Charlene and Dalton weren''t exactly sworn enemies. They just had a bit of a disagreement, and Charlene wasn''t one to back down when she knew she was right. But since Abrd had personally stepped in, she figured she could let it slide this time. "Charlene, don''t rush your decision," Abrd said gently over the phone. "Take your time, and let me know when you''re ready."


    "Alright," Charlene replied.


    "And about Dalton," Abrd went on, "just go with what feels right to you. Don''t stress about owing me any favors."


    "I understand," she assured him.


    Abrd chuckled, appreciating her honesty. "Alright then, I won''t keep you any longer. Let''s catch up another time." "Sure thing. Goodbye."


    After hanging up, Charlene pondered for a moment before calling Kenton. It took him a good half hour to get


    back to her.


    "What''s up?" he asked.


    Charlene clued him in on what was going on. Kenton quickly chimed in, "Abrd doesn''t just do favors for anyone. You might want to think this over."


    Charlene nodded at the phone, feeling reassured by Kenton''s perspective. "Got it. Thanks, Kenton."


    "Anytime."


    With that, Kenton ended the call. Charlene didn''t call Abrd back until the next morning. She figured Abrd knew she''d consult Kenton before making a decision. When Charlene finally called back, Abrd''s voice was warm. "Thank you for getting back to me, Charlene."


    "No problem at all."


    After they hung up, Abrd sighed contently. His colleague noticed and chuckled, "Mr. Ramirez, what''s on your mind?"


    Abrd settled into his chair. "Just thinking I wouldn''t mind having a daughter."


    "At our age? Don''t put your wife through that. You''ve got a son who''s old enough to start a family. You should be thinking about daughters-inw instead."


    Abrd sighed again, "If only my son were a bit more proactive."


    Later that day, Dalton showed up at PrimeStar. Charlene had already briefed Stewart about Abrd''s


    involvement.


    When Dalton arrived, Stewart kept him waiting for over an hour before finally meeting with him. Dalton''s intent to work with theirpany was clear; his new proposal was even better than thest. But Stewart''s demeanor remained cool. "Looking forward to working together," he said, shaking Dalton''s hand. "Likewise," Dalton replied. He wasn''t particrly fond of Charlene, but he had no issues with Stewart.


    "How about dinner to discuss the details?" Dalton suggested. "Charlene will be joining us, right? Hope that''s not a problem."


    Dalton assumed Stewart''s willingness to coborate was due to Abrd reaching out to Kenton, who then spoke to Stewart. He couldn''t care less about Charlene. Despite his personal feelings, he was willing to set them aside for the sake of business. 00.30 Chapter 22


    "That''s fine by me, as long as Ms. Ross is okay with it," Dalton replied.


    Stewart nodded, sending someone to fetch Charlene. When she arrived, Dalton expected her to be upset or at least irritated. But Charlene was calm, extending her hand with aposed smile. "Looking forward to working together."