Page 21 of Claws and Controllers

“Ellie, I...” Zy began, then stopped, seeming to struggle with his words. “I want you to know how much I respect you. As a developer, as a businesswoman... as a person. Whatever happens with our companies, I hope we can continue to work together like this.”

Ellie’s breath caught in her throat. The intensity in Zy’s golden-flecked eyes made her pulse quicken. “I... I’d like that,” she managed to say.

For a moment, they stood there, the air heavy with unspoken possibilities. Then Zy cleared his throat, taking a small step back. “I should go. Thank you for today, Ellie. It was... enlightening.”

As Ellie watched Zy walk away down the hall, her mind whirled with conflicting emotions. Excitement at the progress they’d made, gratitude for his insights and kindness, and an undeniable attraction that both thrilled and terrified her.

But underneath it all, a small voice of caution still whispered. There were still unanswered questions, still the shadow of past betrayals looming over their budding connection.

Closing her office door, Ellie leaned against it, closing her eyes. Her grandmother’s words echoed in her mind: “Sometimes the greatest joys in life come from taking chances.”

Was Zy Ashford a chance worth taking? Or was she setting herself up for another heartbreak?

As she gathered her things to head home, Ellie realized with a mix of anticipation and trepidation that only time would tell. But for the first time in a long while, she found herself looking forward to the journey of discovery ahead.

The New York City night pulsed with energy as Ellie stepped out of her office building. The streets were alive with the humof traffic and the chatter of people heading home or out for the evening. But Ellie barely noticed any of it, her mind still replaying moments from her day with Zy.

She hailed a cab, giving the driver her address in Hudson Yards. As the city lights blurred past the window, Ellie’s phone buzzed with a text. Her heart did a little flip when she saw it was from Zy.

“Thank you again for today. Your insights are invaluable. Looking forward to our next session.”

Ellie found herself smiling as she typed back: “Likewise. Your help with the AI mechanics was game-changing. Literally.”

She hesitated for a moment, then added: “Maybe we could make this a regular thing? If you’re interested, of course.”

Zy’s response came quickly: “I’d love that.”

Ellie couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling up inside her. It was more than just the prospect of improving her game. There was something about Zy – his intelligence, his kindness, the way he challenged her – that drew her in despite her best efforts to maintain professional distance.

The cab pulled up to her building, and Ellie paid the driver, her mind still swirling with thoughts of code, character development, and golden-flecked eyes. As she rode the elevator up to her loft, she tried to sort through her jumbled emotions.

On one hand, the progress they’d made today was undeniable. Zy’s insights had solved problems she’d been grappling with for weeks. And there was something exhilarating about working with someone who could match her passion and technical skill step for step.

But on the other hand... Ellie sighed as she unlocked her door, kicking off her shoes. There was still the matter of their companies’ rivalry and the lingering questions about the stolen game. And then there was the undeniable attraction she felttoward Zy – an attraction that could complicate everything if she wasn’t careful.

As she moved through her loft, turning on lights and shedding her work clothes for comfortable loungewear, Ellie’s gaze fell on a framed photo on her bookshelf. It was a picture of her and her ex-husband on their wedding day, both of them beaming at the camera. She’d kept it as a reminder, a warning against letting her heart overrule her head.

Ellie picked up the frame, studying it for a long moment. Then, with a decisive nod, she opened a drawer and placed the photo face-down inside. It was time to stop living in the shadow of past betrayals. Time to open herself to new possibilities.

Whatever happened with Zy – professionally or personally – Ellie was determined to face it with an open mind and a guarded heart. She’d been burned before, yes. But she’d also grown stronger, wiser. This time, she’d be careful. This time, she’d trust her instincts.

As she settled onto her couch with her laptop, ready to review the day’s work, Ellie felt a sense of anticipation she hadn’t experienced in years. The future stretched out before her, full of potential and promise.

And for the first time in a long time, Ellie was excited to see where it might lead.

NINE

Ellie perched on the edge of her grandmother’s hospital bed, absently smoothing the crisp white sheets. The steady beep of monitors filled the room, a constant reminder of why they were here. But Abuela Elena’s eyes sparkled with their usual mischief, belying her frail appearance.

“Elliot,mi amor,” Elena chided gently, “you’re fussing. I’m not made of glass, you know.”

Ellie’s lips quirked into a sheepish smile. “Sorry, Abuela. I just worry.”

“Niña, no,” Elena waved her hand dismissively. “Worry is for old people. You’re too young for such nonsense.”

Before Ellie could retort, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket. She fished it out, her eyebrows rising in surprise at the caller ID.

“It’s Zy,” she murmured, more to herself than her grandmother.

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