Vesta thought she''d have to wait a few days for any news.


    To her surprise, Thorne called that very afternoon. "Mr. Ferguson and Darleen are going to a charity auction tomorrow. Want to join us?"


    Vesta chuckled, "Sure, sounds good."


    The next evening, they arrived at the auction. It wasn''t long before Thorne steered Vesta toward Hector and Darleen Ferguson, Stewart''s parents. He introduced Vesta to them.


    Hector and Darleen were well aware of the history between Thorne, Charlene, and Vesta. But they didn''t let any of that show when they greeted Thorne. They shook his hand warmly, and when Thorne introduced Vesta, Darleen extended her hand with a polite smile, "Hello."


    The auction was a gathering of the city''s elite. After some small talk, Thorne and Hector got caught up in a conversation about business, leaving Vesta a chance to chat with Darleen one-on-one.


    After some pleasantries, Vesta got to the point, "Darleen, I came here today because I have a favor to ask."


    Darleenughed lightly, "With someone as capable as Mr. Henderson, what could you possibly need from me? Surely, Ms. Hawkins, you''re joking."


    Vesta replied, "It actually concerns Stewart."


    Darleen paused, "Stewart?"


    "Yes," Vesta confirmed.


    Darleen was about to say something when she nced at her purse. "Excuse me,


    I need to take this call."


    Vesta nodded, "Go ahead."


    Darleen stepped aside to answer her phone. A few minutester, she


    l.ne


    hed, apologizing, "Sorry to keep


    waiting, Ms. Hawkins."


    "No problem," Vesta assured her.


    WI


    Darleen got straight to it, "So, what''s this about Stewart?"


    Vesta asked, "Are you aware of the coboration between Neural Nexus Tech and PrimeStar?"


    Darleen replied, "I''ve heard Stewart mention it. Is there an issue with the partnership?"


    "There is," Vesta admitted. "There was a small misunderstanding on our part, but nothing that should lead to ending the contract. I''ve been trying to reach Mr. Ferguson to resolve the issue and offerpensation, but he''s been


    unreachable and seems set on


    ending our agreement."


    At this point, Darleen''s expression turned serious, and she interrupted, "Is


    Charlene involved in this?"


    Vesta noticed Darleen''s eagerness and nodded, "Yes."


    "Why would she do that?" Darleen inquired.


    "We have some personal issues," Vesta exined. "Ending the


    contract would harm both parties t


    QU


    Even withpensation, Mr. Ferguson would still lose out. Neural Nexus Tech genuinely wants to continue working with PrimeStar, but he won''t listen to me That''s why I hoped you might persuade him otherwise."


    Darleen looked down, her voice even, "I see."


    Sensing Darleen''s displeasure, Vesta said politely, "Thank you, Darleen. I appreciate your help."


    Darleen replied, "No need to thank me, Ms. Hawkins."


    They exchanged a few more words before Hector returned to join Darleen, at


    which point the conversation naturally came to a close.