[Important Update: Please note that the lottery schedule has changed. From now on, the lottery will be held three times a month. If you'd like more information or clarification, please refer to the auxiliary chapter titled "NOTE" for details. Let's move forward with the updated schedule!]
Roman's face turned serious, while his voice was soothing, yet more assertive. "Thank you for coming and giving me your time, Miss Patel. I appreciate it. Let me get to the point, as I said on the phone, I'm in need of your expertise." He pulled out a small file and handed it to her. When she took the file, Roman brushed her hand, and their fingers touched, sending a spark of electricity through both of them.
Saanvi's eyes widened slightly as she took the file, her gaze scanning the contents. "This is quite a sensitive matter, Mr. Vitali," she said, her voice measured. "I see why you need discretion."
Roman nodded, his face grave. "I knew I could count on you, Miss Patel. Your reputation precedes you. I need someone I can trust to handle this with care and precision."
As they delved into the discussion, the air was charged with a sense of purpose, their conversation flowing with a newfound intensity.
The file's contents had shifted the atmosphere, and Saanvi found herself drawn to Roman's assertive and decisive nature, her mind racing with the challenge ahead.
Roman leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Saanvi's face. "So, Miss Patel, now that you've had a chance to review the file, what are your thoughts? Can you help me make this cure a reality?"
Saanvi's expression turned thoughtful. "As I mentioned earlier, the research is impressive, but we need to consider the potential risks and side effects. We can't rush this to market without thorough testing."
Roman nodded, his gaze intense. "I agree. That's why I need your expertise, Miss Patel. Your caution and attention to detail are exactly what this project needs."
As they spoke, Roman's voice dripped with sincerity, his eyes locked on hers with an unsettling intensity. Saanvi felt a shiver run down her spine, but tried to maintain a professional demeanor.
"I understand, Mr. Vitali," she said, her voice firm. "I'll need to review the data further and consult with my team. But I'm optimistic about the potential of this cure."
Roman smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I knew I could count on you, Miss Patel. You're as brilliant as you are beautiful."
Saanvi's cheeks flushed at the compliment, but she tried to brush it off, focusing on the task at hand. Roman's flirtations were subtle, but unmistakable, and she couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath his charming exterior.
Roman leaned in, his voice taking on a more personal tone. "Miss Patel, I must say, I'm really enjoying our conversation. I'd love to get to know you better, outside of this meeting."
Saanvi raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk spreading across her face. "I'm not sure Miss Ross would approve of that, Mr. Vitali," she said, her voice dripping with amusement.
Roman waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Besides, I'm a grown man, I can handle myself." He flashed her a charming smile. "And I promise to be on my best behavior."
Saanvi chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "I'm sure you would, Mr. Vitali. But I think we should focus on the project at hand, don't you?"
Roman nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Of course, Miss Patel. But I'm not giving up on getting to know you better. Mark my words, I'll make it happen."
The air was charged with a playful tension, Saanvi's smirk still lingering on her lips as she gazed at Roman, her mind racing with the possibilities.
As they were about to finish their dinner, Roman couldn't help but feel pleased with the progress he had made. He had been careful to pace himself, not wanting to rush things with Saanvi. He had flirted and complimented her, showing his interest in a subtle yet effective way.
As they continued to chat, Roman discreetly opened the Erom-meter, a fictional device that measured the level of love and lust between two people. He glanced at the invisible panel, his eyes widening slightly as he saw the results:
Love: 1 (taken a liking to you)
Lust: 9 (she is thinking about you, a lot)
Roman's eyes sparkled with amusement as he returned his attention to Saanvi, who was oblivious to the Erom-meter's reading. He couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that his charms were having the desired effect. He made a mental note to continue his gentle pursuit, eager to see how things would develop with the captivating Saanvi.
As they wrapped up their dinner, Roman and Saanvi discussed the finer points of the contract. They went over the terms, including the 5% profit share, and Saanvi's role as the lead researcher.
Roman assured her that his lawyers would draw up the paperwork, and they would finalize the details soon. Saanvi nodded, her eyes scanning the notes she had taken, her mind already racing with the possibilities of the project.
Roman thought to himself, 'Yes, the 5% share is a generous offer, but it is a small price to pay for the potential profits. And by making her a partner in the venture, I'll ensure her loyalty and diligence in testing any future medicines. It's a win-win situation.'
He continued to think, 'And let's be real, I do want to make her mine, but I'm not foolish enough to let my desires cloud my judgment. I need to keep things professional, at least for now. Besides, having a trusted team of researchers, including Saanvi, will help me avoid any potential pitfalls. Greed can indeed be a dangerous game, but with this arrangement, I'll have her vested interest in the project's success.'
Roman's thoughts were interrupted by Saanvi's voice, "Shall we finalize the details, Mr. Vitali? I'm eager to begin working on this project."
Roman smiled, "Ah, yes, of course, Miss Patel. Let's get the paperwork started. I'll have my lawyers draw up the contracts, and we can move forward from there."
As they concluded their meeting, Roman felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. He knew that this partnership would be a lucrative one, both financially and personally. And who knows, maybe one day, Saanvi would become more than just a business associate...