62 The Dinner Party’s Deceptivo Fall
62 The Dinner Party’s Deceptive Fall
Damien’s eyes flicked briefly to Julian Croft before returning to Bradley Newman. “We’ve considered several potential collaborations for the traffic integration project. Croft Technologies‘ programming language has impressive capabilities.
The entire table seemed to hold its breath. This was the closest Damien had come to
acknowledging any professional merit related to Elara since their separation.
Julian leaned forward slightly. “Our Al emotional recognition algorithms could significantly enhance user experience in autonomous vehicles. We’d be open to discussing possibilities.”
“I’d like to hear more details,” Damien replied with casual authority. “Perhaps we can arrange a formal presentation next month.”
Vivienne’s eyes widened slightly before she composed herself. “That could be beneficial for both companies,” she said smoothly. Her gaze drifted to Julian, lingering a moment longer than necessary. “I’d be happy to coordinate the technical aspects.”
Elara maintained her professional demeanor, though she noted the calculated interest in Vivienne’s eyes as she looked at Julian. It wasn’t surprising. Julian’s company was gaining significant attention in the tech world, and Vivienne had always been drawn to
ower and success.
“I’ll have my team prepare a proposal,” Julian said, nodding at Damien before turning to Elara. “We should update the integration models for the presentation.”
“Of course,” Elara replied evenly. “We can review them tomorrow.”
Vivienne’s gaze sharpened. “Julian, I’ve been following your work on emotional intelligence algorithms. I’d love to discuss how they might enhance our systems.”
Julian smiled politely. “Certainly. Though Elara is the true expert in that field. She pioneered our most successful applications.”
Several executives glanced at Elara with reassessed interest. She noted the surprise in their expressions, the subtle recalculations happening behind their eyes.
“Fascinating” Vivienne said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “I had no idea Elara was so… technically involved.”
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62 The Dinner Party’s Deceptive Fall
“Excuse me,” Julian said, checking his phone. “I need to make a quick call. Elara, would you mind getting me a sparkling water with lime while I step out?”
“Of course,” Elara replied, rising gracefully from her seat.
She made her way to the bar area set up at the side of the banquet hall, grateful for a moment away from the table’s subtle tensions. The bartender handed her Julian’s sparkling water, and she turned back toward the table.
A group of executives moved suddenly into her path, deep in conversation. Elara stepped aside to avoid them but collided with another guest walking behind her. The jolt sent her stumbling forward, right into Damien’s solid chest as he approached the bar.
His hands came up automatically to steady her, gripping her arms. For a breathless moment, they were closer than they’d been in months.
Elara looked up into his familiar face, momentarily frozen. The cologne he wore–the same one she’d given him years ago–filled her senses. His expression remained unreadable, his eyes cool.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly, regaining her balance.
Without a word, Damien released her and stepped back, putting deliberate distance. between them. His face showed nothing beyond mild irritation as he straightened his perfectly tailored jacket.
“Watch where you’re going,” he said simply, then continued past her to the bar.
Elara drew a steady breath and resumed her walk to the table, aware that several people had witnessed the exchange. She set the sparkling water at Julian’s place just as he returned from his call.
“Everything all right?” Julian asked, noticing her slightly flushed cheeks.
“Yes, just a small collision. Nothing serious.” She smiled reassuringly.
Across the room, Lennox leaned close to Vivienne. “Did you see that? She literally threw herself at him.”
Vivienne watched Damien ordering at the bar, her eyes calculating. “So predictable. She’s getting desperate.”
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SEAN
<62 The Dinner Party’s Deceptive Fall
“At least Damien made it clear where he stands,” Lennox replied. “He practically pushed her away.”
Vivienne’s lips curved in satisfaction. “Exactly as he should.”
Alistair Dubois, seated nearby, had observed the entire exchange. He’d previously thought Elara Vance was simply quiet and unassuming–a dull counterpart to Vivienne’s vibrant presence. But witnessing her stumble into Damien and the subsequent cold shoulder she received had him reconsidering.
Perhaps there was more to Elara than met the eye. The timing of the collision seemed suspiciously convenient. And hadn’t she been engaged in deep conversation with Bryson Leonard earlier? The same Bryson whose company was considering a partnership with Thorne Industries?
Alistair watched as Elara resumed her seat beside Julian, her expression composed and professional. Not a hint of embarrassment showed on her face despite the awkward encounter with her estranged husband.
“Interesting,” he murmured to himself.
When Damien returned to the table, he sat beside Vivienne without sparing Elara a glance. He handed Vivienne a glass of red wine–her favorite cabernet.
“Thank you, darling Vivienne said, her voice carrying just enough to ensure others heard the endearment.
She placed her hand on his arm possessively, casting a quick glance toward Elara, who
notice. was engaged in conversation with Julian and appeared not to
“So, Julian,” Vivienne called across the table, “when did you first recognize Elara’s… technical abilities? Was it during college?”
Julian looked up, his expression friendly but guarded. “We met in Dr. Chen’s advanced Al seminar. Elara’s thesis on emotional recognition patterns was groundbreaking. Several major companies tried to recruit her before graduation.”
“How fascinating” Vivienne replied, her tone suggesting exactly the opposite. “And yet she ended up working as an executive assistant at Thorne Industries for years. Quite a detour from such promise.”
Elara maintained her composure. “Life takes unexpected turns,” she said simply.
02 The Dainel Party’s Deemptive Fall
“Indeed it does, Vivienne agreed with a pointed smile. “Some people just aren’t cut out for the demanding world of technological innovation.”
Julian frowned slightly. “Actually, Elara’s return to the field has been remarkably seamless. Our latest project success rates have doubled since she rejoined the team.”
The conversation shifted when Charles Paxon began discussing market projections, but Alistair Dubois continued watching Elara. Her calm demeanor, the way she had managed to engage Bryson Leonard in deep conversation earlier, her apparent reconnection with Julian Croft’s company after years away–it all seemed calculated.
Even that stumble into Damien’s arms, which had appeared accidental… could it have been a ploy for attention? A way to remind Damien of their past?
Alistair’s gaze narrowed thoughtfully. Perhaps Elara Vance wasn’t merely quiet and unassuming after all. Perhaps she was adept at playing a more subtle game–using her apparent innocence to manipulate situations to her advantage.
He’d dismissed her before as insignificant compared to his niece Vivienne. Now, watching her calmly sip her water while navigating this complex social terrain, he wondered if he’d underestimated her all along.
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