York didn''t look particrly surprised to see her; he simply offered a polite nod and a pleasant smile. "Ms. Hawkins."


    "It''s been a while! I really didn''t expect to run into you here," Vesta replied. She nced down at what he was carrying, then smiled gracefully and added, "Are you here with Mr. Ramirez, Mr. Scott, and the others? I have a few friends with me as well. Since we all know each other, would you like to join us? It''d be livelier with everyone together."


    York shook his head slightly. "Dalton and the others aren''t here. I came with some other friends this time."


    He paused, then added with courteous distance, "My friends are waiting for me, so I''ll head off. Maybe we can catch up another time."


    His manners were impable-polite, friendly even-but Vesta knew the subtext. She''d extended an invitation, yet he''d made no move to reciprocate. Behind all that courtesy was a clear boundary: York had no intention of getting closer.


    Vesta kept herposure, her smile never faltering. "Of course. Hope you all have a wonderful time."


    "You too." York gave her a final nod before turning and walking away.


    Just then, Leah and her two sisters strolled over. Leah''s eyes lit up as she spotted York''s retreating figure. "Sis, wasn''t that Mr. Watson? He''s camping here too? Does that mean Mr. Ramirez and the others are around? We don''t have many people with us—maybe we could invite them to join?"<fn14d2> Get full chapters from find(?)ovel</fn14d2>


    The sisters'' group did include a guy-Moran, who was handsome enough-but he rarely hung out with them. If York and Dalton Ramirez could join, this camping trip would be a lot more exciting.


    Vesta''s expression was reserved. "They came with other friends. It wouldn''t really be convenient."


    "Oh, okay." Leah and her friends couldn''t hide their disappointment.


    Watching York walk away, one of Leah''s friends couldn''t help but sigh. “Mr.


    Watson is still so attractive. I heard he served in the military and is still single. I


    wonder what kind of woman would ever be his match."


    Another friend chimed in, "With his background, ordinary girls don''t stand a chance. We''d be kidding ourselves to even think about it."


    Leah knew that was true, deep down. Still, standing right there, faced with such an outstanding man who wouldnt let therr ming wander even just a little?  s


    She''d alreadye to terms with the fact that there was no future with Granger.


    But York... The more she thought about it, the more her mood soured.


    Leah and her friends soon wandered off, but Vesta lingered, not in the mood to follow.


    Not long after, she spotted Gaylording up from the parking lot, arms full of supplies from the cooler Their eyes met Gaylord hesitated for a moment, then gave her a cool nod and made to leave.


    s


    Vesta hadn''t expected to bump into him too. Seeing him about to walk away, she


    called out, "Will you keep mepany for a bit?"


    Gaylord could tell Vesta was in a bad


    mood. He had no idea why-maybe she''d had a fight with Thorne, maybe something else-but honestly, it was no longer his concern.  s


    Without turning around, he replied politely, "Sorry, I have things to do."


    With that, he walked off, carrying his supplies without another word.


    Vesta watched his retreating back, assuming he was still angry with her, and didn''t think much more about it.


    Gaylord, for his part, really had moved on. Still, he hadn''t forgotten the kindness Vesta''s family had once shown his own, and he felt a faint obligation.


    After dropping off the food, he sent a quick message to his sister. Then, setting his phone aside, he turned and made his way over to Charlene.