Rhoda frowned with worry. "What are we going to do? Without Thorne''s help, it''s almost impossible for us to win this project bid."


    That was why Vesta was trying to see Thorne: she wanted his help in securing a government contract they were bidding on. She had already called him about it this morning, but he hadn''t picked up, which was why she had gone to The Henderson Group in person. She just hadn''t expected to miss him again.


    The matter was of great importance, and Henley Hawkins was also waiting for news. He hade to Neural Nexus Tech himself, and seeing Vesta back before one in the afternoon, he guessed the result. "You didn''t see Thorne?"


    Vesta lowered her eyes. "No. Coy said he was out for a meeting."


    Henley frowned. He had heard about the problems between Vesta and Thorne almost as soon as they started. Like the others, he had initially assumed it wasn''t serious. Buttely, Vesta couldn''t seem to reach Thorne, while Thorne and Charlene were growing closer. As the father of both women, Henley felt aplex mix of emotions.


    He looked at Vesta, who had clearly lost some weight recently, and remained silent for a moment.


    Seeing her family''s dejection, Leah felt a surge of resentment, clenching her teeth. "Charlene already has Stewart, but she still has to stir up trouble between Vesta and her fiancé. I bet she''s doing it on purpose!"


    No one else said anything. If Thorne and Charlene were divorced, they might have a reason to intervene, but they weren''t. Leah looked at Henley. "Uncle, why don''t you talk to Charlene? Tell her not to go too far!"


    If things between Thorne and Vesta continued to deteriorate, Henley nned to talk to Charlene anyway. totall He nodded. "I''ll find some time to talk to her in a few days." Then he turned to Vesta Vesta, ty contacting Thorne againter. We still have two days. Don''t panic just yet." He patted her shoulder. "Besides, I believe Thorne feels differently about you. Things between you two won''t end like this. Just be patient."


    Vesta nodded. "I know. I will."


    e


    Henley gave Maureen''s hand a reassuring squeeze, then left to head back to his ownpany. That afternoon, Vesta tried calling Thorn@again. This time, he answered. "Sorry I was busy and diant notice your cats earlier What''s up?"


    Hearing his casual tone, Vesta paused before asking, "Are you busy?"


    "Yeah, I''m still out of town," he replied.


    Vesta paused again. Thorne didn''t seem to notice. "I''ll be tied up for the next couple


    of days. Probably won''t be back for two more days."


    "I see..." Vesta murmured.


    "Yeah," Thorne said. "Was there something you needed?"


    In the past, whenever she needed help, Thorne would offer it before she even had to ask. Now, he was acting as if he had no idea. Vesta


    clutched her phone, hesitating for a long moment before finally saying, "...