Charlene couldn''t help but notice that even Thorne, known for his stoic and cold demeanor, couldn''t hide his astonishment and


    dmiration.


    Jasmine and Moran leaped from their seats as thepetition intensified.


    Terence snatched the binocrs back, seemingly fixated on Vesta. He seemed oblivious that Thorne and his crew were also in attendance.


    As thepetition took a brief pause, Vesta was in the lead.


    Charlene asked Terence for the binocrs.


    Terence was over the moon. "Charlene, you''re taken by my queen too, huh? I always say she''s got something that makes everyone, men and women alike, fall for her!"


    Charlene smiled softly without a word and thought of calling Thorne, curious about his reaction. Yet, based on past interactions, she anticipated that he might hang up on seeing her call.


    Considering their history, she nearly decided against it. But then, thinking it might be thest time, she dialed Thorne, nced through the binocrs, and saw Thorne dismiss her call without hesitation, his attention swiftly returning to Vesta. A was clear that his eyes had room only for Vesta.


    Taking a deep breath, Charlene smiled, returned the binocrs to Terence, and lost interest in the rest of thepetition and Thorne''s whereabouts.


    As the event concluded, Vesta secured the first ce.


    Terence was thrilled, eager to get her autograph along with his friends.


    "But I heard CC is not only an heiress but also a Ph.D. graduate who races just for fun. She doesn''t need fans, nor does she cater to them. She''s known for leaving right after her races without signing autographs, making it nearly impossible to get one." "Yeah, we figured we''d have a better shot since it''s a private race, but there''s a special exit for the racers, and without any connections, we''re out of luck." Terence and his friendsmented as they learned Vesta had left to celebrate. udia called, urging them to leave. After dismissing Terence''s plea to join his friends, Charlene decided it was time to head home. Before leaving, Charlene made a quick restroom stop. Exiting, she bumped into someone. "Sorry."


    "My apologies."


    They both took a step back and apologized at the same time.


    Looking up, Charlene froze.


    It was Granger Harden, another of Thorne''s close friends. Granger recognized her as well. His already indifferent demeanor grew even colder when he saw her.


    Charlene met Thorne when she was ten, but Thorne and Granger had been inseparable since childhood, sharing everything from school days to business ventures and regr catch-ups.


    Despite knowing them for over a decade, Charlene remained an outsider to Thorne''s circle, barely beyond acquaintances with Granger Moran, and the rest.


    Yet, Thorne had introduced Vesta to his close-knit group not long after meeting her, which was a privilege never extended to Charlene


    napter 34