Eleanor arrived at Vosstech headquarters earlier than usual, the morning light filtering through the glass atrium like a spotlight on her frayed nerves.
The penthouse confrontation with Vivian had left her raw and Calder's touch from the hotel still lingered like a brand on her skin.
She buried herself in her office, door cracked just enough for work traffic but not enough for wandering eyes. Spreadsheets on the Phoenix regulatory filings blurred under her gaze.
By mid-morning, avoidance became an art. She routed emails through her assistant, skipped the coffee run that would take her past the executive floor, and buried her head in calls with Brussels contacts.
Calder made it impossible. He pretended not to notice her evasion, his presence slipping in like smoke.
A courier deliver
