Chapter 539

In the blink of an eye, PrimeStar’s anniversary gala had arrived.
That afternoon, Charlene and Stewart set aside their work, spending hours getting ready before arriving at the venue dressed to the nines and right on time.
This year, they’d sent out a long list of invitations.
Not long after they entered, guests began to trickle in.
Dalton Ramirez was among the early arrivals.
Dalton didn’t care much for either Charlene or Stewart. But it had been a while since he’d seen Vesta-work kept getting in the way. He knew Vesta would be at PrimeStar’s celebration tonight, so he’d made a point of showing up early.
Stewart was across the room, busy greeting a group of newcomers.
Spotting Dalton, Charlene-despite her lack of fondness for him—dutifully approached with a practiced smile. “Mr. Ramirez, it’s been a while. Please, come
in.”
Dalton barely glanced at her. Given Charlene’s polite tone, he saw no reason to stir up trouble, so he simply nodded in acknowledgment. His attention, though, was elsewhere; even as he responded, his eyes swept quickly over the bustling hall.
When he didn’t spot Vesta, a flicker of disappointment crossed his face.
Still, he wasn’t all that surprised; Thorne rarely showed up early to these sorts of
events.
As more guests arrived, Dalton withdrew his gaze and waved Charlene off with a quiet, “You should probably see to the other guests.”
Charlene was only too happy to oblige.
Still, professional as ever, she managed a courteous smile. “Of course. We’re expecting quite a crowd tonight. If there’s anything lacking in our hospitality, I hope you’ll forgive us, Mr. Ramirez.”
Her tone was unmistakably that of a hostess.
The implication didn’t sit well with Dalton, but he decided not to make an issue of it. He simply nodded, cool and indifferent. Read full story at.net
Charlene moved on without another word.
She’d barely chatted with the next circle of guests when Thorne and Vesta walked in.
Like Dalton, Charlene knew Thorne was usually one of the last to arrive at these events. Seeing him so early caught her by surprise.
Still, given PrimeStar’s partnership with The Henderson Group, she had no choice but to greet him.
She made a beeline for Thorne, pointedly ignoring Vesta. “Mr. Henderson.”
Thorne extended a hand; they shook.
Charlene didn’t spare Vesta so much as a glance. In a flat tone, she said to Thorne, “This way, please.”
Thorne was always a magnet for conversation at social gatherings.
Hardly had Charlene finished her greeting when more guests began heading over
to Thorne and Vesta.
“Mr. Henderson! You’re here early tonight,” someone remarked.
“I heard The Henderson Group and PrimeStar have been working together seamlessly. PrimeStar is one of The Henderson Group’s top partners these days-it’s no surprise Mr. Henderson is taking tonight seriously. s
Dalton, seeing Thorne and Vesta arrive, immediately made his way over.
“Mr. Henderson. Ms. Hawkins.”
Thorne caught sight of Dalton and offered a small, friendly smile. “Mr. Ramirez, it’s
been too long.”
Dalton returned the sentiment. “It has.”
Charlene’s obvious snub still Vesta, but seeing a familiar.
face especially the way t
looked at her-lifted her spirits. s
When Dalton greeted her, Vesta nodded politely. “Mr. Ramirez.”
With someone else handling Thorne, Charlene was relieved of her duties. “We have more quests arriving if Dexcuse me, leave you to conversation.”
to s
it
Thorne’s gaze followed her briefly. “Go ahead.”
Charlene didn’t look back. She nodded and slipped away.
Just as she left, Granger and Moran arrived at the entrance.