Wired hearts

Jenny stopped her car abruptly in front of the towering glass building. She glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror, carefully touched up her lipstick, then grabbed her laptop and files beside her “You can do this” she whispered to herself. Stepping out of her car she handed the key to the valet and let her confidence take over. Her hips swayed subtly with each step as the heels of her shoes clicked sharply against the marble floor. The brown suit she wore complemented her skin tone perfectly, and her light makeup highlighted her determined expression. At the lobby, she pressed the elevator button. When the door opened, she took a deep breath and stepped inside. The glass door to the boardroom slid open ahead, inviting her into what could be a turning point. Jenny stepped into the boardroom with confidence. The head of operations a middle-aged man stood up to welcome her with a warm smile “Good morning Ms Jenny, we have been looking forward to your presentation” he said, gesturing to a seat. Jenny nodded politely, setting her laptop on the table. Minutes passed the CEO was nowhere to be found, Jenny glanced at the clock on the wall. The Head of operations noticed her restlessness “Mr Jordan will be here soon. This is unlike him” he said calmly “Mr Alonzo right?” Jenny replied trying to keep her cool “Yes,” he nodded. Jenny cleared her throat.”Mr Alonzo. I thought the meeting was scheduled for 9 a.m., but it’s already 10. Could you pls give him a call? “That won't be necessary, I am sure he’s on his way,” Mr Alonzo reassured her. A tall handsome man, standing 6’4” with dark skin, entered the boardroom holding his suitcase firmly “Shall we begin?” he asked in a deep baritone voice. Mr Alonzo greeted him warmly, but Jenny stayed silent. “No apology?” Jenny said, not realizing she’d said it aloud Mr. Jordan's eyes locked into her for a moment “Sorry. Shall we begin?” Jenny rolled her eyes slightly and opened her laptop. Jenny cleared her throat and clicked to the first slide. “Thank you for your time, Mr Jordan. What I am presenting today is a cutting-edge cybersecurity solution designed to protect a company’s data in real time using AI-driven threat detection.” She paused, scanning the room for reaction, then continued “Our software reduces breach response time by 80 percent and adapts to emerging threats without constant updates. Mr Jordan leans forward folding his hands “Impressive, What kind of stake are you proposing in this partnership?” Jenny smiled confidently “Given the value and potential market impact, we are asking for a 70;30 split in our favour. Mr Alonzo interjected “ That's quite high compared to what we usually offer” Jenny looked directly at Mr Jordan “ I understand, but the software has a competitive advantage in the market which justifies the stake. Mr Jordan glanced at Mr Alonzo and nodded” 70;30 can't work, usually we take the majority of the stake because we handle marketing, distribution, and financing. Jenny nodded “ I respect that. But my team developed the core tech. The software's success depends on our maintaining control over updates and security patches. “Control is important but so is scaling fast. What do we settle at 60;40? That gives you a strong position and lets us push aggressively in the market.” Mr. Jordan said relaxing into his chair Jenny tapped her fingers on the table, weighing the offer. “60;40 works but I want a clause ensuring we retain decision-making rights in product development. Mr Alonzo nodded in agreement Mr Jordan looked from Jenny to Alonzo, then nodded slowly “Alright I am willing to do 60;40 with those terms. Jenny smiled” That is amazing, I believe this partnership will be a game changer. Jenny stepped out into the heat, the sun kissing her skin “Great just what I needed” she muttered. She drove home, slipped into her favourite loungewear, and poured herself a glass of wine. Her phone rang it was lizzy her best friend “Hey babe how was the meeting, hope the CEO was not rude i heard he can be cocky at times.” lizzy said. Jenny laughed uncontrollably “Detective Lizzy where did you gather your information? Yes, he is a bit arrogant but undeniably attractive “ Jenny replied with laughter. They planned a girls' night out for the