Chapter 107

Ethan moved to the edge of the hall, seeking a moment of solitude to gather his thoughts. He glanced around, seeing the faces of the elite, each one a potential ally or adversary.

***

He knew he couldn’t trust anyone completely, but he needed a plan. Jason’s threat was real, and the clock was ticking. The project was too important, not just for him, but for everyone involved. He couldn’t let Jason’s envy and hatred derail it.

As he stood there, lost in thought, a familiar voice broke through his reverie. "Ethan, there you are."

Ethan turned to see Sandra Walton approaching, her emerald gown shimmering in the soft light. She was one of the few people he had come to trust, she was his partner after all.

"Sandra," he said, forcing a smile. "I didn’t expect to see you here."

She returned his smile, but her eyes were sharp, perceptive. "I could say the same about you. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What’s wrong?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment, then decided to confide in her. "It's nothi