She got out of bed with a sigh and powered up her laptop to keep working on the new project's system calculations.
Ninesky's latest venture was in aerospace satellites, but their robotic arm for spacewalks lacked the precision needed and often failed to handle complex malfunctions.
They were determined to break through this technical barrier—and to extend the satellite's ability to collect data while in orbit.
Danielle worked straight through the night until dawn.
After a quick shower and pulling herself together, she caught her own reflection in the mirror. She looked utterly drained lately. She put on a bit of makeup to bring some color back to her cheeks, then dropped Niki off at school.
Next, she called Vivian and arranged to meet with the investors.
The meeting spot was a private lounge, the investors' preferred venue for negotiations.
It was halfway up a hill, and Vivian arrived by car.
She glanced at Danielle's hand, concern in her voice. "Is your hand okay? It's been a while since the accident."
Danielle just shook her head. "It's nothing."
They had arrived half an hour early to wait.
But their hosts were nowhere to be seen, and they couldn't just walk in unannounced. So, they waited outside.
The summer sun was brutal, and there was no shade by the lounge entrance. It would have seemed rude to wait in the car.
After two hours with no sign of life inside, Danielle felt dizzy from the heat, on the edge of sunstroke.
Vivian's concern deepened. "Go wait in the car, honey. I'll stay here."
Danielle shook her head stubbornly. "I'm fine."
At that moment, the door finally opened. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Mr. Evans won't be in today. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
It was Zane, Mr. Evans' assistant, who delivered the news.
Danielle's jaw clenched. "We've been here nearly all morning. How can you say he's not in?"
Zane offered a bland smile. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Evans truly isn't available today."
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