Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 538

The morning before PrimeStar’s anniversary gala, Thorne had someone deliver an elegant evening gown and a set of jewelry to Vesta.

Everyone in both the Hawkins and Spencer families already knew Thorne planned to take Vesta to the celebration.

When Leah caught sight of the dress and jewelry—price tags reaching well into the millions—she couldn’t help but gasp in envy. “Every time my brother-in-law sends gifts, they’re outrageously expensive. He really does love spoiling you, Vesta.”

Vesta just offered a faint, noncommittal smile, saying nothing.

No one knew her daughter’s moods better than Maureen. She’d noticed that Mr. Hawkins had seemed a bit distracted lately as well.

Seeing Vesta’s silence, Maureen asked gently, “Vesta, have you been feeling down these past couple of days? Did something happen?”

Ever since learning about Charlene’s connection to PrimeStar and Kenton, it was as if all the confidence had been sapped out of Vesta. She was no longer the self-assured woman she used to be.

The only thing that helped her regain her composure was the certainty of Thorne’s affection. When she first discovered Thorne had begun to admire Charlene’s talents in artificial intelligence, she’d panicked. But when it became clear that Thorne simply appreciated Charlene’s ability—while his true feelings were reserved for her, and only her—she managed to convince herself she was irreplaceable in his heart. That reassurance allowed her to breathe easy again.

But the events in Jade City, and everything that had happened since, shook her once more.

Now, Thorne’s admiration for Charlene seemed to be growing into something more complicated than simple professional respect.

She knew she was still important to Thorne, but with the way he looked at Charlene now, with the respect he openly showed her—if he ever found out that PrimeStar was co-founded by both Stewart and Charlene, and that Charlene had been one of Kenton’s protégés, would his attitude change completely?

Vesta didn’t know why Charlene’s role as a PrimeStar founder and Kenton’s student had remained a secret for so long. Tomorrow was PrimeStar’s big night. If Stewart decided to announce these facts in public—

Vesta abruptly stopped herself. She schooled her features into calm indifference. “It’s nothing,” she said quietly.

Maureen had wondered if something had come between Vesta and Thorne, but judging by Thorne’s recent warmth toward both families and especially toward Vesta, she dismissed the thought.

Before she could say anything more, Leah pouted and changed the subject. “I heard PrimeStar’s rented out the entire Grand Meridian for their anniversary gala this year.”

That was the most exclusive hotel in Starfall; booking the whole place for one night had to cost close to a hundred million.

She paused, then added, “But I guess, with how much money PrimeStar’s making these days, that’s nothing to them.”

At the mention of this, everyone—Rhoda, Georgina, Vesta, and Maureen—couldn’t help but think of PrimeStar’s most recent financial report.

Rumor had it, PrimeStar had already raked in several billion dollars in net profit just in the first half of the year.

“Absolutely!” Rhoda shot Vesta a look, adding, “If you ask me, Thorne should have sent you an even more extravagant gown and jewelry. That way, you could really show Charlene up—put her in her place, wipe that smug look off her face!”

“Right, right,” Leah agreed quickly. Though Thorne’s gifts were already lavish, he’d certainly given Vesta even pricier things in the past.

Vesta said nothing. She rose quietly from her seat. “I’m heading out for a bit.”

Seeing Vesta’s obvious displeasure, both Leah and Rhoda clammed up at once.

Maureen cast them a cool glance, making it clear she disapproved. Rhoda and Leah immediately realized they’d crossed a line.

Thorne had always been more than generous with them. If they kept nitpicking and acting ungrateful, it would only hurt Vesta’s relationship with him.

Sure, it felt good to vent, but they needed to know when to stop.

Seeing that both Vesta and Maureen were genuinely upset, Rhoda hurried to backtrack. “We were just talking—we didn’t really mean it…”

Maureen didn’t respond. She simply turned and headed upstairs, leaving the room in silence.