“Hey, did you hear about the whole PrimeStar and Neural Nexus Tech contract cancellation thing?” Dalton was about to ask, but then his eye caught Thorne’s presence in the room, and the words just wouldn’t come out.

This was Vesta’s business, after all.

With both Vesta and Thorne present, Dalton knew it wasn’t his place to speak up. If he aired it all out now, it would be like announcing to the world his feelings for Vesta, and that would definitely put her in an awkward spot.

Dalton glanced over at Elias. He knew exactly who Elias was. With Neural Nexus Tech and PrimeStar having called it quits, and Vesta, Thorne, and Elias all having dinner together, a lightbulb went off in Dalton’s head.

Aether Innovations was clearly the next best choice for Neural Nexus Tech after PrimeStar. Thorne was definitely looking out for Vesta.

With Vesta already having a new path and Stewart becoming more reckless, maybe it was better for her to distance herself from them all.

In light of this, Dalton realized talking to Kenton about it would just be redundant.

After this quick mental calculus, Dalton turned to Kenton and simply said, “Nothing, sorry to interrupt.”

Stewart, who had a pretty good idea of what Dalton wanted to say, smirked. “I thought Mr. Ramirez was going to complain to my teacher.”

To Dalton, Stewart’s mocking demeanor was just another sign of his arrogance and lack of remorse. Dalton had once thought Stewart had potential, but now it seemed like he was just spiraling downwards with Charlene.

With that realization, Dalton lost any desire to engage further with Stewart and replied nonchalantly, “Mr. Ferguson, you’re overthinking it.”

Stewart shrugged him off and turned to Charlene and Kenton, “Let’s go, Professor.”

Charlene nodded, leading the way, “This way, Professor.”

ет

Dalton and Vesta exchanged a look, both thinking Charlene was just shamelessly tagging along with Stewart Even so, they couldn’t help feeling a bit peeved, as if Charlene’s casual use of “Professor” somehow tarnished Kenton’s reputation.

As Stewart and Charlene headed back to work after seeing Kenton off, Stewart grumbled, “Dalton’s a total jerk. I regret giving Abelard the

benefit of the doubt and work ne

with him. The thought of future dealings with him gives me a

headache.”

Charlene rubbed her temples in agreement. “Maybe we should have Livingston handle him from now on?”

Stewart replied, “Absolutely!”

They both chuckled and returned to the office. As they exited the elevator, Charlene’s phone buzzed. It was Thorne calling.

Charlene ignored it, and her face fell slightly. Stewart didn’t need to ask who it was; he already knew.

When the phone stopped vibrating, Charlene was about to discuss the next day’s work with Stewart when a new message alert pinged.

It was from Thorne again.

“Heading out on business tomorrow. Minnie wants to stay with you. Could you take care of her over the May Day holiday?”

Stewart, reading over her shoulder, scoffed. Just like Christmas, hub? He takes Vesta along for ‘business’ and wants you to babysit Minnie so he can have a little getaway with

Vesta?” en