?Chapter 362:


    Ste dropped onto a bench in the waiting area, her nerves coiled tight as she stared at the floor.


    For Neb, every single contract was a lifeline. Losing this deal would erase months of hard-won progress—she might as well be starting from scratch. This project was Neb’s one shot at breaking into the industry’s upper ranks, and she’d poured everything into it.


    “Ms. Gilbert, may I ask about your connection to the person in surgery?” Shaun’s tone was gentle as he spoke.


    While Ste had been on the phone, Shaun had caught only the tail end of her conversation.


    Ste blinked, pulling herself back to the present. She met Shaun’s steady gaze. “He’s on the client’s team. If the surgery doesn’t seed, the deal falls apart, and Neb takes the hit. That would set us back more than I can even exin.”


    Realization flickered across Shaun’s face—so it was business, not personal.


    He offered a sympathetic nod. “What’s yourpany called, Ms. Gilbert?”


    Ste said, “Neb. It’s a newpany—maybe you haven’t heard of it yet.” Shaun raised a brow, his tone warm and effortless. “On the contrary, I’ve heard quite a bit. Neb’s been making waves in Choriately. Everyone’s talking about it. I just didn’t expect it to be yourpany, Ms. Gilbert.”


    Ste offered a polite smile. That kind of ttery always felt a little over the top. Was he just being nice?


    “I’ve been following Neb’s developments in biotech,” Shaun continued. “It just so happens mypany is looking for a partner in that field. If you’re open to it, maybe we can set up a meeting soon.”


    His proposal caught her off guard. “That would be an honor for Neb,” Ste said sincerely. Right now, she couldn’t afford to turn down anyone willing to give them a chance.


    The light above the operating room flicked off, and she sprang to her feet. “Dr. Pcios! How did it go?”


    Wilson pulled down his surgical mask, his eyes flicking between her and Shaun. “The surgery went well,” he said. “The patient is stable now, no longer critical.” A wave of relief washed over Ste. That was the good news she needed—and maybe a new partnership, too.


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    Shaun watched her face light up and looked satisfied. “In that case, how about you stop by our offices sometime? We can talk specifics.”


    Ste nodded. “Of course.”


    Shaun thought for a moment, then added, “Actually, there’s an art exhibition in town tomorrow tied to our project’s theme. Maybe we could check it out together?”


    She considered it. Her schedule tomorrow wasn’t packed. “All right. Let’s do it.”


    He smiled, then stepped over to Wilson and switched effortlessly to fluent Rhioyodash. “Thanks again, Wilson. Let’s grab a meal next time.”


    Wilson patted his shoulder and grinned. “Forget dinner—have that with the prettydy instead. Just don’t forget to pay my surgical fee.”


    Amused, Ste stepped forward and replied in perfect Rhioyodash, “Thank you, Dr. Pcios. I’ll handle the fee myself.”


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