Tensions And Terms
The week rolled in with a haze of meetings and preparations. The Reeve Corporation's anniversary celebration loomed closer, and with it came endless logistics. Elara had managed to stay composed through it all. Even with Vivienne's unexpected visit days ago and the stilted tension it left in the air, she didn't let her emotions show.
Vivienne hadn't returned since, but Elara's instincts stayed sharp. Something in the woman's eyes-calculated, cool, and too rehearsed-unsettled her. Not fear. Not jealousy. Just a quiet alertness, the kind she'd honed over years of surviving in rooms she didn't belong to.
The boardroom was filled with low conversation as the executives gathered for a preliminary briefing on the upcoming anniversary gala. Killian sat at the head of the table, his expression as unreadable as ever. Elara was by his side, a tablet in her hand, flipping through final presentation slides.
Just as she handed a note about the vendor lists, the assistant at the door cleared her throat." Sir, Ms. Vivienne Hart is here for her appointment."
A tense beat passed.
Killian didn't glance Elara's, but he responded smoothly, "Let her in."
Elara's fingers tightened slightly around the stylus. Vivienne stepped in with her signature grace-sleek navy dress, an elegant necklace that looked inherited rather than bought, and that subtle air of entitlement that came from a legacy she hadn't fought for.
"Killian," she greeted with a practiced smile, "Thank you for making time. This shouldn'ttake long."
Killian nodded once, businesslike. "Let's get to it."
Elara remained silent, offering a small nod as Vivienne took he seat across from them. Vivienne's eyes swept over her for a second too long.
"My father and i have discussed the Reeve partnership proposal,"Vivienne began. "Given our shared market interests in China, it makes sense to move forward-provided we agree on the distribution terms."
She slid a folder across the table. Killian opened it. Elara caught sight of the projected figures-ambitious, but not unreasonable.
Vivienne chuckled slightly, her tone now silkier. "Of course, the media attention haven't escaped my father. He was hesitant, especially considering the rumors swirling around the Reeve name lately..."
Killian's jaw tensed. "Our reputation remains intact. Your father wants access to our logisticsnetwork-he won't get it cheaper anywhere else."
Vivienne chuckled lightly. "I'm not here to offend. Just being transparent."
Elara met her gaze calmly.
"Transparency is always welcome."
Vivienne's smile tightened just a fraction. "I've always admired that about you, Elara.You've got a remarkable ability to stay... composed."
" And you've got a remarkable ability to say two things at once," Elara replied, voice even, almost polite.
Killian closed the folder. "We'll consider your offer. You'll hear from our legal team by Friday."
Vivienne stood, smoothing her dress. "I look forward to working closelytogether." She looked at Elara again. "Very closely."
Once she left, the room fell into silence again. Killian didn't speak. Elara didn't ask. The unspoken tension was back, but they both had enough on their plates.
Elara checked her watch. The anniversary gala was in five days. She sighed inwardly. If Vivienne was going to keep poking, she'd be ready.
But she wouldn't flinch.