My Coldhearted Husband'S Regret novel Chapter 149

149 Calculated Displays and Open Scorn

149 Calculated Displays and Open Scorn

“The torque ratio seems off on the second turn,” Elara observed quietly to Julian. “And

the calibration on the serong system needs adjustment. There’s a three–second

lag before curve response.”

Julian checked his watch.

We should test the second prototype. I’d like to drive this

one with Elara, if there are no objections.”

“Impressive handling,” Lucas commented as they approached the observation area.

And that could prove very useful information indeed.

Jorge led his team with practiced confidence, occasionally glancing back at Elara with barely concealed curiosity. His resemblance to Theodore was unmistakable now that she knew to look for it.

The supervisor smiled warmly at the couple. “Of course, sir. Ms. Dubois, if you’ll follow me to get suited up.”

“The second prototype performed well,” Julian announced to the group. “Though we’ve identified several areas for improvement in the AI response system.”

As their car pulled away from InnovaTech, Xavier turned to Jorge near the building

entrance.

Damien barely acknowledged the statement. “We’ll review the data and reconvene next week. In the meantime, I’d like to invite everyone to dinner to celebrate today’s successful tests.”

Behind them, Beck began discussing logistics for the dinner, smoothly filling the uncomfortable silence.

Large monitors flickered to life around the observation area, displaying multiple angles of the track. The prototype–a glossy black sports car with InnovaTech’s logo emblazoned on its side–waited at the starting line.

Jorge approached Elara and Julian. “Impressive machine, isn’t it? Our engineers have been working overtime.”

She nodded, maintaining her composure despite the tension crackling in the air.

149 Calculated Displays and Open Scorn

Outside in the parking garage, Julian’s rigid posture finally relaxed. “I’m sorry if I overstepped. I just couldn’t stomach the thought of sitting through dinner watching that display.”

“Much better torque on this model,” she noted, checking the dashboard readings. “But the Al response time still needs work.”

The bluntness of his refusal created an awkward silence. Damien’s expression hardened, unused to such direct rejection.

“I know my job, Mr. Robinson.”

“Exactly what I observed,” Elara stated, speaking directly to Lucas rather than Vivienne or Damien.

“Perhaps another time,” Lucas offered diplomatically.

The engine roared to life as Vivienne took the driver’s seat, Damien sliding in beside her. Together, they would test the vehicle that represented months of collaborative work between YodaVision and InnovaTech.

“I’m fine right here, thank you,” Elara replied with calm dignity.

As they walked toward the exit, Elara could feel Damien’s eyes on her back. She didn’t turn around. There was nothing left to see there.

“None at all,” Lucas replied before Damien could speak.

Vivienne beamed. “The responsiveness is remarkable. Though I noticed some hesitation on the curves.”

“We can move to the technical area if you’d prefer,” Lucas offered quietly, appearing beside her. His expression held genuine concern.

She disappointed him with a professional nod. “She’s always been skilled behind the wheel.”

“Dr. Dubois is quite the driver,” Jorge remarked, watching Elara’s face for a reaction.

Vivienne stayed close to Damien’s side, her crimson dress a stark contrast to the clinical environment. Her laughter echoed through the facility at something Damien whispered in her ear.

149 Calculated Displays and Open Scorn

Elara watched as Vivienne was escorted to the preparation area, staff members

fluttering around her like attendants to royalty. Not once did the woman acknowledge Elara’s presence–a deliberate choice that spoke volumes.

The test continued for twenty minutes, Vivienne putting the vehicle through increasingly complex maneuvers. Each successful turn was met with Damien’s approving smile, captured perfectly by strategically placed cameras.

“She might as well be,” Elara replied softly, surprised by how little pain the admission caused. The time for hurt had passed; now there was only clarity.

Every moment was broadcast across the monitors for all to see–including Elara. “They’re treating her like she’s his wife,” Julian observed, voice tight with disgust.

“No,” Jorge replied thoughtfully. “He certainly doesn’t.”

Earlier, he might have dismissed it as typical business rivalry. Now, it seemed he hadn’t been imagining things. Julian Croft’s animosity toward Damien Thorne was real, palpable, and growing more obvious by the day.

The invitation was clearly directed at Jorge’s team and the InnovaTech executives. Julian’s response was immediate and cutting.

Julian’s smile was cold. “I wouldn’t count on it.” He turned to Elara. “Ready to go?”

The group made their way to the test track, tension hanging thick in the air. Elara walked beside Julian, maintaining a professional demeanor despite Vivienne’s calculated snub. The test track stretched before them–a sleek, winding path designed to push vehicles to their limits.

Julian studied her with surprised admiration. “You can tell that just by watching?”

“So have ours,” Julian replied curtly.

“That Julian Croft really doesn’t like Damien Thorne or anyone associated with him, does he?” Xavier observed.

“She’s putting on quite a show,” Julian muttered under his breath.

“Don’t apologize,” Elara replied, genuine appreciation in her voice. “It was refreshing to have someone speak so plainly.”

149 Calculated Displays and Open Scor

Jorge watched the departing vehicle with newfound understanding. For weeks, he’d noticed Julian’s protective stance toward Elara, the way he positioned himself between her and Damien during meetings, the cold glares directed at Vivienne.

Damien nodded. “Excellent. Vivienne will test drive the first prototype.”

The track supervisor approached, clipboard in hand. “We’re ready whenever you are, Mr. Thorne.”

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