147 Patrons, Praise, and Prying Eyes
147 Patrons, Praise, and Prying Eyes
“Mrs. Thorne,” Theodore said, taking her hand. “Your reputation precedes you.”
“Very well… Elara.” The name sounded stiff coming from his lips, as if unused to such informality.
“Remarkable,” Harold commented. “And you’ve been with Thorne Industries how long?”
Theodore nodded, his eyes calculating. “My son James recently returned from overseeing our European operations. Harvard Business School graduate, brilliant mind for strategy. Perhaps you’ve crossed paths in the tech sphere?”
“Thank you for picking me up, Mrs. Thorne,” Zachary said as he settled into the passenger seat. His demeanor was formal as always, briefcase balanced perfectly on his lap.
Elara felt Zachary’s gaze sharpen beside her.
Harold leaned forward. “What I find fascinating is how you solved the energy consumption problem. The Pentagon’s systems draw massive power.”
filed
“I am married,” she said simply, avoiding the actual question. The divorce papers in her desk drawer flashed through her mind, but she kept her expression neutral. “I believe talent should never be confined,” she said carefully. “But partnerships- business or personal–require mutual respect above all else.”
“Your work with neural interfaces could revolutionize medical technology,” Harold continued. “William would find that fascinating. Perhaps you’d be willing to speak at one of our foundation events?”
Elara’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. Theodore Robinson was the Secretary of Defense, and Harold Jennings chaired the Senate Technology Committee. These weren’t casual lunch companions.
The restaurant came into view–an elegant Italian establishment with valet service and discreet security. As they pulled up, Zachary leaned closer.
“I wasn’t aware we were meeting such… distinguished guests,” she said carefully.
“If you don’t mind my asking, Mrs. Thorne, how old are you? You’ve accomplished so
147 Patrons, Praise, and Prying Eyes
much already.”
As their main courses arrived, Theodore steered the conversation in a new direction.
Elara maintained her composed smile, though inwardly she was processing their intentions. These men had come to discuss business but had clearly identified something else–a brilliant woman whose marriage they sensed was unstable.
The men exchanged another look, clearly impressed by both her intellect and composure. Their interest was more than professional now–they saw her value not just as a brilliant mind, but as a potential alliance for their families.
“Indeed,” Harold added. “Your work on predictive algorithms has been revolutionary.” Elara nearly missed a turn. That project had been her pride–before she’d stepped away from the company to focus on her failing marriage.
Theodore recovered first, straightening slightly. “Yes, of course. The interface’s application in satellite communications…”
Inside, Theodore and Harold rose from their table as Zachary made introductions. Both men were in their sixties, dressed in impeccable suits that spoke of power and influence.
“I see. And how is married life treating you?” Harold asked.
Both men exchanged impressed glances.
“Seven years,” she replied. “Though my work with YodaVision predates that.”
“I’m thirty–four,” Elara answered, taking a sip of water.
Elara shook her head politely. “I don’t believe so.”
Or he found something more important to do, Elara thought, remembering countless times Damien had prioritized Vivienne over business obligations.
The conversation shifted back to business, but Elara couldn’t help but wonder about Zachary’s intervention. Was he protecting her? Or protecting Damien’s interests?
“These men respect intellect above all else,” he said quietly. “Be yourself. That will be more than enough.”
“YodaVision’s valuation has doubled since you returned,” Harold commented. “Julian
147 Patrons, Praise, and Prying Eyes
Croft seems to have recognized what a gem he had.”
“Precisely what makes your design superior,” Theodore nodded, dabbing his mouth with a napkin. “Military applications require that balance.”
“Microfusion is the answer,” Elara replied without hesitation. “My team developed chips that require minimal power while processing enormous data sets.”
The message was unmistakable: enough personal probing.
Elara felt a flicker of amusement amid her discomfort. Here she was, technically still married to one of the most powerful men in the country, while two other powerful men subtly auditioned her as a potential daughter–in–law.
Throughout the discussion, Zachary remained mostly silent, observing. Occasionally, he’d interject to provide context about Thorne Industries‘ involvement, but largely, he let Elara command the conversation.
The implication hung in the air. Harold nodded sagely. “Precisely why William values independent thinkers. He always says the right partnership elevates rather than confines.”
“I’m flattered by the invitations,” she replied diplomatically. “I’d need to check schedule, of course.”
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The morning sun filtered through the car windows as Elara navigated through the busy streets. After last night’s call from Mr. Newman, she had decided to fulfill her obligation to pick up Zachary Newman today, though not without some internal conflict.
Harold chuckled. “My William is the same age as James. He heads our family’s foundation now–very interested in technological innovations for developing countries.”
Theodore tilted his head. “Is that where you met your husband?”
Before Elara could respond, Zachary cleared his throat. It was a small sound, but it commanded attention instantly.
The question caught Elara off–guard. She set down her fork carefully.
As dessert was served, she caught Zachary watching her with an inscrutable expression. For the first time, she wondered exactly whose side Zachary Newman was
147 Patrons, Praise, and Prying Eyes
on–and what he really knew about the state of her marriage.
Elara smiled, feeling a familiar confidence return–the self–assurance she always had when discussing her work. “Thank you. I’m honored you’re familiar with my research.”
Zachary checked his watch. “We have a reservation at Portofino’s in twenty minutes. Theodore Robinson and Harold Jennings are already waiting.”
Theodore nodded, studying her with renewed interest. “Of course. Family obligations must take priority. Though I imagine a woman of your talents must sometimes feel… limited by conventional arrangements.”
“And James is hosting a tech summit next month,” Theodore added smoothly. “We’d be honored to have you present.”
“Your YodaVision work. Specifically, the neural interface system you developed three years ago.”
A small, unexpected pain twisted in Elara’s chest. If only Damien had ever recognized
that.
Theodore’s eyes gleamed with approval. “Well said, Mrs. Thorne. Your husband is a fortunate man.”
The temperature at the table seemed to drop several degrees as Zachary fixed both men with a look so cold and warning that their smiles faltered simultaneously.
“No, actually. We met through mutual acquaintances.”
“Mr. Thorne originally planned to attend,” Zachary explained. “However, he felt your expertise would be more valuable given the topic of discussion.”
“I see,” she said, collecting herself. “I’ll do my best.”
“Gentlemen,” he said, his voice quiet yet impossibly clear. “I believe we were discussing the neural interface project.”
The unexpected vote of confidence caught Elara off guard. She nodded, grateful for the small kindness.
“What exactly are we discussing?” she asked.
The conversation’s shift was subtle but unmistakable. Elara recognized the
147 Patrons, Praise, and Prying Eyes
maneuvering–these powerful men were sizing her up, not just as a brilliant mind, but as a potential match for their sons.
They settled into their seats, and the conversation flowed easily through appetizers. Elara found herself explaining complex technological concepts with the clarity that had once made her a standout in her field.
“The challenge wasn’t the response time,” she explained, using her hands to illustrate. “It was creating a system that could anticipate needs without becoming intrusive.
“You’re welcome, Mr. Newman. And please, call me Elara.” She smiled politely, keeping her eyes on the road.
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