Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 800

He was genuinely surprised.

Given York's personality and profession, he despised these corporate schmoozefests. He only ever attended when he didn't want to rain on his friends' parade.

And whenever Dalton and Kelvin wanted to ditch early, York was always the first out the door.

York hated these events. For him to act so out of character meant only one thing: someone he cared about was here.

Dalton immediately connected the dots.

The woman York liked was in this room.

A knowing smile touched Dalton's lips. He turned to York, ready to tease him, only to find York staring intensely at Stewart... and Charlene.

Dalton froze.

A horrifying realization crashed over him, wiping the smile from his face. His grip on his glass tightened instinctively.

However—

Just as he was trying to convince himself it was impossible, a loud crash of shattering glass echoed from Charlene's direction. She gasped, stumbling backward toward the floor.

Before Dalton could even process what was happening, York shoved his drink into Kelvin's chest and sprinted toward Charlene.

Dalton stood frozen, rooted to the spot.

Before Charlene could answer, Dr. Lucas and his assistant hurried over, having been alerted to the accident. Seeing Charlene at the center of it, Dr. Lucas looked alarmed. "Are you alright? Are you injured?"

Leaning heavily against Stewart, Charlene looked at the sudden circle of deeply concerned faces. She found her footing and managed a reassuring smile. "I'm fine."

She offered a grateful nod to York, Gaylord, and Granger, silently thanking them for their concern.

Dr. Lucas didn't seem to notice the unusually intense reactions from Granger and the others. Hearing she was unhurt, he let out a massive sigh of relief. "I am so sorry. This was a severe lapse in our hospitality. Your dress is ruined—let me have someone escort you upstairs to change."

Charlene nodded. "Thank you, I'd appreciate that."

Stewart added immediately, "I'll go with you."