Chapter 770
When Charlene arrived at the restaurant, she found Jasmine sitting alone in the private dining room. Thorne was nowhere to be seen.
Jasmine let out a dramatic sigh. “Dad just got a call about some emergency work thing, so he had to leave.”
Charlene murmured in acknowledgment, not bothering to press for details.
Whether Thorne showed up or not made absolutely no difference to her.
After resting through the weekend, Monday rolled around, and Charlene found herself spending most of her time at The Henderson Group. Given the fresh collaboration with EchoWave, she occasionally bumped into Raleigh.
By late Wednesday morning, Charlene’s team had wrapped up their immediate tasks. Mr. Abner from The Henderson Group offered to take everyone out to lunch.
Charlene politely declined. “I already have plans for today, but maybe next time.” “No problem, rain check it is.”
Raleigh and his team were nearby when she spoke with Mr. Abner.
Mr. Abner extended the lunch invitation to the EchoWave employees, who naturally accepted.
At the same time, Raleigh informed his supervisor that he also had prior lunch plans and wouldn’t be able to join them.
Once downstairs, the group parted ways.
Charlene got into her car and drove off first.
Upon arriving at her destination, she called Kenton Wagner to check his ETA.
Yes, her lunch date today was none other than the esteemed Dr. Wagner.
Of course, it wasn’t just him; he had brought a friend along.
Learning that Kenton had already arrived, she stepped out of her car and quickly spotted him and his companion.
Charlene walked over to greet them. “Dr. Wagner.”
Kenton nodded and introduced his friend.
Charlene shook the man’s hand, exchanging pleasantries. Just as they were about
to head inside the restaurant, they ran straight into Vesta and Raleigh.
Both Raleigh and Vesta froze.
Recovering quickly, Vesta stepped forward with a polite, practiced smile to greet the senior figure. “Dr. Wagner.”
Kenton gave her a flat look, offered absolutely zero response, and walked right past them.
Kenton’s friend, however, recognized
Vesta. Seeing Kenton’s blatant
brush-off, he chuckled and said
bluntly, “That’s Ms. Hawkins, the girlfrie
lead of the Turning The
Henderson Group right now. She went out of her way to say hello-why the cold shoulder? I don’t recall you ever treating the younger generation like that.”
He had known Kenton for years. While the renowned expert held a lofty status and could be undeniably arrogant, he was never outright rude. He usually didnt mind mingling with those lower on the totem pole.
Under normal circumstances, if a stranger recognized him and offered a polite
greeting, he would at least nod in acknowledgment.
This was the first time his friend had seen him treat someone like they were entirely invisible.
“I don’t like her,” Kenton replied, his tone curt and unapologetic.
His friend hadn’t waited until they were out of earshot to ask the question. In fact,
they had practically said it right to Vesta’s face.
Kenton’s friend didn’t seem the least bit worried that Vesta might overhear.
Or rather, he simply didn’t care if she did.
Although this was Charlene’s first time meeting Kenton’s friend, she knew of his reputation.
She knew he was powerful, highly capable, and backed by formidable connections. However he was also notoriously flippant Approaching… forty, he remained as arrogant and unyielding as ever, entirely unafraid of anyone.
Hearing the rumors was one thing, but witnessing it in person was another. Charlene realized the man was even bolder than the stories suggested.
So, when she heard him question Kenton so openly in front of Vesta, she was momentarily stunned.
She kept her mouth shut, however. Acting as the respectful junior, she simply followed quietly behind them.