LOGIN"No worries, isn't it something your grandma loves?" laughed Thorne. "Go for it." Thorne's smile warmed Vesta's heart, and she raised her paddle once again. "Sixty million." Dalton followed right away: "Seventy million." "Mr. Henderson, you know how the elderly folks at home love these treasures," he added, turning to Thorne after making his bid. Would you please do me a favor? Thorne smiled courteously as he looked over. "I apologize, Mr. Ramirez, but my family's elders also adore it. Everyone was able to hear their conversation. Charlene and Connie heard, of course. The vase was intended for Katie.However, Thorne only called her "the elders in my family," indicating that he already regarded the Hawkins family as his own. His treatment of other family members stood in sharp contrast to this. Raising her paddle, Vesta said, "Eighty-five million." Dalton did not retaliate this time. In the end, Vesta paid 85 million for the antique vase, causing jealous looks from everyone in the room
After all, Thorne had totally disregarded her the last time Stewart took her to the tech expo and galas. The auction was about to start as she considered this. The gathering became hushed as the auctioneer took the stage. Earlier that night, Charlene had gone over the auction catalog in great detail. She was eyeing a famous artist's tapestry and a set of emerald earrings. The outcome of the evening would determine which one to bet on. The auction got underway right away. Charlene had certain goals and didn't raise her paddle unless something piqued her curiosity. Neither Thorne nor Vesta had moved. Eventually, Charlene and Connie saw Vesta beginning to place a bid. Vesta wanted a diamond bracelet, which was obviously made by a well-known worldwide designer and was ideal for younger people.Thorne was definitely placing a bid on this bracelet for Vesta. The bracelet's first price was $150,000. Vesta increased it to $300,000. Some raised it to $400,000. At this moment, Charlene saw Vest
After getting ready, Charlene and Connie went to the auction. Even though their attire wasn't particularly formal, they attracted a lot of attention when they walked into the auction hall. Many knew Connie, who was highly involved in the social scene and had attended multiple auctions. In contrast, most people were unfamiliar with Charlene. The crowd was curious when they saw her with Connie, speculating about whose wealthy family she might come from. They arrived just in time, finding seats in the middle back of the hall, and settled in only minutes before the auction was supposed to begin. Then they noticed a disturbance up front. Charlene froze for a second as she and Connie looked over to see what was going on."It's Thorne and Vesta... I can't believe they're here too," Connie said. "Did you know they'd be attending?" she then asked Charlene. In response, Charlene shook her head and said, "No idea." Thorne hadn't told her that he was there, and she hadn't anticipated it. Vesta ha
Charlene stayed in the bedroom and read a book while she waited for him because she knew she was not allowed in his study. When Thorne returned to the room, it was getting close to one in the morning. Charlene put down her book and turned to face him as she saw him come back. "Something on your mind?" Thorne asked calmly, observing her stare. "I heard there's a charity auction at Zenith Core in a couple of days—" was Charlene's direct statement. Thorne removed his tie with ease, looked at her, and asked, "You want an invite to the auction?"For a moment, Charlene was surprised. "Yes." "Consider it done." Thorne then turned and went to the walk-in closet, where he soon took a shower. His direct consent surprised Charlene. However, she was relieved by his agreement. She laid down her book, lay down in bed, and went to sleep before Thorne had finished his shower because it was getting late.Charlene left her work at PrimeStar and went back to their villa because the auction was the day a
As if nothing had happened, Charlene gently caressed her nose before dropping her hand and stepping back a little, widening the gap between them. After opening the invitation, Thorne nonchalantly said, "Her 70th birthday bash?," seemingly unaware of her activities. Charlene only gave a nod. Unlike before, she didn't ask him if he was free or beg him to come. "Could you let my folks know for me?" was all she said. It was unclear whether Thorne had noticed that she hadn't asked him if he was available that night. "Got it," he said, glancing at her before carelessly setting the invitation aside. He turned and went into the bathroom without saying anything else.After putting the hair dryer away and observing his disappearing form, Charlene walked to Jasmine's room to give her a bath. It had taken almost an hour to wash and dry Jasmine's hair. Snuggling close to her arm, Jasmine begged to spend the night with her. What was stopping her, considering Thorne's current situation? After gather
Vernon avoided making eye contact as he whispered the party invitation to Charlene, but she immediately recognized it. "I'll be there," Charlene promised. Irma and Helena had a tight relationship. Naturally, everyone anticipated Irma's arrival on Helena's birthday. However, Irma was older than Helena, and according to local custom, it was inappropriate for an older person to throw a lavish birthday celebration for a younger person. Helena's birthdays have been low-key events for the previous few years, consisting solely of a family supper. And Thorne had never once been able to join Helena in celebration over the years.He would initially excuse himself, saying he had a hectic schedule. Charlene, however, was aware of this. He would much rather stay out with buddies than go to the family get-together, even if he had the time. But each year, when Helena's birthday approached, Charlene found herself clinging to a glimmer of hope and asking Thorne if he could make time to accompany her t
Che instantly collected herself and inquired, "Have Auri Pinda and the rest not returned from their vacation yet? I was afraid Helen would be disturbed if she told him about her unhappiness." "Nope, they're having too much fun," they said, adding that they will return in a week. "But what about Unc
"Please leave. Now." Coy stated in a stern voice. Charlene's hands were shaking as she held the platter, and her eyes were full of sorrow. Her fingers burned as the coffee sloshed out of the cup. Charlene turned to go without a word, even though she was in pain. However, Thorne's voice trailed her
Charlene's coworkers were frightened as she spoke, looked at Vesta, and quickly retreated to rest against the wall. Intimidated. Esta saw Charlene too, but she averted her gaze immediately, displeased, and made her way to the elevator amid a gathering of terrified people. team of managers. set of m
Coy's face became sour, thinking Charlene was taking advantage of her position to receive preferential treatment. "Please be mindful of your attitude at work, Ms. Ross. Is this your home, in your opinion? With no change in attitude, Charlene picked up her purse. "If you're unsatisfied, you can fire







