Ivy fought the urge to pump her fist in the air. She’d won. She’d fought for her research, and she’d won!
“Today, I’m standing up here asking for your support. Your help,” the man who was making her dreams come true said. “I’m asking you to trust in my vision for the Burke Initiative.”
“I’m in!” Greg called.
“Thanks, Greg.” Carter smiled, but it only lasted a second. “I didn’t start this company running from failure. I stood up and fought for the chance to succeed. And that’s what our scientists and researchers do every day. They fight. For answers, for funding, for cures. Now, if you’re wondering what projects in particular I’m talking about, I have one of our leading researchers here today.” He looked at her table. This time, when their eyes locked, she didn’t look away.
“Dr. Grant,” he said. “I’d like to invite you up onto the stage to tell your story.”
Anything for you, Mr. Burke. She pushed back her chair and headed for the stage. And later, I hope you’ll still call me Ivy.
Right now, with the high of victory pumping through her, she believed in happily-ever-after endings. And in hers, she won the funding and the man.
Chapter 26
“Nice lab coat.”
Carter met Ivy at the side of the stage. She’d pulled her long hair into a tight bun and skipped the makeup this morning, but she still glowed. Her lips sparkled under the conference room’s bright lights. She looked like the woman who’d marched into his office Friday afternoon.
But happier. She was ready to fight last week. Now she’s won.
He’d done the right thing. Reaching out to his shareholders for support, planning to keep the lab open, even listening to his mother. Whatever happened next, it was all worth it.
“I’m underdressed,” she murmured. “If I’d known I was giving a speech at our ‘coffee’ meeting, I would have changed.”
He shook his head. “Whoever told you princesses don’t wear lab coats didn’t know a damn thing. As soon as you start talking about your research, as soon as they hear your passion, no one will care what you’re wearing. Your work is what matters. So go up there and tell them all about it.”
He turned to take his seat. Her hand wrapped around his forearm and he paused, looking back at her. “Stage fright?” he asked.
She stole a glance over her right shoulder at the tables. The room buzzed with conversation and the clink of dishes. “Maybe a little. I usually prepare notes before giving a speech.”
“Sorry—”
“Don’t be.” She squeezed his arm. “But you sure went to great lengths for a second date.”
“This is important to you.” He met her gaze. “And it was the right thing to do.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face the podium. “Now that I’ve done my part, you need to go up there and wow them with science. Tell them how close you are to finding a cure for the disease that took your father. Tell them how you’re going to make the impossible possible with your work. I know you’re brilliant, Ivy.” He gave her a nudge in the direction of the microphone and released her. “Go show them.”
Chapter 27
“What do you mean he left?” Ivy demanded. She had finally escaped the room full of shareholders. But instead of finding Carter waiting outside the ballroom, she’d come face to face with her boss’s assistant.
“Mr. Burke returned to the office.” Mrs. Lindsey placed her hand on Ivy’s arm. “I’ll take you to the car. The driver will bring you back to Westchester.”
She pulled her arm free. “I thought he would wait…”
And what? Claim her as his prize for championing her research? Tell her “You have your money, now come back to my place”?
No, that wasn’t the man she’d fallen for Friday night. He might trick her into a makeover, but he’d never manipulate his way into her bed—or her heart.
“Mr. Burke is a very busy man,” Mrs. Lindsey said.
And a good one, Ivy thought. He’d granted her a miracle without asking for anything in return.
“He wants me to stay for him, not his money,” she murmured. She’d need to show him how much she cared for him.
“Mrs. Lindsey.” Ivy turned to the woman who’d been thrust into the fairy godmother role kicking and screaming. “I need to ask a favor.”
“I work for—”