Chapter 83
That meant Vesta could work there anytime she wished. Charlene had long since stopped counting Thorne's favoritism.
Sipping her coffee, Charlene's gaze drifted to the glass door. A figure stood there. She looked up; it was Thorne. He met her gaze, but his focus seemed elsewhere. Turning, Charlene saw Vesta nod a greeting to Thorne.
Vesta then turned to Mr. Ferrell. "I'll be going then."
Mr. Ferrell and Quincy only then noticed Thorne's presence. He had come to take Vesta to lunch.
As Quincy and the others began to rise, Thorne waved them down. "Please, don't worry about me. Continue with your work."
They nodded, returning to their tasks.
Thorne politely addressed Stewart. "I apologize, but my schedule prevents me from hosting you personally. I hope you understand, Mr. Ferguson."
"Mr. Henderson, you're too kind. I fully understand the demands of your schedule," Stewart replied.
Thorne smiled, his gaze briefly meeting Charlene's before he and Vesta departed.
Stewart, aware of Thorne's extensive business portfolio, hadn't expected to find him and Vesta at Neural Nexus Tech. They turned to Charlene, offering a silent, comforting pat on her shoulder.
Charlene shook her head. She was fine. Heading to Neural Nexus Tech, she'd anticipated encountering Thorne, but not Vesta. Quincy had mentioned Vesta's visit a few days prior, but Charlene had assumed it was a one-time thing. She hadn't realized Vesta treated Thorne's company as her own, coming and going freely and familiar with everyone there.
The contract they'd discussed involved later-stage technical collaboration and included numerous clauses to prevent disputes during the partnership. Each clause required thorough discussion.
They finalized the contract terms past five o'clock. After Stewart signed, Mr. Ferrell took the documents for Thorne's signature.
Stewart paused. "Mr. Henderson is still in the office?"
"Yes," Quincy added, "He's busy with another project."
Stewart wondered if Thorne was truly busy, or if his presence with Charlene influenced his actions. Charlene wondered the same.
Quincy and Stewart, both tech professionals, were acquainted. With the contract signed, and a moment for relaxation, Quincy lowered his voice, "Ms. Hawkins has been with Mr. Henderson all day. Their relationship… it's serious."
Sitting beside Stewart, Charlene overheard. Soon after, Mr. Ferrell returned with Thorne's signature on the documents.
Stewart had evening commitments and declined Mr. Ferrell's dinner invitation. Mr. Ferrell and Quincy politely saw them out, only to encounter Thorne and Vesta by the elevator.