mapter 42


    Charlene''s face froze. "Vesta? Do you mean Vesta Hawkins? The one who just got back from Golnd?


    Stewart nodded, surprised. "Yeah, you know her?"


    "She''s my half-sister," Charlene revealed


    Stewart was shocked. He had heard more or less about Charlene''s family situation, but this coincidence caught him off guard.


    Charlene''s gaze turned icy as she added another piece to the puzzle. "She''s also Thorne''s mistress?


    The car screeched to a halt. "You-"


    Charlene shook her head. "I''m fine." Her expression was eerily calm as she continued, "Call it nepotism or whatever, but I don''t want her joining ourpany." Stewart''s demeanor shifted to one of firm agreement. "You don''t have to worry. I support your decision?


    Charlene felt a warm feeling inside. "Thank you." She paused, then added, "But that means you''re missing out on a talent."


    Stewart chuckled, giving her a knowing look. "She might be a genius in coding, butpared to you, she''s not worth much." He spoke with unwavering sincerity. Charlene was stunned, thinking Stewart wasying it on thick.


    Reading her thoughts, Stewart assured, "I''m serious."


    Charlene hadn''t expected such a bold statement. After a moment, she asked, "She''s been interviewed a while ago. Why hasn''t she started working yet?" Stewart shook his head. "She mentioned having some matters to sort out. I didn''t pry."


    They arrived at their destination ten minutester, with Charlene deep in thought.


    "What''s on your mind?" Stewart inquired.


    "I don''t get why she''d want to join ourpany," Charlene mused. Even though theirpany was doing well, there were bigger fishes in the sea. With Vesta''s credentials and background, her opportunities were endless. Since Charlene was a major yet secret shareholder, she doubted Vesta knew about their ties.


    So, Vesta''s interest wasn''t likely personal.


    Stewart stroked his chin and smiled. "When we talked, she mentioned ourpany''s programmingnguage, CUAP. She seemed intrigued by it."


    CUAP was anguage Charlene had led a team to develop at 17. Initially deemed average by many, it had be thepany''s most formidable asset. Itsplexity had stumped even the most skilled teams, elevating it to a nearly mythical status within the industry. Vesta was drawn to this programming marvel.


    "Come to think of it. Many top talents have joined us in thest few years, all because of CUAP," Stewart added.


    Charlene was surprised by this revtion.


    Seeing her reaction, Stewart gently patted her head, chuckling. "That''s why I''m saying, she''s nothingpared to you. Your skill in our field is something I, someone who knows you really well, can back up."


    After all, before Charlene emerged on the scene, Stewart had been a prodigy admired by many.