The Memory Keeper: The Sin In Our Name

S2 Chapter 6: Claimed

Dad gestured to the documents. "We're looking to secure the terms of the renewable energy partnership with Lincoln Eco-energy. Mr. Robertson is eager to move forward, and we need to finalize the contract details. But there's one point of negotiation we still need to discuss."

Ella's eyes met mine again, and this time there was no mistaking the tension between us. It was almost as if she was waiting for me to speak—waiting for some acknowledgment of the past, of the things left unsaid. But I wasn't going to open that door now, not here. Not when the stakes were this high.

"Let's get to the specifics," I said, flipping open the file in front of me. "We need to ensure both sides are fully protected with this deal."

Mr. Robertson leaned forward, his expression focused. "Exactly. We need clear terms regarding energy output, cost-sharing, and the timeline for implementation. We can't afford delays, and we certainly can't afford any ambiguity."

I nodded, scanning through the details as I listened to them outline their expectations. Every now and then, my mind drifted back to the brief moments of eye contact with Ella. But I kept my focus on the task at hand, determined not to let personal feelings cloud my judgment.

It wasn't long before the discussion became more intense. The contract was lengthy, and there were certain terms I was hesitant to agree with. We needed more clarity, more guarantees. As the conversation grew more heated, I found myself stepping in, asserting my position firmly but diplomatically.

"We're not agreeing to these terms unless we get something more concrete," I said, meeting both Mr. Robertson's and Ella's eyes. "This deal needs to be mutually beneficial. Otherwise, it's not worth pursuing."

Ella's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing slightly as she reviewed the terms. It was clear she was assessing the same points I was. "I agree," she said finally, her voice steady. "We need more clarity on the financial projections before we move forward."

I nodded, my respect for her professionalism rising despite the history between us. "Good. Let's get those figures reworked and meet again in a few days."

As the meeting continued, I found myself working alongside Ella as colleagues, navigating through the negotiations without letting our personal past interfere. But it was hard to ignore the silent tension between us. Every now and then, I caught her glancing at me, and I wondered what she was thinking. But this wasn't the time for old wounds to resurface. Not when the future of Stanton Corporation—and our potential partnership with Lincoln Eco-energy—was on the line.

As the meeting neared its conclusion, I was just about to gather my things when Dad's voice cut through the conversation. "Khai, I'd like you to take Ella out for breakfast. It's a courtesy, a way to smooth over the final details of the deal." His tone was casual, but the meaning behind his words was clear.

I froze for a moment, my mind racing. Breakfast? With Ella? After everything that had happened between us? I quickly masked my surprise with a professional smile, glancing at Ella, who looked equally stunned.

Ella's eyes widened slightly, and she seemed to hesitate for a fraction of a second before she managed a polite nod. "I... that's very generous of you, Mr. Stanton," she said, her voice carefully neutral, though I could detect a faint note of tension beneath it. "But I wasn't expecting—"

Dad waved off her protests with a dismissive gesture. "It's a formality, Ella. The least we can do after today's discussions. I trust you'll find it enjoyable."

I could feel my pulse quicken as I turned my gaze back to Ella. Her expression was unreadable now, but the tension in the air between us was palpable. Neither of us had asked for this, and yet, here we were, being thrust into a situation that felt more personal than professional.