The Power Play
Eva Sinclair stepped out of the sleek, black Mercedes S-Class, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement as she adjusted her bag over her shoulder. The driver nodded respectfully as she moved toward the glass doors of her office building, towering and pristine against the morning skyline.
She always looked impeccable, every step exuding power and control. But today, there was something different—a spark in her eyes that couldn’t be ignored. She wasn’t just confident; she was radiant, carrying a glow that lingered from the night before with Finn. Her usual cool, calculated expression remained, but an unmistakable lightness softened her face, her lips curving into the barest hint of a smile as she greeted the doorman.
Inside, as she strode through the lobby, the energy in the room shifted. Heads turned, discreet glances were exchanged, and a few murmurs followed in her wake. Her team was used to her presence, but today there was something more. She carried herself with the same authority, but the quiet joy in her eyes hinted at a triumph beyond the usual business victories.
Eva barely noticed the effect she had on the room. Her mind was already on the day ahead.
Her assistant, Leah, met her at the elevator, holding out a tablet. “They’re ready, Ms. Sinclair.”
Eva nodded, taking the tablet from her. She glanced at the screen, scanning the details. Then, her gaze flicked to the mediator, a middle-aged man in a dark suit who represented the opposing side, Sterling Biotech. He stood near the conference table, adjusting his glasses, a thin layer of sweat beginning to form on his brow.
“Ms. Sinclair,” he began, his voice wavering under the weight of her steady gaze. “Sterling Biotech is impressed by Novamed’s portfolio. We see a valuable future in this merger, but there is one condition—non-negotiable.”
Eva leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms slowly. Her lips curled into a faint, controlled smile. “Let’s hear it,” she said, already anticipating what was coming.
The mediator cleared his throat, his hands shaking ever so slightly as he looked down at his papers. “They have one condition,” he murmured. “Without it, they’re prepared to walk.”
Eva’s smile widened, unfazed. It was exactly what she’d expected. She straightened in her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the mediator. "Tell them it’s done,” she said calmly, her voice carrying just enough authority to silence any doubts in the room. “And make sure they’re ready. I want their signatures on the contract in four weeks. No extensions, no delays.”
The mediator blinked, his surprise clear. “So… you’re confident you can meet their terms?”
Eva’s gaze never wavered. “Confident enough to tell them it is a done deal. Make sure they know I expect no surprises—and I’ll give them none in return.”
With that, the mediator left the room, his steps hurried and a little uncertain. The faint murmur of whispers filled the space as his footsteps faded.
Leah watched Eva with a hint of concern in her eyes. Once the mediator was out of earshot, she leaned in closer, her voice lowered. “Are you sure about this, Eva? Meeting their demands—it’s risky.”
Eva turned to her, a spark of amusement flickering in her gaze. “Risky, yes. But profitable. It’s a bold play, Leah. And bold is what wins.”
Paused, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips as her thoughts drifted to the night before. Finn’s presence lingered in her mind like a lucky charm. She looked over her shoulder, half-expecting him to be standing there, an invisible force beside her. The connection felt stronger now, as if he were part of the success she’d just secured.
Leah’s brow furrowed, uncertainty clouding her features. “I just… I hope they don’t back out at the last minute. If they do, it could undo everything.”
Eva met her gaze, her expression sharpening. “Trust me, Leah,” she said softly, but with a quiet command that brooked no argument. “I’ve never lost a deal. And I don’t intend to start now.”
The meeting wrapped up with polite handshakes and thinly veiled smiles, but Eva could already see the contract signed, the zeros multiplying in her bank account. She felt invincible, as if the entire world was hers for the taking.
As she walked out of the room, Leah fell into step beside her. “So, what next?”
Leah raised an eyebrow, sensing the satisfaction in Eva’s expression. “Thinking about Richard Hale again? You know he’s been eyeing this deal, waiting for you to slip up.”
Eva smirked, adjusting the lapel of her jacket with a flick of her wrist. “Richard Hale? Please. He thinks he’s finally got me this time. Convinced he’ll be the one to walk away with the win.” Her eyes flashed with a fierce determination, and her voice lowered to a near growl. “He’ll be disappointed.”
Leah shot her a sidelong glance. “You’re sure about that?”
Eva’s gaze hardened, a gleam sparking in her eyes. “Two steps ahead, as always. Let him think he has the upper hand. I’ll watch him scramble when he realizes he’s been outplayed.”
Leah gave a small nod, her expression cautious but curious. “If you say so.”
Eva smiled—one of those rare, knowing smiles that left no room for doubt. “Just wait and see, Leah. There are a few surprises coming his way.”