When the word got out, there was a real stampede toward the front rows. But when folks from the back pushed through, Kenton was ready swarmed by those who had snagged the prime seats early on.


    Vesta was among those in the front row, yet she didn''t engage with Kenton. Noticing this and feeling a bit antsy, Laverne waved her


    over.


    Catching the signal, Vesta approached, "Aunt Laverne."


    Understanding Laverne''s intentions without a word, Vesta said, "With all these big shots swarming Mr. Wagner, trying to squeeze in for a chat wouldn''t really do much. Thorne said we could arrange for a one-on-one with Mr. Wagner some other time." "That''s right." Laverne realized her impatience might have been a bit premature.


    Thorne was mingling with the high-flyers they usually only read about, and hoping Vesta could expand herwork, Laverne nudged her to get back into the mix.


    Unfazed, Vesta mentioned, "I''ve met most of them already."


    Thanks to Thorne, these industry titans were quite cordial toward her.


    Knowing how much Thorne looked out for Vesta, Laverne rxed and smiled. "That''s good to hear."


    Still, after chatting with Laverne, Vesta returned to Thorne''s side. Breaking into that crowd wasn''t easy for just anyone. But being known as Thorne''s date, the crowd parted for her effortlessly.


    After having their turn with Kenton, the business moguls stopped crowding him but started discussing market trends among themselves.


    When Vesta came back, someone in the group teased, "Ms. Hawkins is a real catch, Thorne. You''ve hit the jackpot."


    Despite their lofty statuses, these moguls didn''t judge solely on background. Vesta''s impressive resume, beauty, and poise made her stand out as a remarkable young professional. Theirpliments were genuine. Thorne smiled, and Vesta graciously replied, "Mr. Dale, you tter me."


    The conversation flowed until Kenton, pressed for time, excused himself to leave.


    No one dared to hold him back, knowing the weight of his responsibilities.


    As Kenton left, Charlene and Stewart were deep in conversation with tech specialists from variouspanies, never feeling the need to fight to meet Kenton like the others.


    If they wanted to see Kenton, it wasn''t as straightforward as for some, but not impossible. Sure enough, shortly after Kenton left, Stewart received a message and guided Charlene out of the exhibit hall to meet Kenton in the parking lot. Kenton was on his phone, probably messaging someone, when he looked up at their arrival.


    Charlene halted, "Professor Wagner."


    Kenton nodded. With a cold tone, Kentonmented, "I''ve seen your exhibit. It''s decent. But," his gaze swept over them with a chill, "three years, and this is all you''ve got?"