After lunch, Dalton approached Stewart. "Mr. Ferguson, could I have a word with you in private?"


    Charlene had never mentioned to Stewart that Dalton had seen her out with Thorne and his daughter, so Stewart had no idea what this was about. He didn''t particrly like Dalton, but out of respect for Abrd Ramirez, he couldn''t just refuse. He nodded, and once they were a short distance from the others, he asked, "What did you want to talk about, Mr. Ramirez?"


    Dalton hesitated. He didn''t dislike Stewart; his issue was with Charlene. In fact, he actually admired Stewart and didn''t want to see him being deceived. However, he knew Stewart was clearly very fond of Charlene, and they had a strong rtionship. It was likely Stewart wouldn''t believe him and might even think he was trying to cause trouble.


    Despite his hesitation, he decided to be direct. "A little while ago, I was out to dinner and ran into Ms. Ross with... Mr. Henderson and his daughter. They seemed very close."


    Stewart finally understood what Dalton was getting at. He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, is that so?"


    To Dalton, his nonchnt reaction was a clear sign of disbelief, as if he thought Dalton was a maniptive liar. Dalton pressed his lips together, though he''d expected as much.


    "Actually, that wasn''t the only time," Dalton continued. "I''ve seen Ms. Ross and Mr. Henderson together acting intimately before." He didn''t wait for a response before adding, "Think what you will of me, Mr. Ferguson, but while I may not like Charlene, I''m not so petty or immoral as to deliberately try to ruin your rtionship. I''m just telling you the truth because I can''t stand by and watch. Whether you believe me or not is up to you."


    With that, he said no more. He gave Stewart a curt nod and turned to leave. Stewart''s eyebrows shot up.


    Charlene was still waiting for him. When he returned, she noticed the look Dalton had given her as he left and immediately guessed the topic of their conversation. "Did he tell you about seeing me with Thorne?"


    Stewart chuckled. "He did. I just didn''t expect..." Then again, it wasn''t a total shock. After all, Dalton''s animosity toward Charlene had seemed to grow more palpable throughout the day.


    Charlene just smiled and let the matter drop. Although Dalton had gotten into his car, he hadn''t driven off yet. He happened to nce back and saw Stewart whispering


    something to


    one with eack


    @grin


    on his face. He looked like he was excitedly sharing a piece of gossip, clearly not taking Dalton''s words


    seriously at all.


    Dalton''s brow


    Pet


    furrowed. He knew there was a high chance Stewart wouldn''t believe him, since it was just his word against hers. But he hadn''t expected Stewart to dismiss Itsepletely, without a single flicker of doubt toward Charlene.


    Cóntent


    Thorne hadn''t left either. He exchanged another greeting with Stewart, but his phone rang just as he started to speak. He answered it casually.


    After listening for a moment, he said, "Alright, I understand." He hung up, exchanged a few more pleasantries with Stewart, and then their groups went their separate ways.


    Once in his car, Thorne called Jasmine. "Minnie, your grandfather is back. Don''t y toote. You need toe home for dinner with him and the others tonight."