Frozen Moments in a Festive Blur

"Ms. Vance, a moment of your time?"

Elara turned to find Alistair Dubois approaching her with swift determination. She had just exited a meeting room at YodaVision headquarters, mentally exhausted from the three-hour product development discussion.

"Mr. Dubois, this is unexpected." Her voice remained neutral despite her surprise. "I wasn't aware we had a meeting scheduled."

Alistair's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Some matters are better discussed... spontaneously."

Before she could respond, Julian appeared beside her, as if materializing from thin air. "Elara, we need to review the finalized prototype specs before the investors arrive."

Alistair's expression soured. "Mr. Croft, I'm attempting to have a private conversation with Ms. Vance."

"About?" Julian challenged, crossing his arms.

"Personal matters."

"I assume you mean the press statement you're preparing about your alleged relationship with our CEO?" Julian's voice was casual, but his eyes were steel.