Page 91 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
"They'll do it, Eva.You've done amazing work," he said with a reassuring smile.
Leila nodded, smiling.
"You've handled this fundraising like a real boss.You've got almost all the signatures.Tomorrow will just be a formality."
I let out a nervous laugh, touched by their support.
"Thank you, really.I don't know what I'd do without you all," I murmured, moved.
Tristan, seated beside me, placed a reassuring hand on mine and smiled tenderly.
"Everything will be fine," he said softly.
Eager to lighten the mood, he turned to Leila and Satoshi.
"And you two, tell us a bit about where things stand with your secret relationship...which isn't a secret to anyone."
Satoshi and Leila opened their mouths as if to protest before promptly closing them again.
Busted!
A knowing look was exchanged around the table, and we all burst out laughing.
***
I arrived at Area Venture headquarters with absolute focus.The modern building, with its glass facades, seemed impenetrable.At reception, an assistant had me wait a few minutes before leading me to a spacious conference room.
Hugo Lambert, Area Venture's representative, was already waiting, a folder carefully placed before him.He stood to shake my hand with a polite smile.
"Eva, great to see you."
"Likewise, Hugo."
I took a seat across from him, feeling every fiber of my being on alert.Despite previous exchanges, nothing was ever completely certain until the ink had dried on the contract.
"Our teams finalized the last adjustments last night.We're in agreement on all terms," he said, opening the folder.
"Perfect," I replied in a controlled tone.
He handed me the document.I reviewed the main clauses one last time, verifying that everything matched the points we had negotiated.Then, slowly, I took my pen.
"I appreciate the confidence you're placing in Community Pilot," I declared, signing the first page.
"It's well-deserved.Your management of this fundraising has been impressive.Many would have buckled under the pressure, but you held firm," he replied with an approving look.
I continued signing, page after page, until the last one.When I set down the pen, a wave of adrenaline rushed through me.
It was done.
Hugo signed in turn, then closed the folder with a confident gesture before extending his hand.
"Congratulations, Eva.We're eager to see what you'll accomplish with this investment."
I shook his hand, a smile of relief on my lips.
"You won't be disappointed."
When I left the building, the fresh morning air felt lighter.My phone vibrated.A message from Tristan appeared:
