"Of course, that was a joke."


    How could Stewart ever let Charlene pick up the tab?


    Besides, he was also worried that Kenton would find out he took Charlene for drinks at the pub. After settling the bill at the bar, Stewart and Charlene left together.


    The next day, Charlene drove to Kenton''s fancy mansion to pick him up at noon.


    After Kenton got in the car, she asked, "Professor, where are we headed?"


    Kenton gave her an address.


    Half an hourter, they arrived at a restaurant and were led to a private dining room.


    As they pushed the door open, two distinguished-looking middle-aged men were already seated inside.


    pon seeing them enter, the two men stood up. "Ah, here you are."


    "Abrd Ramirez, Hickey Watson," Kenton introduced them with his usual cool demeanor, "my student,


    Charlene."


    Charlene had seen them on the news before. One held a significant position in the military, and the other was a heavyweight in politics.


    However, their demeanor softened upon seeing Charlene, and they shook hands with her saying, "We''ve heard a lot about you."


    Though slightly taken aback, Charlene managed to maintain herposure and replied respectfully, "The honor is mine, gentlemen."


    Abrd and Hickey smiled, motioning for her to sit.


    After she sat down, Abrd said, "We''ve known about you for a few years now, always hoping Dr. Wagner would introduce us. But, everyone''s been so busy, we never found the time. Recently, our team has been looking into the system you developed, and as we all happened to have some free time these days, we thought it would be great to have a meal together and meet you in person."


    After some pleasantries, Charlene engaged in conversation with them.


    They talked about systems, chips, energy...


    Kenton remained silent on the side, focusing on his meal and tea, barely joining in the conversation.


    An hourter, Abrd poured Charlene a cup of tea, which she gratefully epted.


    Putting down the teapot, Abrd, with his eyes full of wisdom yet looking at Charlene with gentleness, said, "If I''m not mistaken, you''re in your twenties, right?"


    Charlene nodded, "Yes, twenty-five."


    "You''re very young," Abrd remarked. Almost immediately, sensing the implication, Hickey jumped in with, "Got a boyfriend?"


    Charlene paused, then said, "I''m married."


    She almost added that she was nearly divorced but decided against divulging too much about her personal life in front of Abrd and Hickey.


    Both Abrd and Hickey seemed quite surprised.


    But they were not ordinary men.


    When Charlene mentioned she was married, a flicker of emotion passed through her eyes, clearly indicating


    08:45


    some issues in her marriage.


    Meaning, a divorce might be on the horizon.


    Hmm, their sons might still have a chance.


    Countlessdies from prestigious families dreamt of marrying into the Ramirez or the Watson families.


    Typically, it was rare for daughters from affluent families to gain ess to the Ramirez or Watson households, and a divorced woman would have even slimmer chances.


    However, Charlene stood out from the crowd, Her exceptional talent set her apart.


    With the technology PrimeStar currently held, its growth in theing years was unstoppable. Not to mention, Kenton''s position might very well be seeded by Charlene in the future. Meaning, Charlene''s future prospects were limitless.


    Moreover, at such a young age, Charlene had achieved so much yet remainedposed and gentle, devoid of any arrogance. Such qualities were extremely rare among the youth. The more they observed, the more they liked her.


    Listening to their conversation, Kenton finally looked up, giving them a cold nce.