Chapter


    231


    After a while, Campbell waved goodbye to everyone and slipped into his private quarters down the hallway.


    Following him were Charlene, Stewart, Thorne, Granger, the Hawkins family, and the Spencer family. With so many people heading inside, the presence of the Hawkins and Spencer families didn''t seem out of ce at all. Once everyone was inside, they settled into the garden and along the long patio. The servants came around with coffee and a variety of pastries. Campbell and Helena found themselves deep in conversation, clearly enjoying each other''spany a great deal.


    In addition to Helena, Campbell had two other friends who were quite adept at painting. As their conversation took a lively turn, the three of them decided to create a painting on the spot and invited Helena to join in.


    Campbell then turned to York, "York, could you fetch the art supplies from my study?"


    "Sure thing," York replied.


    After they finished their artwork, Campbell was full of praise for Helena''s piece. The conversation naturally drifted to art and painting.


    Charlene and Stewart chose not to interrupt and instead enjoyed their coffee and treats on the patio. They sat at a considerable distance from the Hawkins and Spencer families, so much so that they didn''t even exchange nces. To anyone not in the know, it seemed as if they wereplete strangers.


    Meanwhile, Thorne was seated with Vesta, Granger, Moran, and Dalton. As peers within the same social circle, their gathering seemed perfectly ordinary.


    Noticing Charlene and Stewart sitting separately, York leaned over to Dalton and whispered, "So, have Stewart and your group not made peace yet?"


    York had heard they were coborating, so it seemed odd that the atmosphere was still tense, much like at previous gatherings.


    Dalton nced at Stewart across the way, pondering for a moment before saying, "I think there''s still some friction between Stewart and Thorne."


    York was surprised; he hadn''t heard of any bad blood between them. He spected it might have something to do with Charlene and Vesta but decided against delving into private matters further.


    York, wanting to be a gracious host, chatted briefly with Thorne and his group before moving over to Stewart and Charlene. "We have more guests than expected today. I hope you''ll excuse anypses in hospitality."


    Stewart responded warmly, "We came unannounced, Mr. Watson. There''s no need for formalities."


    Quintin, a friend of Campbell''s, wasn''t really into art but hade to support his friend. Noticing Campbell was engaged, he asked York to bring out the chessboard and tea set, hoping to find someone interested in ying a game with him. York excused himself from Charlene and Stewart to attend to this.


    Quintin sat down, idly picking up a handful of chess pieces, and looked over at his friend Lance. With a yful grin, Lance remarked, "I never win against you. You should find someone else."


    Quintin nced around, "York seems busy today."


    "Indeed," Lance nodded. With so many guests to attend to, it was hardly the time for York or Hickey to sit down > for a game.


    "How about one of the younger folks?" Quintin suggested.


    Quintin was familiar with Thorne, known for his sharp intellect amongst their circle. Casting his gaze towards Thorne, he called out, "Young Henderson, I hear you''re quite the chess yer. How about a game today?"