An Invitation Among Adversaries

The next day, Elara was reviewing a code sequence when Julian burst into her office. His expression was unusually tense.

"We've received an invitation," he announced, waving his phone.

Elara looked up from her screen. "For what exactly?"

"Lunch with the Paxon brothers and Newman."

Elara raised her eyebrows. The Paxon brothers were pioneering brain-computer interface technology. Their work would complement YodaVision's developments perfectly.

"That's excellent news," she said, already mentally rearranging her schedule.

Julian grimaced. "There's more. Damien will be there."

Elara's fingers froze over her keyboard. She didn't need to ask which Damien. There was only one whose mere mention could make her pulse stutter.

"With Vivienne, I assume?" she asked, keeping her voice neutral.

Julian nodded. "Apparently the Paxons are considering multiple investment options. Thorne Industries is their primary interest, but Newman mentioned our work to them."