Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
Ejah said to Cameron, “That’s just how my dad is. He looks at people’s faces first. Don’t mind.”
Thomas had made great achievements in facial plastic surgery.
Cameron smiled, “It’s okay. That was a compliment.”
Thomas put down his cup and looked at Cameron again. “Cam, I hear from Eli that you’ve started a pharmaceutical company. That’s amazing so successful at such a young age.”
Cameron smiled, “You’re too kind, Mr. Thomas Moore. My company is just getting started. There’s still a long way to go.”
Elijah stood up. “Cameron, you two talk.” Then he went out and shut the door
Cameron stepped up to the desk, unzipped the file bag, and slid it toward Thomas. “Mr. Thomas Moore, Elijah should’ve filled you in already. I’m hopin we can find a way to collaborate.
Thomas kept his tone neutral. “Cam, you’re Eli’s classmate. Normally, I’d want to help out.”
Cameron knew a “but was coming. She just smiled and waited.
Sure enough, Thomas went on. “Cam, most things are flexible, but pharmaceuticals involve human lives. We can’t afford even a tiny mistake.”
The Moore family’s medical business covered everything-plastic surgery, gender surgeries, private hospitals, and nursing homes. The Moore name wa – well-known
The bigger they got, the more careful Thomas had to be. After all, tall trees catch the wind.
When Eijah Bat talked about Cameron, Thomas’ first thought was wouldn’t wint
But actual partnership? Probably not happening.
Cameron said, “I totally get what you’re saying, Mr. Thomas Moore. But maybe hold off on shutting this down just yet.”
Thomas eyed her inscrutably, waiting for her to continue
She said, “I heard about you ending the partnership with the Young family, M. Thomas Manne You’re a doctor with real backbone an exactly why I want to work with you. The truth is, I’ve got other options on the table.”
“Oh, really?” Thomas couldn’t help chuckling at Cameron’s words. He thought, “Other options? Hot had for a kid-talking big like that.
Thomas studied the young man, roughly his son’s age, with interest. “Wright, then, What makes you think I’d ditch my curren you
Cameron said, “Mr. Thomas Moore, I’m not asking your to ditch anyone. Just give my company a small share since we’re nev
Thomas pressed. “What’s your edge?”
“We’re a pharma company,” Cameron replied. “Our biggest seling point? We can offer meds you can’t get anywhere else”
Thomas raised an eyebrow “Like what?” Seeing Cameron’s serious expression, Thomas grew curious. He had time to kill anyway-might at
“A magic bullet for leukemia,” Cameron said.
Thomas thought he’d misheard. “Leukemia?” he repeated.
Cameron nodded firmly. “Leukemia.”
Thomas paused, then chuckled, “Cam, you’re kidding, right?”
There’s no magic bullet for leukemia. The only options are chemo-painful, high relapse rates-or stem cell transplants
But finding a bone marrow match is a needle in a haystack. Most patients never get that chance.
Leukemia’s one of medicine’s biggest puzzles. If someone cracks it, they’ll be a legend.
Cameron said, “I’m not kidding, Mr. Thomas Moone. I mean it.”
Thomas sighed, “Let’s say your company did make this drug. Without trials, do you think I’d let my patients take it?”
Cameron went quiet. She knew he had a point.
When she developed a breakthrough leukemia drug in another world, no one initially believed it was effective.
It wasn’t until a terminally ill girl took the medicine as a final shot and recovered fully within a month that her reputation exploded.
Cameron said, “You’re free to doubt me, Mr. Thomas Moore. But I hope you won’t regret today’s decision in a few years.”
“Regret?” Thomas frowned at Cameron.
She replied, “If you reject me, I have to take my offer elsewhere. By then, even if you want to partner with me, the opportunity might be gone.”
Thomas said, “You’re bold to say that, Cam. But confidence and drive in young people are a good thing.”
Cameron collected her documents from the desk. “I came to you first as a favor to Elijah. Since you’re not interested, I won’t push.
“But think about it. Partnering with us now could thake your hospital the first in he first in the world to cure leukemia. It would make global headlines. And right now, you’re about to let that chance slip away.”
She picked up her file bag and started to leave,
“Wait,” Thomas called out.
Cameron turned back. “Have you changed your mind, Mr. Thomas Moore?”
Cameron replied, “I can’t say for sure.”
Thomas was stunned. “A minute ago, you were talking like it was a done deal.” He wondered, “Why the change?
Cameron said, “You were pretty dead set on turning me down earlier, Mr. Thomas Moore.”
Thomas was at a loss for words, thinking, ‘This kid has some sass
Thomas got to his feet and tried again. “Are you actually capable of this?”
Cameron said, “Could be. Feeling lucky, Mr. Thomas Moore?”
Thomas went quiet.
She added, “Partnerships are a two-way choice. If you work with us, in a few years, you might just score big”
Thomas asked, “And if you don’t deliver?”
Cameron said, “Tough break for you, then.”
Thomas stared at her, silent.
The truth was, while a leukemia cure wasn’t impossible, it was close to miraculous.
But if Cameron pulled it off, he’d be kicking himself for passing up this chance.
After a long pause, Thomas said, “Cam, let’s draw up an agreement.”
Cameron asked, “What agreement?”
Thomas continued, “My team will vet your company. If you meet the standards, we’ll partner up-go all in, even. I’ll give you five years to develop the drug.
“If it’s a no-show, you’ll refund every cent of profit you make during that time. Up for the challenge?”
Cameron was at a loss for words. She thought, ‘Sly old dog. A win-win for him. His calculations were bulletproof.”
Still, Cameron knew she was in no position to bargain. And she believed in herself. She could pull this off. Five years was plenty of time.
“So, Cam, what’s your decision?” Thomas asked, unable to keep quiet as Cameron stayed silent.
Cameron said, “Okay.”
Thomas was dumbfounded. He’d only suggested it as a trial. He never thought Cameron would actually agree. How could she be so sure of herself?
Cameron held out her hand to Thomas. “Good to partner with you, Mr. Thomas Moore.”
Thomas smiled and shook her hand. “Same here.”/Either way, he had nothing to lose.
Cameron added, “I’ll have my company’s GM reach out. You can coordinate the next steps with them.”
Thomas nodded. “Got it. I’ll tell my secretary to sort out the follow-up.”
Thomas paused, then asked, “By the way, how did you and Eli become friends?”
He knew his son’s personality. Elijah had very few friends growing up. He was glad Elijah had found a good one.
Cameron said, “We were roommates and sat next to each other in class.”
Thomas chuckled, “Ah, I get it. Familiarity breeds friendship.”
Cameron was at a loss for words.
