A Contract Sealed
“Eva, if you don’t stop pacing, you’re gonna wear a groove into the floor,” Finn teased gently, lounging on the plush couch, barefoot and holding a cup of coffee.
Eva stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of their suite at the Burj Al Arab, her arms crossed tightly against her chest. The view of the Arabian Gulf stretched endlessly before her, but her mind was too clouded to appreciate it.
The final meeting with Sterling Biotech was only hours away, and if Novamed’s Pharmaceuticals secured the deal, it would redefine everything—her career, her company’s future, and even her life.
She stopped mid-step and glared at him. “Finn, this isn’t the time for jokes. Do you even realize what’s at stake here?”
“Oh, I do. But I’m trying to figure out why you’re treating it like life or death. You’ve worked hard. You’ve done everything you can. What’s left to stress about?”
“Everything! This is Sterling Biotech we’re talking about. They’re one of the biggest players in the industry. If this deal falls through, it could mean the end of Novamed—at least as I envisioned it.” Her voice wavered, betraying the tension she’d been trying to keep under control.
Finn put down his coffee and walked over to her. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he forced her to stop pacing and look at him. “Eva, you’re smart, capable, and tough as nails. You’ve already built something incredible. One meeting isn’t going to define you. And if it doesn’t work out? You’ll figure something else out. You always do.”
“It’s not just about me, Finn,” she said, her tone firm. “This deal keeps the company afloat. Without it, we’re talking layoffs, shutting down projects, losing investors—it’s not just business, it’s survival. And yeah, money matters. Without funding, the research doesn’t happen, and none of this works.”
He nodded thoughtfully but didn’t let her go. “I get that. But, Eva, can I ask you something?”
“What?”
“Why is money so important to you?”
She blinked, caught off guard.
“What kind of question is that? Money’s important to everyone. It’s what keeps the lights on, pays salaries, funds research, and makes things happen. Without it, you’re stuck. You know that as well as I do.”
Finn’s lips curved into a faint smile.
“Yeah, I get that. But you’ve already got more than most people could dream of. You’ve got this company, this incredible opportunity, and a life that most people would kill for. So, why’s it never enough? Why does every step have to be bigger and better?”
Eva stared at him, her frustration mounting. “Because if you stop moving forward, you get left behind. In this world, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. That’s just the reality.”
Finn let out a low chuckle.
“That’s one way to look at it. But you know what I think? I think success isn’t just about money or deals. It’s about living a life you’re proud of. Helping people, sure, but also making time to enjoy what you’ve already got. Like, maybe… this view? Or this moment?”
Eva shook her head, a rueful smile breaking through her anxiety.
“You make it sound so simple.”
“Because it is simple,” he said. “You’re the one making it complicated.”
She sighed and leaned her head briefly against his chest.
“I don’t think you’ll ever fully understand, Finn. But thanks for trying to talk me down.”
“Anytime. That’s what I’m here for.”
***************
A couple of hours later, they were standing outside the boardroom on the 27th floor. Eva’s nerves were back in full force, and Finn could see it in the way her hands fiddled with the strap of her bag.
“You sure you want me to come in with you?” he asked. “This is your big moment. I don’t want to cramp your style.”
“Finn, please. I’ll feel better if you’re there,” she admitted.
“You’re like my anchor right now. Just… be yourself and stay quiet, okay?”
“I can do quiet. Probably,” he said with a wink, earning a faint laugh from her.
Inside the boardroom, the atmosphere was all business. The room was sleek and modern, with a long table made of polished wood, a breathtaking view of the city skyline through the glass walls, and the faint hum of the air conditioning.
Executives from Sterling Biotech sat at one end of the massive table, their tailored suits and practiced smiles exuding power and confidence.
Eva took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and introduced herself.
The meeting moved quickly—formalities, a review of the final terms, and a moment where everyone paused to make sure there were no objections.
Then came the moment Eva had been waiting for. One of the Sterling Biotech executives, a sharp-eyed woman named Miranda, slid the contract across the table to Eva with a pen.
“Congratulations, Ms. Sinclair. We’re thrilled to partner with Novamed’s Pharmaceuticals.”
Eva’s fingers trembled slightly as she signed her name.
She couldn’t help but think of everything that had led to this moment: the sleepless nights, the risks, the sacrifices. When she put the pen down, the room erupted in polite applause. Miranda turned to Finn.
“And a special thanks to you, Mr. Finn. Your support must mean the world to Eva.”
Finn blinked, startled by the unexpected attention.
“Uh, thanks? But Eva’s the real star here.”
Eva shot him a look, her smile faltering for a split second before she turned back to Miranda.
“Thank you. This is a huge moment for Novamed and me.”
As they left the boardroom, Eva’s excitement bubbled over, and she hugged Finn tightly. “We did it, Finn! I can’t believe it actually happened.”
“You did it,” he corrected her, though the earlier comment from Miranda still lingered in his mind. He didn’t want to spoil Eva’s joy, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something about his presence here that people had misunderstood.
For now, though, he pushed the thought aside. This was Eva’s moment, and he was determined to celebrate it with her.