Chapter 54

What about this coffee? "Coy inquired. Thorne cast a scornful glare at the coffee cup resting on his desk. "Take it away and get me a glass of tap water, will you?" Coy said. "Sure thing." Charlene was left to eat by herself in the workplace cafeteria at midday when Stewart left for a business lunch. Her coworkers were courteous but avoided her. Charlene seemed unconcerned by it. She got right back to work after lunch. She went to Patton, her project manager, just after five o'clock. "I believe I've essentially nailed it. Would you want to have a look?" What?

Patton was initially perplexed, but as he read the materials Charlene gave him, his perplexity gave way to complete disbelief. "You... you've finished everything?" The previous team leader, Raleigh, had set aside more than two weeks to complete this task. And in less than a day, Charlene had figured it all out and completed it? "Yep," Charlene said. The realization that Charlene had done a superb job and that her effort had given him new insights he hadn't thought of for his assignments left Patton stunned.

The word got out. Other coworkers soon gathered around, likewise amazed by Charlene's accomplishment. Patton, still reeling from his disbelief, gave Charlene a disbelieving look. "Are you for real, just an undergrad?" After a pause, Charlene said, "I didn't go after a master's." No way! How might an undergraduate perform better than a group of seasoned master's and Ph.D. holders? "Why didn't you pursue your master's degree?" Patton questioned. "Money problems at home?" But it didn't seem to be the case when you looked at Charlene. She shouldn't have to worry about tuition because of her abilities. Charlene looked down.

"No, it's just some personal reasons." "Maybe I'll consider further studies later," she said with a smile. Around seven, Charlene departed the workplace after having a quick conversation and helping her coworkers with a few more work-related questions. Stewart was waiting for her at the entrance as she stepped out. "Making an impression and gaining everyone's admiration on your first day. That's the real you. Charlene smiled. "Will you buy me dinner? Stewart's eyebrow went up. "What else do you suppose I was here to wait for?

They laughed and walked out of the office together. When a child scampered by twenty minutes later as they were ready to enter a restaurant, Charlene staggered back and nearly fell, but Stewart's quick reflexes caught her by the waist. Charlene was ready to thank them and let out a sigh of relief when she noticed Thorne and Moran in the distance. They also noticed her. Thorne stopped completely. Moran's eyebrows went up.

Charlene pursed her lips, looked aside, and pushed Stewart away. "Did you hurt your ankle?" Stewart worriedly inquired, unaware of Thorne and Moran. Charlene gave a headshake. "No, I'm fine." "That's excellent. Then let's leave." Charlene followed Stewart inside without another look at Thorne. Moran watched incredulously as Charlene reacted. "That was your wife, right?" Thorne said nothing. She completely ignored us and was all chummy with Stewart," sneered Moran. Is this a novel tactic to regain your favor? Are you trying to incite jealousy? Moran started laughing before Thorne could reply. "She's overthinking this." Without responding, Thorne said, "Let's go."