Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne)

They chatted as they played golf, but honestly, it was pretty clear that Abelard and Darius were far more interested in their conversation than the actual game.

At first, they talked about world events, but soon enough, Abelard and Darius got caught up in a lively, on-the-spot strategy game-using coffee mugs and salt shakers to simulate a battlefield right there on the green.

Charlene and Stewart stood by, listening in, while Thorne and Vesta hung back as well, trying not to look too left out.

Maybe picking up on this, Darius glanced over and said, "Why don't you both weigh in? I'd love to hear your thoughts."

Charlene spoke up after a moment, "With enemies on all sides, charging in solo is a bad idea. So honestly, playing it safe and holding our ground seems like the smart move right now."

Vesta blinked. She had to admit, it was a pretty solid point-something she probably wouldn't have thought of herself.

Darius gave Charlene an approving nod, smiling. "Nicely put."

Stewart, quick on the uptake, shuffled two cups across their makeshift map. "I'd

go for a pincer movement-flank from both sides."

Abelard and Darius both grinned at that, clearly pleased with his tactic.noveldrama

Then all eyes turned to Thorne and Vesta-it was their turn.

Vesta studied the 'battlefield' but drew a blank. She looked to Thorne for backup.

Thorne spoke up, "We don't have enough troops left to defend the city, but if we swing through the northwest and cut off their retreat, we might just turn the tables."

Abelard clapped his hands. "Brilliant! And what about you, Vesta?"

Vesta hesitated, then gave it some thought. Slowly, a plan formed. "If we pull forces from the southeast and push hard on the northwest, we could take the city in one go."

That move directly challenged Charlene's earlier plan to hold steady.

Charlene raised an eyebrow, her voice cool. "The troops you're redeploying are right in the hottest contested zone. If you move them, every setup we've made falls apart."

Vesta froze, realizing she'd missed something big. Stewart chuckled. "Didn't catch that, huh, Ms. Hawkins? That spot's basically the key to everything."

Everyone had assumed it was obvious, but Vesta honestly hadn't noticed.

She might not have known all the ins and outs of military tactics, but she understood enough to realize she'd just undone the entire game.

With that, the mock battle was over-no point playing it out any further.

Suddenly, Vesta felt the sting of her mistake. Up until her turn, everyone's strategy had been solid. Now, she was the one who'd messed it up She tried to hide her

vet

embarrassment, managing a sheepish smile. "Sorry, this is my first time with this kind of game. Didn't mean to spoil the fun."

Darius just laughed. "It's only a game, Ms. Hawkins. No harm done."

Neither he nor Abelard seemed the least bit bothered. After all, they were just out here for a round of golf. So, they picked up their clubs and carried on.

As they played, Darius, Abelard, and even Hickey went out of their way to chat with Charlene, treating her with genuine warmth and making sure she felt included.

Watching them, Vesta couldn't help but notice how much they liked Charlene and how casual they were with her, always calling her by her first name. With Vesta, though, it was always "Ms. Hawkins." All this, just because of one research paper?

And Charlene? She handled their attention with total ease, chatting with Darius and the others as if it were the most natural thing in the world-no sign of nerves or O awkwardness.

Vesta smirked to herself. She had to admit, Charlene had a pretty thick skin. Still, even though she had her suspicions about Charlene's paper, Vesta kept quiet. Without proof, opening her mouth could easily backfire.

Charlene and Darius kept up their easy banter as they played, not paying any attention to Thorne or Vesta.

By the end of the morning, she and Thorne had barely spoken, keeping their distance and making it look like they had nothing to do with each other at all.