Chapter 775

Dr. Wagner had come specifically to introduce Charlene and Stewart to his network.

While his peers would have treated them with respect regardless, having him there in person made a massive difference.

Thorne knew Dr. Wagner had arrived, but he didn't go out of his way to approach him. It wasn't until they bumped into each other as the event wound down around noon that he offered a polite nod. "Dr. Wagner."

Dr. Wagner gave a frigid nod in return, leaving shortly after with Charlene and Stewart.

The rest of the day was intensely fulfilling. Charlene engaged in deep academic discussions with industry veterans and squeezed in a few interviews.

Before long, it was time for the evening's main event: the National Tech Awards Gala.

Charlene sat with Dr. Wagner's group, not too far from Thorne, though they didn't acknowledge each other once.

When Charlene was announced as the winner of the Award for Excellence in Research Papers, the online rumors proved true-Dr. Wagner himself walked onto the stage to present it.

As he took the podium, the host smiled. "Rumor has it that Mr. Wagner made a rare exception to attend tonight specifically to present this award to Ms. Ross. Is that true?"

Dr. Wagner's expression remained stern, but he didn't hesitate. "It is."

The blunt admission caught the host off guard, and Charlene was just as surprised.

She knew he was here for her. He had even taken two extra days off a near- impossible feat for someone with his schedule.

Years ago, when she abandoned her beloved career to get married and have a child, he hadn't lectured her. And when she finally returned to the Al field, he hadn't pressured her. But she knew how much it had pained him to see her waste her talent.

He rarely praised her recent accomplishments out loud, but tonight proved just how incredibly proud he was.

A lump formed in her throat, her eyes welling with unshed tears.

The host recovered with a smile. "Ms. Ross has achieved so much at such a young age. I'm sure you must be incredibly proud. Is there anything you'd like to say to her the this moment?"

The audience waited, expecting a heartfelt speech. Instead, Dr. Wagner offered three simple words. "Keep pushing forward."

With that, he handed her the trophy.

Tears blurred Charlene's vision, but a radiant smile broke across her face. She took

the heavy award from her mentor's hands. "I will. I promise."

I won't let you down again.

She kept that last part to herself.

As she finished speaking, her gaze swept over the audience and immediately landed on Thorne.

He was looking right back at her.

He sat among the crowd, clapping along with the rest of the attendees.

Sensing her eyes on him, a small smile touched his lips.

Charlene froze for a split second before hastily looking away.

The host turned to her again. "Congratulations, Ms. Ross. Everyone knows you and Mr. Ferguson make an incredible team, and he's sitting right there in the audience. Is there anything you'd like to say to him?"

Charlene thought of everything Stewart had done for her over the past year his unwavering support his endless patience. Warmth bloomed in her chest. The tears threatened to spill over again, but her smile only grew brighter.