Helena Ross was expecting some family from Pornd to visit her in Starfall City.


    That morning, Charlene had just wrapped up a meeting when Helena, the charming olddy, called, inviting her to join them for lunch.


    Standing by the elevator, Charlene waited patiently. Just then, Livingston, the newly appointed general manager of PrimeStar, approached alongside Thorne, Coy, and their colleagues.


    "Ms. Ross," Livingston greeted with a nod as he spotted her.


    Charlene returned the nod, acknowledging him.


    Livingston wasn''t certain if Thorne and Charlene knew each other. To his knowledge, even though Thorne had been to PrimeStar to discuss partnering, Charlene and Thorne had never met.


    Seeing that Charlene didn''t acknowledge Thorne, Livingston assumed she didn''t know him and took it


    upon himself to introduce them. "Ms. Ross, this is Mr. Henderson from The Henderson Group."


    Then turning to Thorne, he added, "And this is Ms. Ross from our R&D department."


    Charlene didn''t look at Thorne but simply said, "I know."


    Thorne nced at her, then told Livingston, "No need for introductions, we''re quite familiar with each other."


    Livingston paused, ncing between Thorne and Charlene.


    "Quite familiar?" he thought. He couldn''t tell at all.


    He didn''t voice his bewilderment, just gave a sheepish smile and said, "Oh, I see..."


    Charlene remained silent. Thorne chuckled but didn''t say more.


    Livingston was left speechless. It was clear to him now-Charlene just wasn''t interested in engaging with Thorne.


    This was simr to Stewart''s attitude too.


    Livingston wasn''t sure if there was some history or misunderstanding among Thorne, Charlene, and Stewart. But...


    Thorne wasn''t just anyone; he was a


    key yer in thepany''s current coboration ns. Charlene and Stewart both seemed indifferent towards him, yet Thorne didn''t seem


    to mind their chilly re


    swnQ


    Realizing this, Livingston was unsure if he should feel relieved or anxious.


    Just as he was about to break the silence, Thorne''s phone rang. "You''ve arrived? I''ll be right down," Thorne said, answering the call.


    After hanging up, as they stepped


    into the elevator, Livingston chuckled, "Ms. Hawkins picking you up for lunch again? You and Ms. Hawkins have a great bond.


    en


    DUMS


    Thorne smiled, about to reply when his phone buzzed again, signaling it was important. Livingston


    decided not to interrupt further.


    As the elevator reached the ground floor, Charlene walked out without looking back.


    Outside, in the parking lot, she spotted Vesta standing by a car, waiting. Their eyes met.


    Vesta''s gaze was cold and detached as she looked at Charlene.


    Charlene quickly looked away, heading towards her own car.


    Vesta''s demeanor softened only when she noticed Thorne walking a short distance behind Charlene.


    Charlene got into her car and prepared to leave. She caught a glimpse of Vesta handing her car keys to Coy and then climbing into Thorne''s car with him.


    Charlene shifted her focus back to the road and drove off, leaving thoughts of Thorne and Vesta behind her.


    After lunch at the restaurant,


    Charlene saw Helena and her family


    off, watching their car disappear


    down the street. Just as she was


    about to head back to her own car to return to work, she spotted Dalton exiting the restaurant.