Thinking about it, she chuckled softly, “Alright.”

They moved along with the crowd.

As soon as they reached the railing, vibrant fireworks exploded across the river, provoking gasps and laughter from the crowd, which were quickly drowned out by the booming sounds of the fireworks.

Many were busy capturing the moment on their phones, while others made wishes under the dazzling display.

Seeing Charlene silently watching without taking any action, he asked, “Want me to record a video for you?”

Charlene shook her head. “No need, I’m just enjoying the view.”

York didn’t press further.

At that moment, Vesta glanced over in their direction.

They were several meters away, but York’s tall stature and distinctive looks made him stand out.

Having met York a few times before, they were somewhat acquainted.

Vesta contemplated whether to mention it to Thorne, who was holding Jasmine, and go over to greet them, when she noticed Charlene, who had been momentarily obscured by York’s presence. Upon seeing Charlene, Vesta’s smile faded.

What were they doing here together?

This kind of event was typically attended by families or couples.

Aside from dancing together at a previous party, Charlene and York didn’t have much of a connection.

How could they be-

She looked again, confirming it was just York and Charlene.

“Ms. Hawkins, look! It’s so beautiful!”

Jasmine, noticing Vesta’s distraction, leaned in with excitement to share the spectacle.

Vesta turned back. “Yes, I saw it.”

Thorne glanced over, noticing Vesta seemed a bit preoccupied. “What’s up?”

Vesta quickly replied, “Oh, nothing.”

Jasmine’s attention was fully captured by the grand firework display across the river, and she didn’t notice Charlene.

As Thorne turned to speak with Vesta, he happened to see Charlene.

With York speaking to her, Charlene’s gaze was also directed their way. Their eyes met across the distance.

Charlene paused, pressed her lips together, and averted her gaze.

York turned back to watch the fireworks, his profile coming into Thorne’s view.

Even from just a glimpse of his side profile, Thorne recognized him instantly.

Seeing Thorne notice Charlene and York, Vesta remarked, “I didn’t expect to see them here together for the fireworks show…”

“Yeah,” Thorne replied nonchalantly, looking away.

Noticing Thorne’s indifferent demeanor, Vesta smirked.

However…

The thought of York being here with Charlene caused her smile to fade as she looked back toward Charlene.

York happened to glance over at the same time.

Realizing Vesta had noticed him, he nodded in acknowledgment. Vesta returned the nod with a smile.

Given their acquaintance, York should probably have gone over to greet Vesta.

But knowing there was some deep misunderstanding between Charlene and Vesta, he decided against it.

Vesta observed them, furrowing her brow before turning away.

Thorne didn’t look back at Charlene after that one glance. Meanwhile, Jasmine was happily taking photos with his phone, completely engrossed and totally unaware that Charlene was just a short distance away.