A Child's Plea, A Rival's Approach

Julian's office door swung open without warning. Elara looked up from the prototype schematics spread across his desk to see Beck Harper striding in, confidence radiating from his tall frame.

"I apologize for dropping by unannounced," Beck said, his gaze sweeping over their work before settling on Julian. "But my calls weren't being returned."

Julian straightened, his expression carefully neutral. "Mr. Harper. I've been preoccupied with urgent matters."

"More urgent than a potential eight-figure partnership?" Beck raised an eyebrow. He nodded politely toward Elara. "Ms. Vance. Good to see you again."

Elara returned the greeting with a professional smile. She knew Beck's reputation well—brilliant, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to Damien Thorne. His presence at YodaVision couldn't be coincidental.

Julian gestured toward the chair across from his desk. "I assume this visit concerns Thorne Industries' interest in CroftVision?"