Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 456

Thorne was intently focused on the stage, oblivious to Vesta's gaze.

Vesta pressed her lips together, forcing herself to look away.

The Axiom Flux Technologies launch event had been a resounding success.

When Charlene and Mr. Ashcroft stepped down from the stage, they were met with another wave of enthusiastic applause.

The CEOs and executives in attendance immediately got up to congratulate Mr. Ashcroft and Charlene as they made their way off the stage.

Stewart was among the first to approach Charlene.

It was already clear that Axiom Flux Technologies’ self-driving car was about to make waves both at home and abroad.

Charlene’s value was about to soar to new heights.

Having known Charlene for years, Stewart felt genuinely happy for her. As he walked up, unable to resist, he pulled her into a hug and said, “Congratulations.”

Charlene smiled. “Thank you, Stewart.”

Her voice was soft, and no one else caught the way she addressed him.

Everyone here was in the tech business; they all understood how vital talent was to success.

At this moment, they were eyeing Charlene with even more interest than Mr. Ashcroft himself.

After all, someone like her was a walking goldmine. If anyone could recruit her to their company—

These business moguls were running the calculations in their minds, but none dared make a move before Mr. Ashcroft. This was, after all, Axiom Flux Technologies’ big day, and it wouldn’t do to disrespect him.

So, they all offered their congratulations to Mr. Ashcroft first.

Once that was done, they were eager to approach Charlene—only to find Stewart had beaten them to it.

Over the past several months, Charlene and Stewart had often attended events and parties together. Many of the executives present had already met her.

Back then, she’d just been Stewart’s girlfriend in their eyes, hardly attracting any real attention.

But when Charlene’s research paper made headlines, her reputation changed—suddenly she wasn’t just Stewart’s plus-one, but a talented scientist in her own right.

Stewart was a genius, and now it seemed his partner was just as impressive. People started to see how well-matched they were.

But today’s Axiom Flux Technologies launch had upended those perceptions. Charlene wasn’t just talented—she was a technological prodigy.

It was enough that Stewart was a genius, but to find a partner who matched him step for step? It seemed almost unfair!

Plenty of the executives couldn’t help feeling a pang of jealousy.

After Stewart let go of Charlene, someone teased, “Mr. Ferguson, to think you’ve been keeping Ms. Ross’s talents under wraps all this time. That’s just cruel.”

“Isn’t that the truth?”

Stewart raised an eyebrow. “Keeping her under wraps? Maybe you just don’t have the eye for talent that I do.”

The focus had already shifted to Charlene.

If even half of what she’d presented on stage was her own work, just the patent royalties alone would make her a fortune. Never mind the bonuses from other technologies.

Lost in these thoughts, Vesta was jolted back to reality by Thorne’s voice.

She turned to see him checking his watch. “Don’t we have another appointment soon? It’s about time. Let’s get going.”

Despite all her previous ruminations, her mind was suddenly blank.

Nodding, she stood and followed him as they made their way over to bid Mr. Ashcroft farewell.

Mr. Ashcroft, still surrounded by well-wishers, was standing with Charlene and Stewart.

Noticing them approach, Mr. Ashcroft greeted Thorne warmly. “Mr. Henderson.”

Thorne shook his hand. “Congratulations.”

Mr. Ashcroft smiled. “Thank you. To you as well.”

Thorne turned to Charlene. “Congratulations.”

Charlene’s expression was calm. “Thank you.”

Thorne then said to Mr. Ashcroft, “We have another engagement, so we’ll be heading out. Mr. Ashcroft, everyone—let’s catch up again soon.”

Mr. Ashcroft and the other executives all nodded their farewells.

As they exchanged polite goodbyes with Thorne, several of them couldn’t help glancing over at Vesta.