The Rival's Rising Tide

Vivienne Dubois stood at the center of the Shaws' lavish housewarming party. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead as waiters with silver trays circulated through the crowd. Everything was perfect—except for the most important detail.

"Damien still hasn't arrived?" Linda Shaw asked, appearing at Vivienne's side with two champagne flutes.

Vivienne accepted the drink with a practiced smile. "He's finishing up at the office. You know how he is about work."

Linda nodded sympathetically, though her eyes held a hint of doubt. "Of course. Though I heard Zachary Newman made quite an entrance at Clara Bellweather's dinner."

"Did he?" Vivienne kept her tone light. "Julian must have pulled some strings. Those tech types always stick together."

"You don't think Elara had anything to do with it?" Linda pressed.

Vivienne laughed softly. "Elara? Please. She may work at YodaVision now, but she's hardly influential. Julian is the real power there."