Chapter 442
When Henley appeared, Charlene didn’t look the least bit surprised.
The Starfall Smart Transit Project was crucial to the Hawkins family’s tech company, yet she had swooped in and snatched it from under their noses at the last minute. How could they possibly sit still after that?
And it’s not as if this was the first time she’d pulled something like this.
She would find opportunities to strike again in the future.
The bidding was over-this project was out of the Hawkins family’s reach now.
So, if Charlene guessed right, Henley was here to make sure she didn’t pull off another coup like this.
But how did he plan to persuade her?
Of course, he’d try to appeal to her emotions.
It was the cheapest tactic, after all.
But Charlene had no intention of playing along with his act.
She turned around, and just as he was about to speak, she cut him off. “I remember the last time Katie announced in front of everyone that I wasn’t her granddaughter. You’ve been living in Starfall for over half a year now, and I’ve run into you enough times, Mr. Hawkins, but not once have you ever publicly acknowledged me as your daughter-”
She paused, her voice chilling as she met his gaze. “So tell me, Mr. Hawkins, now that you’re here, what exactly do you think you can say to me?”
Charlene made it perfectly clear-whatever remained of their father-daughter relationship was gone.
Henley faltered, still searching for words, when Stewart’s laughter rang out from behind him. “He’s right, Mr. Hawkins. After everything that’s happened, what could you possibly have to say to Charlene now?”
Henley’s brow furrowed. “Mr. Ferguson, this is between me and Charlene—”
“Charlene?” Stewart scoffed. “You’re suddenly on such familiar terms? Funny, I don’t recall you calling her that in front of anyone else.”
Charlene had said everything that needed to be said.
She wasn’t interested in dragging this out any longer. Turning to Stewart, she said, “Let’s go.”
Henley saw the cold indifference in her eyes and realized, maybe for the first time, that she truly no longer saw him as her father.
Without another glance, Charlene headed upstairs.noveldrama
Henley hardly had a chance to speak the entire time.
But with Stewart standing there, even if he’d wanted to convince Charlene, it was impossible. He could only watch helplessly as she walked away.
Once
sneer Side t
still
an
the elevator, Stewart “After all they’ve done,
they
the nerve to come to you
talk about family? Shameless.”
Charlene just smiled. “You get used to it.”
Back at home, the moment Henley returned, the Hawkins and Spencer families immediately crowded around him, eager to hear what Charlene had said.
Henley understood all too well what her words meant.
He shook his head. “She wouldn’t listen.”
Katie scowled.
Charlene had been right-Henley’s visit was all about making sure she didn’t cost them another prized project.
Leah let out a snort. “This was a fluke. She managed to beat us once, but does she really think she can pull it off again and again? We’re giving her way too much credit if we think she’s that capable.”
That much was true.
But you could never be too careful.
With Charlene now working alongside Stewart, if something like this happened
again, they’d be the ones paying the price.
It made sense to take precautions.
Even Maureen and Vesta, who were
usually more reserved, silently
agreed with Leah’s assessment.
After all, Charlene might be clever,
but
t Stewart wouldn’t back her in
everything.
And even if he did, there was no way they’d always be able to trip them up.
Vesta spoke up, “No need to lose sleep over her. Just keep an eye on her when we’re working on future projects.”
Henley nodded. “That’s all we can do.”