Rina stood at her booth at the TRACE charity event showcasing her research on memory manipulation.
The event which took place at a 5-star hotel and had over 150 attendees who were all gathered to raise funds for dementia research.
Rina engaged continously with potential sponsors and investors, speaking eloquently and eyes sparkling with determination all in a bid to secure funding for her project.
She was running out of funds and would be forced to stop her research If she doesn't get funding soon. 'That would never happen, never!!'
As she wrapped up a conversation with a potential sponsor her eyes swept across the room, taking in the sea of perfectly tailored suits and classy gowns. She spotted a familiar face — Andre Roscoe the CEO of NeuroSpark one of the biggest and leading technology companies. She had seen his latest Innovation on TV and she had been in awe. She couldn't believe she was in the same room as that man.
She took a deep breath and made her way across the room eyes on her new target. She moved closer and heard him charming a group of investors, talking about his new product Plexi and his proposed modifications and adjustments to it. "Well gentlemen it's time to unwind a little enough of this business talks" Andre said smiling.
Rina kept looking and listening to him until she saw her chance to move closer to him as he excused himself from the group of gentle men he was talking to.
"Excuse me, Mr Roscoe," She said loud and clear, "I couldn't help but overhear your discussion on brain-computer interfaces. My research focuses on memory manipulation, and I believe our work could complement each other nicely."
"Forgive my manners, I'm Rina Edward, a former employee of Kinman Technologies I have seen you a couple times at our company.
"Dr. Edwards, I've heard a lot about your work," Andre said, his deep and smooth voice commanding attention. "I must say, I'm intrigued."
Rina's eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to face him. "I've heard a lot about your interests in memory manipulation."
"Wow, you like to get straight down to business" Andre said smiling
" I have heard of your works on memory manipulation and I must say I have my reservations, don't you think your approach to memory manipulation is dangerous?"
'Wow so he has heard of her work' Rina thought smiling, however she maintained her composure.
"Dangerous? Well that's rich coming from you sir, Rina said eyes flashing with intensity. Your company has been manipulating memories dangerously to maximize profit"
'Tina not again!! You are here to get funding not to express your criticism,' she thought to herself almost aloud.
Andre simply smiled, he was already admired the courage of this young woman who could stand up to him regardless of his achievements, it was nice to finally have departure from all this fake people who all praised him regardless of his actions. was "We're simply providing a service, Dr. Rina People want to forget their painful memories; we give them that option."
"Well sir it is what it is, I'd rather reserve my other comment," Rina said smiling.
"I think our work would compliment each other and I believe our companies can collaborate, if you don't mind Mr Roscoe"
"Tell me what makes you think our company can collaborate, what do you have to offer us?"
Rina launched into a passionate explanation of her research, and Andre listened intently, his eyes sparkling with interest. As they talked, she couldn't help but feel a spark of attraction but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. She needed to secure funding for her research, and This man right here was her best bet.
"This is my card Dr Edward, I think we should be able to set up an appointment to continue this conversation and see where it heads." His gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. "Perhaps over dinner? My treat."
Rina, momentarily flustered, managed a professional smile. "Yea, that works for me Mr. Roscoe. Thank you." She accepted the card, her fingers brushing against his.
A small, almost imperceptible jolt ran through her. Focus, Rina, focus.
"Excellent," Andre replied, his smile widening slightly. "I'll have my assistant contact you to arrange a time. I look forward to it." He nodded and rejoined the group of investors, leaving Rina standing there, her heart beating a little faster than usual.
Dinner? she thought. Was this purely business, or was there something more? She shook her head, dismissing the thought. She had more important things to worry about than romantic entanglements. Her research, her funding, her mom, those were her priorities, and romance didn't even come anywhere near.
"Excellent," Andre replied, his smile widening slightly. "I'll have my assistant contact you to arrange a time. I look forward to it." He nodded and rejoined the group of investors, leaving Rina standing there, her heart beating a little faster than usual.
Dinner? she thought. Was this purely
A week later, Rina found herself seated across from Andre at a high-end restaurant.
The conversation, initially focused on their respective work, gradually drifted to more personal topics. Rina found herself surprisingly at ease with Andre. He was charming, intelligent, and genuinely interested in her work. He even admitted to being impressed by her boldness in challenging him at the charity event.
"You know, Rina," Andre said, swirling the wine in his glass, "most people in your position would have been intimidated by me. They would have fawned over me, trying to win my favor.
You didn't. You were direct, honest, and well, you called me out on my company's practices, it was annoying at first to be honest but I like your courage." he said in a mild tone.
"Well I'd expect you to book an appointment with my office as soon as possible, so we can have a more official conversation. What do you say to that?"
"Sure, I'd really apologize the opportunity. "
If only Rina knew that, the meeting she had just had was only the beginning of a relationship that will complicate her life in many ways than she could that she had not seen coming.