Most people at the event, just like Dalton and Moran, assumed Charlene had only gotten to know Professor Kenton and his wife because of Stewart.


    Especially tonight-with Stewart''s parents, Hector and Darleen Ferguson, and the Vernons all present.


    When people saw Hector, Darleen, and the Vernons greeting each other so warmly, like old friends, their closeness all but confirmed everyone''s suspicions- they looked every bit the perfect extended family.


    No one really noticed when Gaylord arrived.


    He overheard the whispered discussions about Charlene and Stewart, but he still doubted there was anything romantic between them. As for Kenton, given how capable Charlene was, maybe she''d already be his protégé.


    At the moment, Stewart was the most sought-after bachelor in their social circle.


    The Ross family didn''t exactly count as upper crust in Starfall''s elite circles, so the idea that Stewart might be settling down with Charlene left many feeling a little bitter-though, truth be told, most still didn''t take Charlene too seriously.


    The notable exception was the handful of domestic tech tycoons, who showed Charlene every courtesy. After exchanging pleasantries with Professor Kenton and his wife, they each made a point of seeking Charlene out for a chat.


    Perhaps others didn''t realize it, but in the tech world, these industry giants knew exactly what Charlene was capable of.


    ording to their own assessments, Charlene''s abilities weren''t far behind Stewart''s. In fact, PrimeStar''s rapid and steady growth over the past six months could be credited in no small part to her. If they managed to lure Charlene away, it would be almost like poaching half of PrimeStar itself.


    "Ms. Ross, it''s been a while, hasn''t it? Do you remember me? We met a few weeks ago. I''ve been following the two projects PrimeStar is working ontely- their concepts and prospects are both remarkable. I heard you''ve been leading both teams? Mr. Ferguson is already astonishingly talented for his age, and with someone as exceptional as you anchoring thepany, it''s no wonder everyone is envious."


    After thepliment, the executive couldn''t help but probe further. "Someone with your expertise in Al is exactly what ourpany needs. May I ask-why did you choose PrimeStar over us back then? Did we fall short in some way?"


    Seeing these powerful business figures-men who rarely lowered themselves to ttery—approach Charlene with such genuine warmth made Dalton frown.


    He was well aware of PrimeStar''s recent surge. Charlene''s reputation in Al had grown, and it was nowmon knowledge among their peers that Mr. Ferguson''s girlfriend was nearly on his level-a major yer in her own right.  s


    But was Charlene truly that extraordinary?


    Dalton knew these men weren''t in the habit of chasing profitless ventures Sullivan and the others were shrewd hard-nosed yers. If they were willing to make overtures to someone like Charlene, that alone spoke volumes.  s


    Maybe Charlene''s talent was real, but as far as Dalton was concerned, her character left much to be desired.


    The thought of her brought Vesta to mind, and instinctively, he nced in her direction.


    PrimeStar''s banquet was bustling tonight.


    After all, it was rare for Professor Kenton to show up at events like these.


    Tonight, the spotlight was squarely on Kenton and his wife, Stewart, and


    Charlene. Charlene, especially, was the center of attention.


    Meanwhile, Vesta stood alone, quietly apart from the crowd-Thorne and Granger nowhere nearby.


    She looked a bit lost, a little forlorn, her mood clearly low.


    Given how someone like Charlene could win so much admiration for her talent, it was only natural for someone who''d suffered under her to feet downcast. Dalton could understand why Vesta seemed upset.  s<fn596a> Original content can be found at find~novel</fn596a>


    Seeing this, he made his way over to her.