Elena frowned.
“Which inconsistency?”
“The commercial commitments appear to have been classified differently in two versions of the model.”
Elena leaned forward.
Camila continued.
“In one working schedule, certain letters of intent were treated as conditional. In a later summary, they were included in a category labeled secured capacity without an adequate explanation of what changed.”
Elena stared.
She had seen similar differences.
But she'd assumed the models might represent different stages of commercial negotiation.
Had contracts been finalized between versions, the difference might have been legitimate.
Now Camila was suggesting that the supporting documentation did not establish such a change.
Elena took a breath.
“Do we know who altered the categories?”
“Not yet.”
“Could it be a mistake?”
“Possibly.”
The professor leaned forward.
“But the distinction is material enough that the review committee has asked for a reconciliation.”
Elena looked down.
The question Antoine had asked at dinner suddenly seemed much less accidental.
Had he been testing her because he feared she understood the financing documents?
Or had the topic simply exposed something neither man intended to discuss?
She couldn't know.
Camila seemed to read her thoughts.
“Elena, don't turn uncertainty into accusation.”
She nodded.
“I won't.”
“Good. Follow the evidence.”
The professor paused.
“That's what your father taught you, isn't it?”
Elena smiled faintly.
“Yes.”
Camila looked toward her.
“Then keep doing it.”
Across Paris, Antoine Delcourt was receiving a much less reassuring morning report.
He sat in his office overlooking the Seine, a cup of untouched coffee beside his laptop.
Luc Moreau stood across from him.
A printed version of the wager lay between them.
Antoine looked furious.
“One hundred thousand dollars.”
Luc adjusted his glasses.
“I wouldn't worry about the wager itself. It was a private exchange at dinner.”
Antoine leaned forward.
“Eleven people heard it.”
Luc hesitated.
“Your lawyers can address any claim.”
Antoine stared.
Then picked up the independent review summary.
“I'm more concerned about this.”
Luc became still.
Antoine pointed toward a paragraph.
“Why is Valcárcel demanding another reconciliation of the contracted capacity?”
Luc took a breath.
“Because her advisers are being excessively cautious.”
Antoine's eyes narrowed.
“Are they wrong?”
Luc hesitated.
“The commercial structure is complicated.”
Antoine slammed the report onto the desk.
“I'm aware it's complicated. I asked whether they're wrong.”
The financial director looked toward the window.
For several seconds, he remained silent.
Then he answered.