Everyone had settled into their seats for dinner for quite a while, but Thorne and Stewart hadn''t exchanged much more than cursory nces.


    Hearing so, Thorne casually dabbed the corner of his lips with a napkin, turning his gaze toward Stewart with a smile, "I''ve been pondering it. What do you think, Mr. Ferguson?"


    Stewart wasn''t one to miss a business opportunity handed to him on a silver tter. "To earn Mr. Henderson''s esteem is a privilege for PrimeStar."


    If Thorne and Stewart were considering a partnership, Vesta was all for it. After all, a closer rtionship between Thorne and Stewart would mean more chances for her to interact with Stewart. That would make it easier for her to sway Stewart to her side when the time


    came.


    With this in mind, she shot Charlene a cold nce.


    Charlene was chatting with Professor Hancock about various matters. Though she had kept an eye on the


    thers at the table, she didn''t seem too invested.


    She had no objections if Stewart was genuinely interested in working with Thorne. After all, there was no reason to turn away from a lucrative opportunity.


    Dinner was winding down, and no one was going to just sit around. Anyone who was keen on discussing possible partnerships would wander over to the couches for a more chill chat.


    Thorne''s mention of wanting to coborate with PrimeStar during dinner was a casual remark. Whether it would materialize into something concrete was unclear to Charlene.


    However, Mr. Dale, who was also at the dinner, was keen on coboration and had pulled Stewart and his management team aside for a chat even before dinner was over. Charlene followed them. Technical discussions were Charlene''s forte, but negotiations were Stewart''s domain.


    Charlene sat quietly to the side, but noticing Stewart''s ss empty, she took it and said, "Let me get you a


    refill."


    Stewart smiled. "Thanks."


    Seeing Charlene perform what seemed secretarial duties for Stewart only confirmed Vesta and Laverne''s suspicions that Charlene joined PrimeStar to be Stewart''s assistant.


    As Charlene turned with the ss in hand, she unexpectedly bumped into someone near Thorne, losing her bnce. The next thing everyone knew, she had fallen into Thorne''s arms.


    The room went silent. It looked like an idental stumble to the onlookers, but who could say for sure? It was too convenient that she ended up in Thorne''s arms.


    Charlene was undeniably attractive. Her figure was graceful and delicate, and her skin was smooth and soft as. cream.


    Though Vesta was also stunning, Charlene seemed to hold a slight edge. To be deliberately embraced by such a woman would stir thoughts in many a man''s mind. But Thorne was different. With an icy vibe, he steadied Charlene by her shoulders then quickly stepped back, not showing a hint of being swept off his feet by her looks.


    Realizing she had fallen into Thorne''s embrace, Charlene quickly regained herposure. After softly muttering an apology, she turned and walked away.


    Vesta and Laverne were sure Charlene had thrown herself at Thorne on purpose.


    Laverne snorted,menting to Vesta, "See? We can''t trust her!"


    "But all her efforts are in vain."


    11:22


    adeed, Thorne''s indifference was a reassurance to them. [


    Absolutely," Laverne chuckled, "Thorne''s reaction must beforting for you."


    Hearing that, Vesta smiled sweetly, lowering her gaze.


    Henley frowned, reconsidering his opinion of Charlene. Despite her quiet demeanor, she seemed to have a few tricks up her sleeve.