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87 A Rival’s Ascendancy at Innova Tech
67 A Rival’s Ascendancy at InnovaTech
Elara smoothed down her blazer as she and Julian entered the imposing glass doors of InnovaTech. The company’s headquarters radiated power and innovation–all sleek lines and minimalist design.
“Ready?” Julian asked, giving her a sideways glance.
“As I’ll ever be,” she replied, keeping her voice steady despite the fluttering in her
stomach.
She’d spent hours preparing for this meeting. Every document was meticulously organized, every potential question anticipated. This contract mattered too much to YodaVision–to her future–to let personal feelings interfere.
The
receptionist directed them to the main conference room on the thirty–second floor. As the elevator climbed, Elara focused on her breathing, maintaining the calm exterior she’d perfected over years of business negotiations.
Henry Quinn was waiting for them when they arrived, his familiar lanky frame rising to greet them.
“Ms. Vance, Mr. Croft, welcome to InnovaTech,” he said warmly, shaking both their
hands.
A second man stepped forward. “Jonathan Knox, he introduced himself with a firm handshake. “Head of Strategic Partnerships.”
The conference room was spacious, with floor–to–ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. Elara took a seat, arranging her materials precisely before her.
“I understand Mr. Thorne won’t be joining us today,” Julian remarked casually as they
settled in.
Henry exchanged a quick glance with Jonathan. “Actually, Mr. Thorne is in the building. today. He may stop by later.“/
Elara’s stomach tightened, but she kept her expression neutral. “Let’s get started
then.”
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67 A Rivals Ascendancy at InnovaTech
For the next hour, they discussed contract specifics–Implementation timelines, resource allocation, financial terms. Elara was in her element, smoothly addressing concerns and clearly articulating YodaVision’s capabilities.
“Your language processing algorithms are impressive, Jonathan admitted, reviewing the technical specifications. “The security applications alone could revolutionize-”
The door swung open, cutting him short.
Elara didn’t need to look up to know who had entered. The sudden shift in the room’s energy said it all. She kept her eyes on her tablet, finishing her note before slowly raising her head.
It wasn’t Damien.
It was Vivienne.
She glided into the room like she owned it, dressed in a tailored power suit that emphasized her perfect figure. Her hair was pulled back in an elegant chignon, highlighting her flawless bone structure.
“I hope I’m not interrupting, Vivienne said, her voice smooth as honey.
Jonathan immediately stood. “Not at all, Ms. Dubois. Please, join us.”
Elara fought to keep her expression neutral as Vivienne took a seat directly across from her. Of all the possible complications, this was the one she’d least prepared for.
“Ms. Dubois is consulting with us on several key projects,” Henry explained, his tone
reverent.
Julian raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t aware you were involved with InnovaTech, Ms. Dubois.”
Vivienne smiled, a perfect flash of white teeth. “Damien values my input on certain matters.” She said his name with intimate familiarity, her eyes briefly flickering to Elara.
The message was clear: I belong here. You don’t.
Jonathan cleared his throat! “We were just discussing the security applications of YodaVision’s algorithms.”
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“Fascinating” Vivienne replied, leaning forward slightly. “Would you mind if I take a look at the contract details?”
Elara tensed. The contract contained proprietary information about YodaVision’s technology–information that should be shared only with official InnovaTech representatives.
Before she could voice her concern, Jonathan slid the document across the table
toward Vivienne.
“Of course. Mr. Thorne trusts Ms. Dubois completely with confidential matters,” he explained, noticing Elara’s expression.
Elara watched as Vivienne began reviewing the document, her manicured finger tracing along key points. The casual way she accessed this information struck Elara like a physical blow.
During their marriage, Damien had never shared business details with her. She’d been kept firmly outside his professional world, told repeatedly that business and personal boundaries must be maintained.
“These terms are quite generous,” Vivienne commented, looking up at Jonathan. “Perhaps too generous for what’s being offered?”
Julian stiffened beside Elara. “Our technology speaks for itself,” he countered smoothly. “The value proposition is clear.”
Vivienne smiled again, this one not quite reaching her eyes. “Of course. I’m simply advocating for InnovaTech’s best interests.”
As if she were already an executive here, Elara thought bitterly.
Henry jumped in, explaining technical details that clearly aimed to smooth over the moment of tension. Elara forced herself to refocus, contributing to the conversation with practiced professionalism.
The meeting continued for another forty minutes, with Vivienne occasionally interjecting
questions that, while technically relevant, subtly undercut YodaVision’s position. Each time, Elara responded with calm precision, refusing to be rattled.
When they finally reached a tentative agreement on all major points, Jonathan closed his folder with satisfaction.
67 A Rival’s Ascendancy at innovaTech
“I think this will be a fruitful partnership, he declared. “The final contract will be ready for signatures next week.
As they gathered their materials, Julian turned to Vivienne. “Will you be joining InnovaTech officially, Ms. Dubois? You seem quite involved already.”
A calculated question, Elara knew, Julian was fishing for information about their
competition.
Vivienne smiled enigmatically. “Damien has offered me a position, but I prefer to maintain my independence. My research demands flexibility.”
“A pity,” Jonathan interjected passionately. “Your research on multilingual AI recognition is groundbreaking. The industry still talks about your presentation at the
Geneva Tech Summit.”
Elara looked up sharply. Multilingual AI recognition was her specialty at YodaVision- the very technology they were discussing today.
Jonathan continued, his admiration evident. “That paper you published in Computational Linguistics last year was revolutionary. Honestly, Ms. Dubois, InnovaTech would be incredibly fortunate to have someone with your expertise on
board.”
“You’re too kind,” Vivienne demurred, but her expression was triumphant as her gaze slid to Elara.
“I’m serious,” Jonathan insisted. “Mr. Thorne himself said your approach to language pattern recognition is unparalleled. The applications for security systems alone would transform our entire product line.”
Each word hit Elara like an arrow. Not only was Vivienne being granted access to confidential business matters, but she was also being courted for her expertise in Elara’s own field–with Damien’s explicit endorsement.
“Perhaps someday,” Vivienne replied graciously. “For now, I’m content with my current
arrangement.”
As they all stood to leave, Henry touched Elara’s elbow. “Ms. Vance, could I have a quick word about the implementation schedule?”
Elara nodded, stepping aside with Henry while Julian engaged in polite small talk with
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67 A Rival’s Ascendancy at Innova Tuch
Jonathan.
“I just wanted to say, Henry lowered his voice, “your work on this project has been exemplary. The clear documentation and thoughtful architecture really impressed our
team.”
“Thank you,” Elara replied, genuinely surprised by the compliment.
He adjusted his glasses nervously. “I know Ms. Dubois’s presence can be somewhat… intimidating. But I want you to know your expertise is valued here.”
Before Elara could respond, she heard Jonathan’s voice rise with enthusiasm behind.
her.
“Ms. Dubois, I simply must insist you reconsider! With your background in advanced Al linguistics and pattern recognition, you’d revolutionize everything we’re doing here. The entire department would benefit from your leadership!”
Elara turned slowly, meeting Vivienne’s eyes across the room. In them, she saw not just triumph, but a clear message: Everything you are, everything you do, I can do better- and Damien knows it.
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