Cameron replied, “I can’t say for sure.”
Thomas was stunned. “A minute ago, you were talking like it was a done deal.” He wondered, “Why the change?
Cameron said, “You were pretty dead set on turning me down earlier, Mr. Thomas Moore.”
Thomas was at a loss for words, thinking, ‘This kid has some sass
Thomas got to his feet and tried again. “Are you actually capable of this?”
Cameron said, “Could be. Feeling lucky, Mr. Thomas Moore?”
Thomas went quiet.
She added, “Partnerships are a two–way choice. If you work with us, in a few years, you might just score big”
Thomas asked, “And if you don’t deliver?”
Cameron said, “Tough break for you, then.”
Thomas stared at her, silent.
The truth was, while a leukemia cure wasn’t impossible, it was close to miraculous.
But if Cameron pulled it off, he’d be kicking himself for passing up this chance.
After a long pause, Thomas said, “Cam, let’s draw up an agreement.”
Cameron asked, “What agreement?”
Thomas continued, “My team will vet your company. If you meet the standards, we’ll partner up–go all in, even. I’ll give you five years to develop the drug.
“If it’s a no–show, you’ll refund every cent of profit you make during that time. Up for the challenge?”
Cameron was at a loss for words. She thought, ‘Sly old dog. A win–win for him. His calculations were bulletproof.”
Still, Cameron knew she was in no position to bargain. And she believed in herself. She could pull this off. Five years was plenty of time.
“So, Cam, what’s your decision?” Thomas asked, unable to keep quiet as Cameron stayed silent.
Cameron said, “Okay.”
Thomas was dumbfounded. He’d only suggested it as a trial. He never thought Cameron would actually agree. How could she be so sure of herself?
Cameron held out her hand to Thomas. “Good to partner with you, Mr. Thomas Moore.”
Thomas smiled and shook her hand. “Same here.“/Either way, he had nothing to lose.
Cameron added, “I’ll have my company’s GM reach out. You can coordinate the next steps with them.”
Thomas nodded. “Got it. I’ll tell my secretary to sort out the follow–up.”
Thomas paused, then asked, “By the way, how did you and Eli become friends?”
He knew his son’s personality. Elijah had very few friends growing up. He was glad Elijah had found a good one.
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