Echoes of Judgment

Elara's POV

Alistair and Vivienne Dubois stood conversing with Oscar Fletcher in the parking lot. Julian remained a few steps away from me, his posture rigid with tension.

Alistair glanced between Julian and me with interest. "Not working together tonight, Ms. Vance? Unusual for business partners."

"Different responsibilities require different approaches," I replied evenly.

Before Alistair could respond, movement caught my eye. Erin Dubois approached with measured steps, Lilian Shaw trailing behind her.

"Elara, dear," Erin called out, her voice carrying that familiar false warmth.

I nodded politely but offered no verbal response.

Lilian stepped forward, her gaze sharp and assessing. The elegant woman who had replaced my mother in my father's life had always been perfectly polite and utterly cold.

"How lovely to see you again, Elara," she said, her voice smooth as glass. "You're looking well."

"Thank you," I replied simply.