118 An Unexpected Encounter and Lingering Shadows
“We’re acquainted,” I managed to say, my voice betraying nothing of my inner turmoil.
Vivienne turned at the sound of her name, her eves narrowing slightly when she spotted me. Her red lips curved into a practice smile as Oscar approached.
Oscar, oblivious to my distraction, continued discussing potential partnerships. I forced myself to focus on him rather than the table across the room.
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Julian whispered.
I watched them drive away, my composure intact but my insides churning.
“I can have the documents ready by-” I stopped mid–sentence.
“What is it?” I asked, pressing the phone closer to my ear as I settled into my car.
As I got into my car, I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror. Despite the encounter, my eyes were clear, my expression composed. The woman looking back at
me wasn’t broken or defeated.
Oscar proved to be not just a potential investor but a delightful dinner companion. His enthusiasm for our work was infectious, and by the time we finished dessert, I had almost forgotten about the other table.
The next day passed in a blur of meetings and development sessions. Our new AI security system was progressing well, and investor interest was growing. By evening, I felt a genuine sense of accomplishment as I changed into a sleek navy dress for dinner
with our client.
“Where is Damien?” Julian asked, his tone deliberately casual. “I thought I saw him
earlier.”
“This has been extraordinarily productive,” Oscar said as he signed the check. “I’d like to move forward with the partnership. Have your legal team send over the paperwork
tomorrow.”
“One glass won’t affect my judgment,” I replied quietly. “Besides, I need something to steady my nerves.”
Julian followed my gaze and frowned. “We can leave if you’d prefer.”
118 An Unexpected Encounter and Lingering Shadows
“Soon to be ex–wife,” Vivienne corrected smoothly before I could respond. Her smile remained perfect, but her eyes held a glint of triumph.
Vivienne’s smile didn’t falter. “He had to take an important call. Business never stops for him, you know.”
I was explaining our privacy safeguards when vement at the entrance caught my eye. My words faltered as I recognized the group being seated across the restaurant.
I managed a small smile. “Not at all, Oscar. Some encounters are simply unavoidable in
Baumond.”
“Something we understand well at YodaVision,” I replied evenly. “Speaking of which, we should be going. We have early meetings tomorrow.”
Oscar nodded, still looking slightly confused. “Of course. I’ll call you tomorrow to
finalize details.”
My smile faded. The news shouldn’t have affected me, yet it did.
“Elara? You still there?” Chloe asked after my prolonged silence.
“Yes,” I said, starting the engine. “Thanks for letting me know.”
The night air felt refreshing after the warmth of the restaurant. Julian and I discussed next steps with Oscar as we walked toward the parking lot.
She was surviving. And someday, perhaps soon, she would be thriving.
“Our new client is extremely impressed with the prototype,” he said, falling into step
beside me as we walked to the conference room. “Oscar Fletcher wants to discuss
expansion possibilities over dinner tomorrow.”
Throughout dinner, I maintained my composure. When Damien’s gaze briefly met mine across the restaurant, I simply looked away without expression. I wouldn’t give him—or Vivienne–the satisfaction of seeing me affected.
After ending the call, I drove home with my mind churning. One more reminder that Damien was building a new life–one that didn’t include me.
Oscar looked between us, suddenly sensing the tension. “Oh, I see.”
“Are you okay?” Julian asked quietly as we walked to our own cars.
<
118 An Unexpected Encounter and Lingering Shadows
The thinly veiled reference to my mother–and by extension, our shared bloodline- made my skin crawl. Julian’s hand tightened on my back, a silent warning not to
engage.
“You okay? I thought you should hear it from me rather than be blindsided.”
Elara’s POV
“Indeed! I didn’t expect to see you here tonight,” Oscar replied, then turned to me with a beaming smile. “Elara, you didn’t mention you knew the Dubois family!”
As we stood to leave, I deliberately avoided looking in Damien’s direction. I wouldn’t give him power over this moment of success.
I considered turning around, but before I could suggest an alternate route, Oscar’s face lit up with recognition.
Still, I couldn’t help noticing how attentive Damien was being to Vivienne’s family. He pulled out chairs for both Vivienne and Erin, his hand lingering on Vivienne’s shoulder. He laughed at something Alistair said, his expression more relaxed than I’d seen in years of marriage. O
1
I smiled. “Let’s hope this one is less handsy than the last.”
“I’ll pass along any sincere wishes,” I replied, emphasis on ‘sincere.’
Vivienne’s eyes hardened slightly, but her smile remained fixed. “Oh, they’re quite sincere. Family is everything, after all.”
Julian muttered something under his breath, placing a supportive hand on my back.
The valet arrived with their car, breaking the moment. As they moved to leave,
Vivienne cast one last glance at me over her shoulder. “Enjoy your evening, Elara. Don’t
work too hard.”
“I heard Clara’s birthday celebration is this weekend,” she said, her voice honey–sweet. “Send her my regards, won’t you? I’ve always admired her resilience… especially considering her family circumstances.” 1
Chloe’s voice came through with barely contained excitement. “The Dubois family is officially settling in Baumond. They’re planning some extravagant housewarming
soon.”
118 An Unexpected Encounter and Lingering Shadows
The restaurant Julian had chosen was upscale but comfortable. Oscar Fletcher turned out to be surprisingly down–to–earth for someone with his wealth and influence- asking thoughtful questions about our technology and vision.
Oscar approached cautiously. “I feel I’ve stumbled into something complicated. My apologies if I caused any discomfort.”
“Mr. Fletcher, what a pleasant surprise,” she said smoothly, extending her manicured
hand.
“The applications for healthcare alone could transform patient outcomes,” he said, leaning forward with genuine interest.
Julian met me in the lobby. “Ready to charm another investor?”
When our waiter returned, I ordered another glass of wine.
The next morning, I focused on preparations for my grandmother’s birthday celebration. I carefully placed the two brocade boxes from Damien in my bag. Despite my complicated feelings about them, they were gifts for my grandmother, and she deserved to receive them.
Alistair Dubois stepped forward, his keen eyes assessing me. “Ms. Vance, isn’t it?
Damien’s wife?” 1
Standing near the valet station was Vivienne’s family. Damien was nowhere to be seen, but Alistair, Erin, Lilian, and Vivienne were waiting for their car.
Damien stood tall and commanding in a perfectly tailored suit. Beside him was Vivienne, radiant in emerald green. They were accompanied by Alistair Dubois, Vivienne’s father, along with her stepmother Erin and sister Lilian.
I shook
my
head. “No. I won’t be chased away.”
I nodded, grateful for the distraction of work. “Send me his background information. I’ll review it before the meeting.”
Before I could make my escape, Vivienne took a step closer to me.
At YodaVision’s offices, Julian greeted me with a stack of documents.
“Fine,” I said automatically, then paused. “Actually, no. But I will be.”
118 An Unexpected Encounter and Lingering Shadows
I appreciated her concern. “I’m fine. It was inevitable, wasn’t it? Vivienne getting exactly what she wanted.”
Julian and I exchanged pleased glances. This was a significant win for YodaVision.
My throat tightened. Of course, Oscar would know them–they moved in the same
social circles.
“Ms. Dubois! Mr. Dubois!” he called out enthusiastically, already moving toward them.
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