My Coldhearted Husband'S Regret novel Chapter 36

36 A New Colleague and Office Murmurs

36 A New Colleague and Office Murmurs

Elara’s POVO

“Lily, can you promise me something?” I crouched down to meet her eyes as we stood just outside her classroom.

The five-year-old looked at me curiously, her pink backpack slightly too large for her small frame. “What, Mrs. Vance?”

“Could you not tell Cora that I brought you to school today?” I kept my voice gentle, trying not to betray my unease.

Lily’s eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. “Why not?”

I tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “It’s just… it might make things complicated. It’s grown-up stuff.”

She nodded solemnly as if she understood the weight of adult complications. “Okay. I promise.”

I smiled gratefully and stood up. “Thank you, sweetie.”

After watching Lily skip into her classroom, I made my way to the teacher, Ms. Thompson.

“Ms. Thompson, I’m dropping Lily Hayes off today. Her mother had an early meeting.”

The teacher nodded, jotting something down on her clipboard. “Of course, Mrs. Thorne-”

“It’s Vance,” I corrected her automatically. “Elara Vance.”

Ms. Thompson’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t realize…”

I forced a smile, saving her from further awkwardness. “No problem. Clara will pick Lily up as usual.”

As I turned to leave, I caught another glimpse of Damien through the classroom window. He was saying goodbye to Cora, his hand resting lightly on Vivienne’s lower

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36 A New Colleague and Office Murmurs

back. The casual intimacy of the gesture made my stomach clench.

I quickened my pace, not wanting to risk an encounter. The last thing I needed was to start my first day at YodaVision with red eyes.

The drive to the YodaVision building took thirty minutes. I parked in the visitor’s section, checking my appearance one last time in the rearview mirror. My navy blazer and pencil skirt were professional without being severe. I’d pulled my hair back into a sleek ponytail, revealing small diamond studs in my ears-a gift from Eleanor years

ago.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and approached the glass-fronted building. The reception area was modern and minimalist, with the company’s logo-a stylized eye with binary code-emblazoned on the wall.

“Elara!”

Julian’s voice rang out across the lobby. He strode toward me, arms outstretched, his face lit up with a wide smile. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself

smiling back as he pulled me into a warm embrace.

“I can’t believe you’re finally here,” he said, stepping back to look at me. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you.” I smoothed my blazer self-consciously. “It feels strange to be back after all

this time.”

Julian looped his arm through mine. “Strange in a good way, I hope.”

“In the best way,” I assured him.

We walked toward the elevators, Julian pointing out changes to the building since my last visit. As the elevator doors opened, we stepped inside alongside several other employees who greeted Julian with respectful nods.

“Everyone’s excited to meet you,” Julian murmured as the elevator ascended. “Your reputation precedes you,”

I raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried?”

“Not at all. You’re practically a legend around here.”

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36 A New Colleague and Office Murmurs

The elevator doors opened on the executive floor. As we stepped out, I noticed a man

in an expensive suit ending a phone call, his expression troubled. He glanced up, his eyes widening slightly as they landed on me.

Julian led me past him with a cursory nod. “Morning, Quentin.”

The man-Quentin-returned the greeting distractedly, his eyes still on me.

“Who was that?” I asked once we were out of earshot.

“Quentin Yallop. Marketing Director. Brilliant at what he does, but not always someone you want to get too close to. Office politics isn’t his strong suit.”

We continued down the corridor, passing glass-walled offices and open workspaces. I could feel eyes following us, whispers trailing in our wake.

“So much for a quiet entrance,” I muttered.

Julian chuckled. “Impossible when you’re Elara Vance. Besides, everyone’s been wondering who the mystery woman would be to fill the position Vivienne Dubois was eyeing.”

I nearly stumbled. “Vivienne applied here?”

“She did.” Julian’s voice turned serious. “I rejected her application personally.”

“Julian…”

“Don’t worry. It was strictly business. Her qualifications were impressive, but not what we needed.” He paused, then added, “The fact that I despise her was just a bonus.” 2

I shook my head, half amused, half concerned. “You shouldn’t have done that because

of me.”

“I didn’t. But I won’t pretend I’m sorry about it either.”

Before I could respond, we reached a large corner office with Julian’s name on the door. He pushed it open, gesturing for me to enter first.

“This isn’t my office,” I said, confused.

“No, it’s mine. But I thought we’d start here before I show you to yours.”

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36 A New Colleague and Office Murmurs

Meanwhile, back in the elevator lobby, Quentin Yallop stared at his phone, still processing the conversation he’d just had.

“What do you mean Julian rescinded the offer?” he had asked, his voice low despite being alone in the hallway.

Vivienne’s voice had been tight with controlled anger. “He called me yesterday. Said they’d found someone more suitable for the position. After practically promising it to

me!”

“Did he say why?”

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