Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time

Charlene thought for a moment, then stood up. "I'll talk to you later. I need to take this call outside."

With that, she nodded a quick goodbye to Professor Hancock and the others, then slipped out of the private dining room, phone in hand.

As the door closed behind her, Stewart finally snapped out of his daze. His eyes widened in disbelief.

He had wondered once, at a gala last year, when he saw Charlene and York dancing together, if there might be something more between them. But after that night, as far as he knew, they hadn't crossed paths again—so how could-

Gaylord Hearst, picking up on Stewart's reaction, instinctively glanced in Charlene's direction.

He didn't know York, hadn't even heard of him before. But the flicker of discomfort on Charlene's face, combined with Stewart's response, immediately put him on alert. Something was going on.

So, this York-was there something between him and Charlene?

Across the table, Thorne did know York. When Stewart spoke, Thorne cast a lazy, almost indifferent glance toward Charlene, intending to look away just as quickly. But the strange tension on her face caught his attention, and he paused, his gaze lingering thoughtfully as she left the room.

Outside, Charlene answered the call, barely opening her mouth before York spoke first. "I was starting to think you weren't going to pick up."

Charlene had always attracted attention, even as a teenager. Declarations of love from the opposite sex were nothing new to her. But after she got married and had a child, her life changed. She made no secret of her marital status at work, and for years, no one had confessed their feelings for her.

She and York were casual friends at best. And since her divorce from Thorne wasn't finalized, York's recent confession had left her uneasy. Now, with him calling again so soon, she was even more on edge.

conversation. At the time, even I thought my feelings were just a spur-of-the- moment thing. But after really reflecting on it, I realized it wasn't impulsive at all. Somewhere along the way, I started to genuinely like you. What I said

had already guessed why he was calling, but she hadn't expected him to lay it

if he'd spent a long time pondering every word. Before she could respond, he added, "Last time, you told me you were 'married.' Not that you are married, but that you have been. Can I ask—does that mean things are over? Are you divorced? Could you tell me

pressure in his tone, only

always liked York's respectful

quietly hoping

was never the type to be cold, especially to someone so considerate.

truth: "I filed for divorce

period isn't over, so you can't

my timing

voice dropping. "Thank you for your

།

tone still warm "You're not ready to jump into something new. Maybe you've

off guard by how perfectly

and sure. "I know

back

remembering her daughter,

explain that