Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 495

He appeared here, but it wasn’t as if he intended to join them or to stir up trouble.

Looking at Charlene, he spoke with an easy familiarity, “Heading out to eat with Mr. Harden?”

Charlene nodded. “Yeah.”

“You’ll be back later, right?”

“That’s right.”

She still had unfinished business to take care of and needed to return afterward.

Gaylord nodded. “Alright, I’ll come find you a bit later then.”

With that, he said nothing more. He glanced briefly at Granger before turning and walking away.

Granger knew perfectly well that Gaylord was provoking him.

Gaylord was making it clear that, while Granger had to go to great lengths just to invite Charlene out, Gaylord knew all about her schedule and had plenty of chances to spend time with her. He didn’t even feel the need to play petty games or sabotage Granger’s efforts.

But Granger didn’t let the provocation get under his skin. He wasn’t upset or anxious.

Truth be told, from what he could see, Charlene didn’t seem interested in either of them—at least not in the way they hoped. So, he and Gaylord were really just two sides of the same coin.

If he had a choice, Granger would rather Charlene developed feelings for one of them—even if it wasn’t him—than remain completely indifferent.

A while back, Daisy had been taken home by her grandmother, and Granger had mentioned it to Charlene before.

Now, as they arrived at the restaurant, Charlene realized it had been some time since she’d heard anything about Daisy. Unable to hold back, she asked, “How’s Daisy doing these days?”

Her question warmed Granger’s heart. “She’s doing well. She called a couple of days ago and said she misses you—said she wants to come back and play with you.”

Charlene smiled. “That’d be lovely.”

Speaking of Daisy, Granger hesitated for a moment before adding, “I heard Minnie’s training has gone well this time, too. She’ll probably win something at the next competition.”

They, too, were surprised to see Charlene, but knowing that Granger and PrimeStar still maintained a solid business partnership, they didn’t think much of Granger and Charlene dining together.

Georgina offered a polite smile. “Sorry, Granger, Leah shouldn’t have interrupted your dinner.”

Granger still respected Georgina and Katie as elders, so he nodded. “It’s alright.”

But he showed no such courtesy to Leah. “Ms. Spencer, you and I are hardly acquainted. I hope this won’t happen again. Do you understand me, Ms. Spencer?”

He wasn’t just warning her—he was drawing a line in the sand.

Leah truly liked Granger. Hearing him reject her so firmly, especially in front of Charlene, she was so hurt that tears welled up and spilled over. She choked out, “I—I didn’t mean to—”

But Granger’s heart didn’t soften.

Since the subject was out in the open, he decided to be absolutely clear. “If I’m not mistaken, Ms. Spencer, you seem to have feelings for me. But let me be perfectly honest—I’m not interested. There’s no possibility for anything between us. I hope you’ll respect those boundaries from now on.”