Page 51 of Between Earth and Eternity
“Vallen meticulously planned the allocation of seats for this journey. Many of you in this room have been involved in these discussions for years, working tirelessly to determine the most effective way to evacuate Earth. The process of distribution and prioritization has been an immense challenge, but with your help, and especially with my son by my side, we have achieved a successful Lottery and launch”
Vallen gives his father a subtle nod.
If byprioritizationhe means making it completely unattainable to get a ticket, then yes, Vallen certainly did an excellent job.
“We are grateful for your guidance and care. Well done, son.”
He can’t be serious. I can’t sit here as they all congratulate each other on being masters of the universe while we remaingratefulfor their supposed generosity. I clutch my hands into fists, hiding them under the table.
Why does this feel like a victorious end? There are still millions of people back on Earth. This is only the beginning, but the message in every speech feels so finite. Something isn’t right.
I take a big gulp from the champagne glass sitting in front of me.
Play the game, Skyler. This isn’t the time or place.
Well, not tonight. I have a new agenda.
“Mr. Mannox?”
Everyone stares at me, leaning over the table to get a look.
“Yes, Miss . . .?” To give him credit, Alister takes my interruption in stride. I can’t say the same for his son. Vallen’s expression looks like it could turn me to ash where I stand.
“Miss Andrews. Skyler Andrews, sir.” I smile sweetly.
He taps his chin thoughtfully. “Ah, yes. Miss Andrews. You’re Harrison Andrews’s daughter, correct?”
I wasn’t expecting him to recall my father or the connection we share. “I am.”
He smiles broadly. “For those of you who don’t know, Miss Andrews’s father helped support the E.P.S. project. You were part of that project as well, from what I understand.”
I nod. “Vital work.” A few people nod in approval.
“I hope your father and the rest of your family will join us on Eden soon.” He moves to sit down.
“You saidhelpedsupport E.P.S,” I start.
“Excuse me?”
“Past tense, Mr. Mannox, like it doesn’t exist anymore. Why is that?”
Clarissa Mannox looks at me with her mouth slightly open, then to her husband, waiting for his response. Alister stares at me with a familiar mix of hazel, but unlike Vallen’s eyes, there’s nothing bright about them. They turn darker the longer they stare into my soul.
“What are you implying, my dear?”
I can hear Elliot cheering me on in my mind.Fuck it. Take no prisoners, San Fran. Let him have it.
“I’m simply curious, sir. I have spent many years at E.P.S. I would hate to think something could happen to all the important work done there. It would be a shame, don’t you think?”
The room goes deathly quiet. Slade leans forward, like he’s sitting ringside at a boxing match, grinning from ear to ear.
“It would indeed, which is why I can assure you that Mannox Industries has everything under control. There is no need to worry, Miss Andrews,” Alister says, his voice remaining calm like still water, not a ripple of distress, but his eyes flare with a hint of rage as they look back at me.
“I’m not sure I believe—”
“Excuse us, Father. I need a word with Miss Andrews.” Vallen stands, cutting me off, and without warning, struts down to my seat and pulls me up by the arm, dragging me toward the door.
I practically trip over my feet trying to keep up, but he doesn’t let up on his hold. I try to pry his hand away to no avail. I will no doubt find bruised skin there tomorrow. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Payson stand, but Laz says something, pulling him back down and forcing him to remain seated, whispering something in his ear. Pace angrily pushes him off but obeys. Thank god. Whatever Laz said, I’m glad it will keep him out of this. I dug my grave, and I intend to lie in it alone.
