Lance quickly explained the situation. “Alonso, do you have time to help me out?”

To his surprise, Alonso agreed easily. “Actually, I’m near the Evans Group building right now. I’ll drop by and take a look.”

Lance nearly burst with joy. “Thank you so much, Alonso! I’ll come down to meet you right away!”

Lance ended the call and rushed out, barely hiding his excitement.

Emmanuel lit up. He clapped his hands and told the team, “I didn’t expect Alonso to be so approachable. Everyone, be on your best behavior. We need to make a great impression.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Evans! We’ll give him the warmest welcome!”

Most of the team admired Alonso and were clearly thrilled to meet him. Elliana, on the other hand, stayed in her seat. Chin still resting on her hand, she quietly watched the unfolding scene.

Soon, Lance returned with Alonso by his side.

Emmanuel, along with the rest of the team, rushed forward to greet Alonso with cheerful hellos and warm smiles.

Alonso was friendly and polite, his laid-back vibe quickly putting people at ease. He told Emmanuel, “No need to be so formal. I’ve actually been wanting to work with the Evans Group. And Lance is a friend—of course, I’m happy to help.”

“We’re truly grateful, Alonso. Thank you,” Emmanuel said, bowing his head slightly. He gave Lance a look of quiet approval, silently commending him for forging such a valuable connection.

That one glance made Lance feel ten feet tall.

Then, Alonso noticed Elliana sitting quietly in the corner. Her bold makeup stood out. He frowned slightly. “And who’s this?” he asked.

Alonso’s last word barely hung in the air when Lance interrupted, stealing Elliana’s chance to respond. “Don’t bother with her—she’s not worth your time.”

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Without another glance at Elliana, Lance motioned for Alonso to join him by the computer. “Come on, Alonso. Over here.”

Alonso didn’t press for details. He just nodded and followed, the rest of the team trailing along like obedient shadows.

Emmanuel hung back for a moment, sending Elliana an apologetic look. “Sorry about Lance. He’s still young and doesn’t always think before he speaks. Once we sort this out, I’ll set him straight.” Elliana simply smiled. “It’s alright, Emmanuel.”

She settled against the table, tolerating Lance’s disrespect for now, watching silently as Lance assumed Alonso could solve the problem. The more Lance dismissed her now, the harder he’d be devastated later. She would just wait for him to eat his arrogant words and beg for her help.

Emmanuel didn’t stick around. His mind was already back on the project as he joined the others clustered around the monitor.

Left alone, Elliana absently toyed with her fingers, stifling a yawn as boredom crept in.

At the computer, Alonso got right to work, focusing his attention on the flaw Lance had flagged.

The whole room went still, tension thick in the air—no one dared break the silence.

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