Chapter 387
Vesta quickly signed the termination agreement. She promised to pay the
compensation within the agreed timeline. When Stewart got the news, he snorted, “She sure acts fast.”
The lawyers were handling the rest, and once Vesta signed the agreement, Charlene and Stewart stopped worrying about it.
A few days later, Kenton Wagner was on vacation, and it had been a while since the teacher and his two students had seen each other. They decided to meet up for lunch.
Charlene and Stewart left the office around noon and headed to a cozy bistro. Just as they arrived, they ran into Vesta and Thorne, along with a few others, including Elias Thornfield, the CEO of another leading Al company, Aether Innovations.
Elias and Stewart had a decent relationship, the kind where they could chat a bit when they ran into each other. Elias caught sight of Stewart and greeted him warmly, “Mr. Ferguson!”
Stewart glanced over, ignored Thorne and Vesta, and replied with a smile, “Elias.”
Elias knew that Neural Nexus Tech had approached him after ending things with PrimeStar. Seeing Stewart’s cold demeanor towards Thorne and Vesta, Elias assumed the breakup hadn’t been pleasant.
In the past, Thorne and Vesta would have greeted Stewart, even if he was indifferent. But not today. Vesta’s glance was noticeably cooler, and Charlene couldn’t be bothered to look at them at all.
After exchanging pleasantries with Elias, Stewart and Charlene headed inside without giving Thorne and Vesta another thought.
Once they were in the private dining room, Stewart remarked dryly, “They just ended things with us and immediately teamed up with Aether Innovations. Thorne doesn’t mess around.”
Aether Innovations was a big name in the Al world, and partnering with them likely cost more than their previous deal.
Charlene poured some water and said, “Their language system was top-notch last year. It’s no surprise they sought out Elias. It’s a smart move to regain what they lost by ending things with us.”
Stewart knew this, of course. It only made him more frustrated. “I bet Thorne is footing the bill for the termination fee,” he grumbled.
Charlene didn’t respond. Just then, Kenton arrived, and the conversation shifted more pleasant topics. They didn’t want to burden Kenton with their business
woes.
When they met Kenton, they usually discussed the latest in Al, and since they didn’t get together often, the lunch stretched on for nearly two hours.
As they were leaving, they bumped into Thorne, Vesta, and Elias again in the hallway. Elias spotted Kenton and greeted him enthusiastically, “Mr. Wagner!”
Kenton nodded, acknowledging
Elias. Thorne and Vesta followed
suit with their greetings. Kenton, maintaining his cool demeanor,
hadn’t responded when anet
group emerged from the corner.
Charlene recognized Dalton Ramirez and quickly looked away. Dalton, recovering
from his initial surprise, greeted Kenton, “Mr. Wagner!”
Kenton nodded again, poised to respond, but Dalton turned his attention to the rest, asking, “Were you all dining together?”
He’d heard about the split between PrimeStar and Neural Nexus Tech and the
reasons behind it. Seeing them all together seemed odd.
Vesta, sensing his curiosity, clarified, “No, we just ran into each other.”
“Ah, I see,” Dalton replied, as if confirming his suspicions.
Charlene and Stewart had no
interest in further chit-chat with
Dalton or Thorne. Stewart spoke up first, addressing Kenton, “Shall we professor?” And with that, they left, leaving the past behind as they moved forward.
Kenton nodded, just about to turn and leave, when Dalton noticed Charlene and Stewart’s dismissive expressions. They clearly didn’t think much of him, Thorne, or Vesta. His face grew cold, and he abruptly stepped forward, speaking up, “Mr. Wagner, my father is Abétard
Ramirez. We met a while back. Do you remember?”
“I do,” Kenton replied, giving him a measured look. “And what of it?”