A Vacant Desk and Bitter Coffee

Quentin paced in his living room, phone pressed to his ear. After three rings, the call connected.

"Well, this is a surprise," Vivienne's voice carried through the line, cool and composed.

"Did you know?" Quentin demanded without preamble.

"You'll have to be more specific," Vivienne replied, the sound of papers shuffling in the background.

"About Elara Vance joining YodaVision," he snapped. "Julian Croft brought her in as head of the AI division."

There was a brief pause. "I was aware she left Thorne Industries. I didn't know where she'd landed."

Quentin stopped pacing. "You don't sound surprised."

"Should I be?" Vivienne's tone remained casual. "She's always had a knack for landing on her feet."

"But she took the position that should have been yours," Quentin insisted. "Aren't you upset?"

Vivienne laughed lightly. "I'm too busy preparing for my racing competition next month to worry about Elara's career choices."