Kelvin leaned back in his chair, considering York''s suggestion. "Why don''t you try talking to Stewart? You two have a bit of a rapport, right?"


    York shrugged, uncertain. "I could, but I doubt Stewart would listen."


    From the moment Charlene agreed to swap dance partners at the g, York had sensed that her rtionship with Stewart was moreplicated than it seemed. They weren''t dating, that much was clear, but Stewart definitely had a soft spot for her. York doubted that even if he managed to smooth things over between Dalton and Stewart, it would lead to Stewart agreeing to coborate with Dalton.


    Kelvin sighed, "So, I guess we need to approach Ms. Ross instead? We barely know anything about her. Should we dig up some info?"


    Dalton shook his head. "Nah, it''s not worth the effort. I''ll just reach out to my fatherter."


    York immediately caught on. "You mean Mr. Wagner?"


    "Exactly."


    Stewart was one of Kenton''s mentees, and Dalton was sure that if Kenton had a word with him, Stewart woulde around.


    Determined to act on his n, after a hearty meal of burgers and fries, Dalton was on his way home when he decided to call Abrd. But to his surprise, Abrd beat him to it with a call, getting straight to the point, "How''s the deal with PrimeStar going?" Dalton hesitated, then admitted, "Not great. I was actually hoping to get your help."


    "Why''s that?"


    Dalton exined, "I managed to annoy one of PrimeStar''s techies, and Stewart''s got a thing for her-"


    Abrd interrupted, "What''s the techie''s name?"


    Caught off guard, Dalton replied instinctively, "Charlene."


    There was a pause, followed by a chuckle from Abrd. "You''ve really outdone yourself, Dalton. Messing with a key yer before the deal is even inked."


    Dalton was about to argue that Charlene wasn''t as crucial as Abrd seemed to think, just someone with a special connection to Stewart. But Abrd didn''t give him the chance.


    "I''ll handle this for you," Abrd said.


    Dalton couldn''t help but grin, "Thanks, Pops!"


    "... You shameless brat."


    Dalton didn''t feel bad about pulling his dad into the situation. He believed he couldnd the PrimeStar project on his own merits. To him, personal grudges were just small irritations. If he could get past them quickly, why wouldn''t he?


    "I was nning on taking a vacation soon, but now I think I''ll pass. Seeing you might just shorten my lifespan," Abrd quipped before abruptly ending the call.


    The matter of Charlene was something he chose to leave unspoken. After all, having everything too easy in life wasn''t always a blessing.


    After hanging up, Abrd dialed Charlene''s number. She nced away from herputer screen at the ringing phone, recognizing his caller ID. Her eyes flickered with curiosity as she answered, "Mr. Ramirez." Abrd chuckled warmly and said, "You''re always on the ball, Charlene. I''m guessing you know why I''m


    09:39 Спарт calling."


    Charlene nodded and replied, "Yeah, I''ve got a pretty good idea."


    Despite her intuition, Abrd went ahead and asked, "Would you consider proceeding with the coboration with Dalton? Just think of it as doing your uncle a favor, okay?"


    In business, practicality often overruled personal grievances. As long as both parties were sincere about the partnership, even rivals could find a way to work together.