

After Henley greeted Stewart and glanced at Charlene, he called out, “Charlene.”

Charlene didn’t respond.

Henley didn’t say anything more, focusing his attention back on Stewart.

After they all greeted Stewart, they didn’t give Charlene another look and went back to join Thorne.

Then, they all headed into the diner with Thorne first.

Stewart looked on, feeling a headache coming on: “They’re really giving you the cold shoulder.” Charlene responded indifferently, “Hmm.”

She suggested, “Let’s go, we shouldn’t keep the guests waiting too long.”

“Alright.”

That evening, Charlene had to work late.

However, around seven, Irma called to ask when she would be coming home.

Given that Irma was visiting, she should have headed home earlier.

But she still had many thoughts she hadn’t sorted through yet and was reluctant to leave her work.

After hesitating, she replied, “I’m sorry, Grandma, I have to work late tonight. It’ll be a while before I can come home.”

Irma sighed, “Both you and Thorne are so busy, when will you two make progress?”

Was that implying Thorne was also coming home late tonight?

Charlene apologized, “I’m sorry, Grandma…”

“It’s okay. But remember to eat well even if you’re busy.”

“I will.”

*After hanging up, her takeout arrived.

After eating, Charlene worked until almost ten before leaving the office.

She hadn’t driven today and had called her driver half an hour in advance.

By this time, the driver should have already arrived.

Descending the stairs, Charlene found the driver had indeed arrived, but it wasn’t the one she had contacted; it was Thorne’s driver instead.

And Thorne was sitting in the back seat.

Seeing her hesitate, Thorne slowly rolled down the window and said, “Grandma sent me to pick you up.”

Hearing this, Charlene walked over and got into the car, settling into her usual spot.

The car smoothly merged into the traffic.

Silence fell in the car once again.

Thorne was caught up in his own stuff and wasn’t really paying much attention to her. But Charlene suddenly remembered something and asked, “Did they agree?” Naturally, she was asking about persuading Vesta’s uncle and the others not to move in.

Seeing Vesta’s expression at noon, she guessed Vesta must have agreed. But what about the others?

Thorne, still looking at his phone, replied, “Yeah, they agreed.”

“Well, so,” Charlene hesitated before asking firmly, “Can I buy that villa to prevent future troubles?”

Thorne paused, glanced at her, and said, “Sure.”

Charlene, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders, sighed in relief, “Thank you.”

Thorne simply replied, “Hmm.”