Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 751

She wasn't an idiot. She knew 'unavailable' was just a convenient excuse, and that Charlene was deliberately leaving her out in the cold to settle an old score.

But her company's project was on the brink of disaster, and PrimeStar was their only lifeline. Swallowing her pride, Corinne turned her frustration on Chester. "Then could you tell me when Director Ross will be back?"

Chester replied professionally, "I apologize. Director Ross didn't share her itinerary, so I really couldn't say."

Corinne knew she was hitting a brick wall.

Refusing to cause a scene, she offered a tight, "I'll try again another time," and hung up the lobby phone.

Once back in her car, she dialed Vesta. "Do you have Charlene's number?"

Vesta sighed. "No."

Corinne pressed, "Could you do me a favor and ask Thorne for it?"

Aware of the desperate situation Corinne was in, Vesta agreed. "Of course."

Corinne waited in her car. A few minutes later, Vesta texted her the number.

Thanking her friend, Corinne immediately used her assistant's phone to dial Charlene, knowing her own number would likely be ignored.

Charlene had already anticipated the tactic. Seeing the unfamiliar digits flashing on her screen, she let it ring out.

Surprised by Charlene's heavy guard, Corinne resorted to a text: [Director Ross, this is Corinne Lancaster from The Lancaster Group. I have a highly lucrative proposal to discuss with you. You can name your terms. Please let me know when you're available.]

Charlene read the message, set her phone face-down on the desk, and completely ignored it.

Corinne refused to budge. Staring Charlene down, she demanded, "I won't take up too much of your time if you're truly busy. Just give me a time slot."

Charlene replied coolly, "For scheduling, you'll need to coordinate with my secretary. He manages my itinerary."

She moved to step around Corinne to leave.

Knowing she was being given the runaround, Corinne side-stepped, cutting her off again. Her polite facade finally cracked. "Are you actually busy, or are you just intentionally making things difficult because you're holding a grudge over what happened?"

Instead of getting angry, Charlene let out a soft laugh. "I am holding a grudge, and I am intentionally making things difficult. Is there a problem with that?"

Corinne stared, utterly blindsided by the raw, unapologetic honesty.

Without another word, Charlene brushed past her and walked away.