CHAPTER SIXTY–ONE–A Promise Written In Blood
When it came time for Laura and Kira’s portion, they moved in perfect sync. Laura laid out the theoretical framework, while Kira delved into the practical applications. Their seamless back–and–forth drew approving nods from the board members.
“And as you can see, Laura concluded, gesturing to the final slide, “this technology has the potential to revolutionize not just our industry, but multiple sectors.”
“Impressive work,” one of the board members commented, “How do you plan to address the potential ethical concerns?”
Kira stepped in smoothly. “We’ve developed a comprehensive ethical framework, which Laura and I would be happy to walk you
through.”
As they dove into the details, Laura caught Bo’s eye. Her boss gave her a subtle nod of approval, and Laura felt a surge of pride.
Larry wrapped up the presentation with a breakdown of the financial projections, his natural charm and wit keeping the potentially dry subject engaging. By the time no delivered the closing remarks, it was clear they’d knocked it out of the park.
As the team filed out of the boardroom, there was a palpable sense of relief and achievement. They’d done it. They’d actually done it.
Back in the office, Bo gathered everyone around. “Alright, listen up,” she said, her tone gruff but with an undercurrent of warmth.” That… wasn’t terrible. In fact, it was pretty damn good. You should be proud of yourselves. ”
Coming from Bo, it was high praise indeed. The team exchanged grins, the tension of the past weeks finally dissipating
Larry clapped his hands together. “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I think this calls for a celebration. Drinks, anyone?”
There was a chorus of agreement, but everyone paused, looking to Do for permission. To their surprise, she nodded.
“Why not? You’ve earned it. I might even join you for a bit.”
As the workday wound down, excited chatter filled the office. Zaya took charge of organizing, phone pressed to her ear as she sweet- talked the manager of a popular local bar into giving them a table on short notice
“Alright, tearn!” she announced, hanging up. “We’re set for 7 PM at The Copper Pot. Don’t be late!”
As they packed up, Laura found herself standing next to Kira. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke up. “Hey, want to share a cab to the bar?”
Kira eyed her suspiciously, then shrugged “Sure, why not? Just don’t expect me to braid your hair or anything.”
Laura laughed. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
The Copper Pot was already buzzing when they arrived. The team squeezed into a large booth, a round of drinks appearing almost immediately.
Bo raised her glass. “To a job well done. Don’t let it go to your heads.”
They clinked glasses, the atmosphere relaxed and jovial. Larry launched into one of his infamous jokes, gesticulating wildly.
“So there’s this penguin, right? And he’s driving through the desert-”
“Goldstein,” Bo interrupted, “if this is going where I think it is, I’m cutting you off now.”
Larry pouted. “You’re no fun, Bo. Live a little!”
Zaya leaned across the table, eyes sparkling. “Ooh, I want to hear it! Tell me later, okay?”
Next to her, Aiden smiled shyly. “I, uh, actually know a pretty good joke about a physicist and a mathematician….‘
As Aiden started his joke, Laura found herself in conversation with Kira.
“You didn’t c
completely suck today,” Kira said, which from her was practically a glowing compliment.
Laura grinned. “Thanks. You were pretty amazing yourself.”
Kira shrugged, but Laura could see the pleased look in her eyes. “We make a decent team, I guess. When you’re not being unbearably optimistic.”
“And when you’re not being impossibly prickly,” Laura shot back good–naturedly.
They shared a laugh, the weeks of tension between them finally starting to ease.
As the night wore on, Laura looked around at her colleagues. Do was actually smiling, engaged in what looked like a heated but friendly
debate with Larry. Zaya was chattering away to a captivated Aiden, who seemed to be coming out of his shell. And here she was, having a civil – even enjoyable – conversation with Kira.
As the clock struck eleven, Laura decided it was time to head home. She said her goodbyes, receiving a chorus of farewells and see–you -tomorrows Stepping out into the cool night air, she hailed a taxi, a contented smile on her face
Laura McKenna’s fingers flew across the keyboard, her eyes scanning the quarterly reports on her screen. The steady hum of the office around her faded into the background as she focused on the task at hand. Suddenly, a shadow fell across her desk.
“Hey, Laura,” Aiden O’Connor’s voice broke through her concentration. She looked up to see her colleague standing there, his usual easy–going smile replaced by a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Bo wants to see us in her office. Like, now.”
Laura’s eyebrows shot up. “Both of us? Did she say what it’s about?”
Aiden shook his head, his curly hair bouncing slightly. “Nope, just that it’s urgent. You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” Laura said, pushing back from her desk. She smoothed down her blouse and followed Aiden across the open–plan
office towards Bo Chen’s corner office.
The glass walls of Bo’s office offered little privacy, but the soundproofing was top–notch – a necessity in the bustling R&D department of Sivarra Tech. Bo looked up as they entered, her sharp eyes appraising them over the rim of her glasses.
“Sit down, both of you,” Bo said, gesturing to the chairs in front of her desk. As they settled in, she leaned forward, a rare smile playing on her lips. “I’ve got some news that’s going to shake things up around here.”
Laura and Aiden exchanged a quick glance. Bo wasn’t known for her dramatics, so this had to be big
“You’ve both been selected for a special assignment,” Bo continued. “You’ll be accompanying Ryan Callis on a business trip. And before you ask – yes, that Ryan Callis.”
Laura felt her heart skip a beat. Ryan. The name still had the power to make her pulse quicken, even after all this time.
“What kind of business trip?” Aiden asked, his voice pitched slightly higher than usual.
Bo’s smile widened. “The kind that involves a luxury yacht and a potential investor with very deep pockets. You two will be responsible for preparing and delivering a crucial presentation to this investor.”
She slid a folder across the desk. “This contains everything we know about the investor – their background, interests, investment history. You’ll need to tailor your presentation to their specific preferences.”
Laura reached for the folder, her mind already racing with ideas. “What’s the timeline for this?”
“You leave in three days,” Bo said, causing both Laura and Aiden to sit up straighter. “I know it’s short notice, but this opportunity is too important to pass up. The future of Sivarra Tech could hinge on this deal.”
Aiden gulped audibly. “No pressure or anything, right?”
Bo fixed him with a stern look. “This is a chance to prove yourselves. I expect you both to work closely together and deliver nothing short of perfection. Is that clear?”
“Crystal,” Laura and Aiden replied in unison.
