Katherine could feel her pulse quicken as her eyes darted between the two men now standing in front of her. Leonard's presence still clung to her like an unexpected chill, and now Felix was here, his brows drawn together with concern. For a brief second, Katherine imagined herself somewhere else entirely—anywhere but here.
She swallowed hard and straightened her posture. The air was tense, like a taut string that might snap with one wrong word.
Leonard and the man who had approached earlier stood face to face, a wave of curiosity and rivalry dancing between them. Just as Katherine parted her lips to say something—anything to cut through the tension—Felix beat her to it.
"You're Leonard Ford, right? From Ford Industries?" Felix said, extending a polite hand.
Leonard turned slightly, eyes narrowing for a moment as if scanning Felix. Then he gave a small nod and took Felix's hand in a firm grip. "That's right. And you are?"
