Chapter 785

For the next two days, Charlene Ross was even busier, not even having a moment of free time on Saturday.

Jasmine Henderson called. Knowing she had to work during the day on Saturday, she asked, "What about the evening? Do you not have time tonight either, Mom?"

"Right, Mom has other things to take care of tonight."

Jasmine: "Dad doesn't have time tonight either."

Charlene guessed that Thorne Henderson was probably also attending the anniversary gala of Dr. Lucas's Research Institute.

Dr. Lucas had previously served as the Global Executive Vice President of a top- three tech company in the world for many years. He was a rare top-tier figure in the domestic Al academic and industrial circles, possessing both a top international academic reputation and elite corporate industry experience.

His network and resources were unimaginable.

Dr. Lucas's Research Institute had also just achieved a major technological breakthrough recently. Therefore, tonight's anniversary gala for Dr. Lucas would certainly not lack the presence of heavyweights from the academic and business circles.

The chances of Thorne showing up were naturally quite high.

However, she didn't tell Jasmine this, nor did she mention that she and Thorne might be going to the exact same place tonight.

She still had work to do. After chatting with Jasmine for a few moments, she quickly put down her phone and got back to her own business.

That evening, Charlene and Stewart Ferguson appeared at Dr. Lucas's anniversary gala at eight o'clock.

By this time, quite a few people had already arrived at the banquet.

Perhaps someone had specifically been keeping an eye out, because as soon as Charlene and Stewart arrived, Dr. Lucas personally came out to welcome them. "Mr. Ferguson and Director Ross, we've finally been looking forward to you two."

"Dr. Lucas."

Charlene and Stewart quickly greeted him. Stewart hurriedly said, "Dr. Lucas, you're being too polite. You're really flattering us."

No matter what, he and Charlene were juniors in front of Dr. Lucas. For Dr. Lucas to welcome them so grandly, they were indeed flattered.

Dr. Lucas patted Stewart's shoulder and then looked at Charlene, his face full of satisfaction. He couldn't help but sigh, "I've been keeping an eye on the projects you've done and the papers you've published can only say that the younger generation is formidable. It's just that I've been busy abroad for some time and haven't had time to rush back and have a proper chat with you two. We finally have a chance today, so we must-"

As Charlene had expected, tonight was truly a gathering place for business and academic heavyweights.

They had just exchanged pleasantries with Dr. Lucas for a while when other prominent figures arrived, so Dr. Lucas had to excuse himself first.

As soon as Charlene and Stewart had a free moment, Charlene noticed that someone seemed to be staring at her. She turned herhead: and saw Raleigh.

Raleigh only glared at her coldly. Seeing her look over, he didn't withdraw his gaze,

but just sipped his drink, silently confronting her.

Charlene frowned.

Stewart also noticed Raleigh's gaze.

He hadn't expected Raleigh to be here either.

He patted Charlene's shoulder, silently telling her to ignore him.

Charlene nodded.

She hadn't intended to pay attention to Raleigh anyway.

Just as she was thinking this, she turned her gaze back and saw the figures of Thorne and Vesta Hawkins.

Dr. Lucas had a good relationship with Lloyd Henderson and Claudia's maiden family. Seeing Thorne walk over proactively, he smiled. "It's so late, I thought you weren't coming...

Thorne smiled. "What are you talking about? How could I not?"

"What wouldn't you dare do?" Dr. Lucas scoffed dismissively, and then his gaze fell on Vesta. He asked, "Is this your girlfriend?"