149 Calculated Displays and Open Scorn
149 Calculated Displays and Open Scorn
“The torque ratio seems off on the second turn,” Elara observed quietly to Julian. “And
the calibration on the serong system needs adjustment. There’s a three–second
lag before curve response.”
Julian checked his watch.
We should test the second prototype. I’d like to drive this
one with Elara, if there are no objections.”
“Impressive handling,” Lucas commented as they approached the observation area.
And that could prove very useful information indeed.
Jorge led his team with practiced confidence, occasionally glancing back at Elara with barely concealed curiosity. His resemblance to Theodore was unmistakable now that she knew to look for it.
The supervisor smiled warmly at the couple. “Of course, sir. Ms. Dubois, if you’ll follow me to get suited up.”
“The second prototype performed well,” Julian announced to the group. “Though we’ve identified several areas for improvement in the AI response system.”
As their car pulled away from InnovaTech, Xavier turned to Jorge near the building
entrance.
Damien barely acknowledged the statement. “We’ll review the data and reconvene next week. In the meantime, I’d like to invite everyone to dinner to celebrate today’s successful tests.”
Behind them, Beck began discussing logistics for the dinner, smoothly filling the uncomfortable silence.
Large monitors flickered to life around the observation area, displaying multiple angles of the track. The prototype–a glossy black sports car with InnovaTech’s logo emblazoned on its side–waited at the starting line.
Jorge approached Elara and Julian. “Impressive machine, isn’t it? Our engineers have been working overtime.”
She nodded, maintaining her composure despite the tension crackling in the air.
149 Calculated Displays and Open Scorn
Outside in the parking garage, Julian’s rigid posture finally relaxed. “I’m sorry if I overstepped. I just couldn’t stomach the thought of sitting through dinner watching that display.”
“Much better torque on this model,” she noted, checking the dashboard readings. “But the Al response time still needs work.”
The bluntness of his refusal created an awkward silence. Damien’s expression hardened, unused to such direct rejection.
“I know my job, Mr. Robinson.”
“Exactly what I observed,” Elara stated, speaking directly to Lucas rather than Vivienne or Damien.
“Perhaps another time,” Lucas offered diplomatically.
The engine roared to life as Vivienne took the driver’s seat, Damien sliding in beside her. Together, they would test the vehicle that represented months of collaborative work between YodaVision and InnovaTech.
“I’m fine right here, thank you,” Elara replied with calm dignity.
As they walked toward the exit, Elara could feel Damien’s eyes on her back. She didn’t turn around. There was nothing left to see there.
“None at all,” Lucas replied before Damien could speak.
Vivienne beamed. “The responsiveness is remarkable. Though I noticed some hesitation on the curves.”
“We can move to the technical area if you’d prefer,” Lucas offered quietly, appearing beside her. His expression held genuine concern.
She disappointed him with a professional nod. “She’s always been skilled behind the wheel.”
“Dr. Dubois is quite the driver,” Jorge remarked, watching Elara’s face for a reaction.
Vivienne stayed close to Damien’s side, her crimson dress a stark contrast to the clinical environment. Her laughter echoed through the facility at something Damien whispered in her ear.
149 Calculated Displays and Open Scorn
Elara watched as Vivienne was escorted to the preparation area, staff members
fluttering around her like attendants to royalty. Not once did the woman acknowledge Elara’s presence–a deliberate choice that spoke volumes.
The test continued for twenty minutes, Vivienne putting the vehicle through increasingly complex maneuvers. Each successful turn was met with Damien’s approving smile, captured perfectly by strategically placed cameras.
“She might as well be,” Elara replied softly, surprised by how little pain the admission caused. The time for hurt had passed; now there was only clarity.
Every moment was broadcast across the monitors for all to see–including Elara. “They’re treating her like she’s his wife,” Julian observed, voice tight with disgust.
“No,” Jorge replied thoughtfully. “He certainly doesn’t.”
Earlier, he might have dismissed it as typical business rivalry. Now, it seemed he hadn’t been imagining things. Julian Croft’s animosity toward Damien Thorne was real, palpable, and growing more obvious by the day.
The invitation was clearly directed at Jorge’s team and the InnovaTech executives. Julian’s response was immediate and cutting.
Julian’s smile was cold. “I wouldn’t count on it.” He turned to Elara. “Ready to go?”
The group made their way to the test track, tension hanging thick in the air. Elara walked beside Julian, maintaining a professional demeanor despite Vivienne’s calculated snub. The test track stretched before them–a sleek, winding path designed to push vehicles to their limits.
Julian studied her with surprised admiration. “You can tell that just by watching?”
“So have ours,” Julian replied curtly.
“That Julian Croft really doesn’t like Damien Thorne or anyone associated with him, does he?” Xavier observed.
“She’s putting on quite a show,” Julian muttered under his breath.
“Don’t apologize,” Elara replied, genuine appreciation in her voice. “It was refreshing to have someone speak so plainly.”
149 Calculated Displays and Open Scor
Jorge watched the departing vehicle with newfound understanding. For weeks, he’d noticed Julian’s protective stance toward Elara, the way he positioned himself between her and Damien during meetings, the cold glares directed at Vivienne.
Damien nodded. “Excellent. Vivienne will test drive the first prototype.”
The track supervisor approached, clipboard in hand. “We’re ready whenever you are, Mr. Thorne.”
The test concluded with Vivienne bringing the vehicle to a perfect stop. Applause erupted from Jorge’s team as the couple emerged from the car, Damien’s hand once again finding the small of Vivienne’s back.
Jorge overheard her assessment, his eyebrows rising. “You know your engines, Dr.
Vance.”
Elara kept her expression neutral. “Focus on the demonstration. That’s why we’re
here.”
Damien joined Vivienne at the vehicle. The cameras caught their interaction in high definition: his hand lingering at her waist, her smile filled with intimate promise, his eyes fixed on her with open admiration. Their voices weren’t audible, but their body language told the story clearly.
Julian handled the vehicle with precision, following Elara’s quiet suggestions about testing particular features. They worked in seamless coordination, professional and focused.
On screen, Vivienne accelerated around the first curve, handling the powerful vehicle with expert precision. Damien leaned close, pointing at something on the dashboard. Their easy familiarity was unmistakable.
“We’ll pass,” he said, not bothering to hide his disdain. “Elara and I have other commitments.”
“I memorized the specs,” she replied simply. “That engine should be delivering 479 pound–feet of torque with a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds. It’s underperforming.”
Fifteen minutes later, Elara sat beside Julian in the second prototype–a silver model with slightly different specifications. As they pulled onto the track, she felt a sudden sense of liberation. Here, surrounded by technology and focused on work, she was in her element.
149 Calculated Displays and Open Scorn
When they completed their test and returned to the observation area, Damien was deep in conversation with Jorge and Beck. Vivienne stood slightly apart, her expression souring as she watched Elara and Julian approach.
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