Chapter 777
The broadcast cut back to the moment Dr. Wagner presented Charlene with her award.
Seeing Dr. Wagner publicly admit he had only attended for Charlene, and watching her eyes well up with tears, Leah scoffed loudly. “She must be feeling so overwhelmed and flattered right now. It’s not like she’s actually close to him!
He’s only doing this as a favor to his student, Stewart, because he mistakenly thinks she’s some kind of prodigy!
But look at her! The way she’s staring at him, you’d think he’d personally mentored her for a decade, and she was some prodigal student returning to the fold. Ugh, she’s such a drama queen. Give her an Oscar!”
Vesta sat quietly, staring down at her tea. She hadn’t looked at the screen for several minutes.
She was running from reality.
But the broadcast rolled on.
Watching Charlene deliver her heartfelt thanks to Stewart—especially the part about him ignoring all risks and doubts to always put her first-felt like swallowing acid to Leah.
Because it was true. Stewart had proven that time and time again.
Corinne Lancaster let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
“She really knows how to spin a narrative. Anyone watching would be in tears. But I’d love to hear her explain exactly how Stewart ignored his company’s best interests to side with her. She plays the victim perfectly, but what’s the real story?”
“Exactly!” Leah chimed in. “And she sounded so sickly sweet, I half-expected her to drop to one knee and propose to him right there—”
She caught herself before finishing the sentence, suddenly remembering that Charlene and Thorne were still legally married, and snapped her mouth shut.
Watching Charlene publicly declare her deep gratitude and affection for Stewart filled Raleigh with pure disgust.
The fact that she could cheat on Stewart with Thorne, yet put on such a convincing show of devotion on national television, proved she was more twisted and shameless than he’d ever imagined.
And the worst part was, Stewart was eating it right up.
Raleigh’s gaze shifted back to the screen, zeroing in on Thorne sitting in the audience.
He turned
Ito Vesta. “Did Mr.
Henderson attend the gala because
his
Company sponsored the prize
money?”
FindNovel.net
“No.” Vesta set her cup down. “He’s there to negotiate a partnership with Jocelyn.”
Jocelyn was one of the other award winners that night.
“Ah, I see,” Raleigh murmured.
That perfectly explained why Thorne had shown up in person.
But…
Was that really the only reason?
…
Later that night.
The gala wrapped up, and Charlene and Stewart were caught up in networking until past eleven.
They made sure Dr. Wagner got back safely before finally heading to their own
rooms.
Shortly after Charlene had showered and changed, a knock sounded at the door.
She checked the peephole. Seeing
Thor Sending in the hallway, she
hesitated for a second before pu
the door open. What is it?
Thorne wordlessly handed her
and Saw Jasmine on a sol
phone. She glanced at the
calt
Taking the phone, she brought it up. “Minnie?”