Chapter 362

Chapter 362:
Stella dropped onto a bench in the waiting area, her nerves coiled tight as she stared at the floor.
For Nebula, 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 Nebula’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 Stella had been on the phone, Shaun had caught only the tail end of her conversation.
Stella 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 succeed, the deal falls apart, and Nebula takes the hit. That would set us back more than I can even explain.”
Realization flickered across Shaun’s face—so it was business, not personal.
He offered a sympathetic nod. “What’s your company called, Ms. Gilbert?”
Stella said, “Nebula. It’s a new company—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. Nebula’s been making waves in Choria lately. Everyone’s talking about it. I just didn’t expect it to be your company, Ms. Gilbert.”
Stella offered a polite smile. That kind of flattery always felt a little over the top. Was he just being nice?
“I’ve been following Nebula’s developments in biotech,” Shaun continued. “It just so happens my company 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 Nebula,” Stella 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. Palacios! 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 Stella. That was the good news she needed—and maybe a new partnership, too.
𝓛𝚊𝓉𝙚𝓼𝓉 с𝗁ⲁρ𝑡𝖾𝗋𝓈
Shaun watched her face light up and looked satisfied. “In that case, how about you stop by our offices sometime? We can talk specifics.”
Stella 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 pretty lady instead. Just don’t forget to pay my surgical fee.”
Amused, Stella stepped forward and replied in perfect Rhioyodash, “Thank you, Dr. Palacios. I’ll handle the fee myself.”
.
.
.