Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 451

Dalton stayed close by Vesta’s side, showing no intention of leaving.

A few minutes later, just as Vesta was about to look for Thorne, she realized he was no longer with Charlene. Instead, Charlene was deep in conversation with Hickey.

Given the rapport between Hickey and Dalton, it was only natural for them to exchange greetings when they ran into each other. After a brief hello, Dalton began to introduce Vesta, “Hickey, this is—”

But Hickey cut him off with a friendly smile. “Ms. Hawkins, we’ve met before.”

Vesta returned his greeting with polite composure.

Hickey nodded and turned his attention back to Charlene. “Still keeping busy these days, Charlene?”

The conference might have ended, but it was still a public space. Yet Hickey addressed Charlene by her first name, and his tone with her was noticeably softer than it had been with Dalton.

It was clear Hickey made no effort to hide his admiration and fondness for Charlene.

Charlene simply nodded. “I am.”

She could sense his warmth, just as she always had. In the past, she’d greeted Hickey as she would anyone else, never thinking much of it. But now, with Dalton standing beside her, she was suddenly reminded that Hickey was York Watson’s father.

Even with York’s recent pursuit of her, Charlene didn’t feel awkward around Hickey. After all, nothing had actually happened between her and York.

Vesta, meanwhile, glanced down quietly.

Hickey’s attitude toward her hadn’t been cold or dismissive, but it was certainly a far cry from how he treated Charlene. After their brief greeting, Hickey made no further effort to include Vesta in the conversation. It was as if he had no real interest in getting to know her, let alone offering any signs of appreciation.

Normally, she thought, someone like Hickey would have at least mentioned Neural Nexus Tech to her—after all, she’d only been invited to attend the summit because of her role there.

The realization made her smile falter just a little.

Hickey was busy, and after a few more words with him, Charlene moved on to other matters.

A little while later, Charlene found a quiet moment and slipped out of the hall.

Seeing her leave, Granger’s mind stirred. He turned to Thorne and said, “Thorne, I’ve got to head out.”

Thorne glanced back. “Not staying for dinner?”

Granger shook his head. “No, not tonight.”

“Alright,” Thorne replied without pressing. “Let’s catch up again when things are less hectic.”

“Sounds good,” Granger agreed, and then he was gone.