Granger, of course, hade to the banquet for Charlene. When he reached her, his gaze softened. "It''s been a while."


    They had just seen each otherst month at a government-hosted business conference, so Charlene didn''t think it had been that long. But since he''d said it, she smiled back politely. "Long time no see."


    Knowing she was still technically married to Thorne, and sensing her attitude toward him was cordial but not quite friendly, Granger kept their conversation professional. He didn''t want to overstay his wee, so he avoided any personal topics.


    Charlene was busy. After a brief chat with Granger, she and Stewart moved on towork with other guests. Granger watched her back as she walked away, his eyes lingering on her for a long moment.


    Charlene was so focused on work that she paid Vesta''s group no mind. They, however, were watching her every move. Stewart was one of the city''s most eligible bachelors, and countless women at the event tried to get his attention, but he deflected them all, remaining steadfastly by Charlene''s side.


    Leah and Rhoda watched with sour expressions, forced to admit that Stewart was truly devoted to Charlene. Maureen''s hand tightened imperceptibly around her wine ss.


    As the banquet drew to a close, Charlene and Stewart prepared to leave. Her eyes briefly flickered toward Vesta''s group before she dismissed them and walked away. To Leah and the others, that fleeting nce felt full of contempt and triumph.


    Leah was seething. "What is she so smug about? Let''s see how long she can keep it up!"


    But how could Charlene not be


    could


    smug? She had Stewart wrapped around her finger and Thorne''s attention shifting in her favor, while they were left anxious and uncertain. Vesta couldn''t win Thorne back, Charlene''s triumph would only grow.


    Leah and her family left the banquet in a foul mood. When they arrived home, Georgina Spencer noticed their expressions and, after hearing. what had happened, felt her heart sink. Since Vesta and Thorne had gotten together, their family had effortlessly gained things they had schemed a lifetime for. If Charlene managed to win him back...


    Georgina pursed her lips. Like Rhoda, she had once believed Thorne''s feelings for Vesta were unshakable and that a little effort from Vesta would be enough. But now...


    She looked at Vesta. "Vesta, you need to be more proactive with Thorne." She still believed Thorne had deep feelings for her, but she also knew that her recent attempts to see him had all been rebuffed with the excuse of work. Being passive was no longer a option.


    Vesta knew this all too well. She clenched her hands, her anxiety more acute than anyone else''s.


    The next morning, Vesta walked into The Henderson Group. Thorne was at his desk reviewing documents. He looked up, surprised to see her. "What brings you here?"


    Vesta offered a faint smile. "It''s been a while. I just wanted to see you." She nced at the papers in his hand. "Are you very busy?"


    "Yes." Thorne closed the file. "I have a meeting soon."


    Vesta''s smile didn''t falter. "That''s fine," she said. "I''ll wait."