Chapter 26:Gold sponsor

Two weeks went by very quickly. Ana tried her best to control her feelings so Ethan wouldn't know how she was feeling. She couldn't see her own feelings on her bracelet, but she could see Ethan's. His feelings were always calm and peaceful. He never seemed worried or stressed. Ana wondered if the bracelets really worked.

But one morning, after they had breakfast, Ana said something nice to Ethan. She told him that his cooking was the best she had ever tasted. When she said that, Ethan's bracelet showed that he was very happy. Ana saw the change on his bracelet and was surprised. She realized that the bracelets really did work. They could see how each other was feeling. Ana felt a little scared when she realized this. She knew that Ethan could see her feelings now. 

 Ana's thought was interrupted by a knock on her office door 

 The knock on the door broke Ana's train of thought, and she was brought back to reality. She was sitting at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen. She had been lost in thought, thinking about the bracelets and how they seemed to be working.

"Come in," Ana called out, trying to sound more composed than she felt.

The door opened, and it was her assistant, Rachel, walked in.

 "Good afternoon, Boss," Rachel said, her voice cheerful and bright. "I hope you're doing well today. I just wanted to touch base with you about the project we're working on."

 Ana nodded, trying to focus on the conversation. "What's up?" she asked, typing a few notes on her computer.

Rachel launched into a detailed explanation of the project's progress, her words pouring out in a steady stream. "As you know, Boss, our team has been working tirelessly on the new project, pouring our hearts and souls into it. However, we've hit a major roadblock. The finance team has informed us that they cannot grant us the funds we need to move forward. The amount we're requesting is simply too large, and it would cause a significant strain on the company's resources."

 Ana's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications. She knew that the project was crucial to NEXA's growth and success, but she also understood the financial constraints that they were facing.

Rachel continued, her voice filled with a sense of determination. "That's why we need to find a gold sponsor for the project. We need a company that is willing to invest in our vision and help us bring it to life. We've already reached out to a few potential sponsors, but so far, we haven't had any luck."

 Ana nodded thoughtfully, her mind whirling with ideas and possibilities. She knew that finding a gold sponsor wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to make it happen. She was willing to do whatever it took to ensure the success of the project and the company.

 "Get me the list of companies that have expressed interest in sponsoring our project," Ana instructed Rachel, her voice firm and commanding. "I want to review it and see if there are any potential leads we can pursue."

Rachel nodded, scribbling down some notes on her pad. "Right away, Boss. I'll send the list to your email immediately."

Ana nodded, her eyes already scanning the documents on her desk. "Good. I also want you to set up a meeting with the finance team to discuss our budget and see if there's any way we can allocate more funds to the project."

Rachel nodded again, her expression professional. "I'll schedule the meeting for this afternoon, Boss. Anything else?"

Ana thought for a moment before responding. "Yes, actually. I want you to reach out to President Michael and request a meeting with him to discuss the project's progress and our need for a gold sponsor."

Rachel's eyebrows shot up slightly at the mention of President Michael's name, but she quickly composed herself. "Right away, Boss. I'll send him an email and request a meeting at his earliest convenience."

Ana nodded, her expression unreadable. "Good. That's all for now, Rachel. Keep me updated on any developments."

Rachel nodded and turned to leave, closing the door behind her. Ana was left alone in her office, her mind racing with thoughts of the project and the challenges they faced. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on the ceiling as she tried to come up with a solution.

 "Here's the list of company, willing to invest in our previous projects, but we fear they are not confidential enough." Ana said as she handed the list over to president Michael. 

 President Michael took the list from Ana, his eyes scanning the names of the companies. "I see," he said thoughtfully. "These companies have invested in our previous projects, but we're concerned about their confidentiality?"

Ana nodded. "Yes, sir. We need a company that is not only willing to invest in our project but also able to keep our research and development confidential."

President Michael nodded, his expression serious. "I understand. Confidentiality is crucial in our line of work." President Michael seem to think for a while before asking."How about FUSIONX." 

 Ana's eyes widened in surprise. "FUSIONX?" she repeated. "But, sir, they're a huge company. I'm not sure they'd be interested in investing in our project."

President Michael leaned forward, his eyes locked on Ana's. "I think they might be," he said. "And even if they're not, it's worth a shot. We need a company with deep pockets and a reputation for discretion. FUSIONX fits the bill."

 President Michael leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I think we have a good chance of convincing FUSIONX to invest in our project, Ana. But, just in case, I think we have an ace up our sleeve."

Ana raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean, sir?"

President Michael's eyes locked onto hers, a hint of mischief in their depths. "I'm referring to your husband, Ethan. As a shareholder of FUSIONX, I'm sure he has some influence within the company."

Ana's eyes narrowed, understanding where President Michael was going. "You think Ethan can convince the board to invest in our project if we fail to convince them?"

President Michael nodded, his smile growing wider. "Exactly, Ana. I think Ethan's... connections within FUSIONX could be very useful to us. And I'm sure he'll be willing to help us out, won't he?"

 *****. *****. 

 Ana walked into the house, exhausted from a long day at work. She had been looking forward to a quiet evening at home, but as she entered the living room, she was surprised to see that Ethan wasn't there. She checked her watch and realized that she was actually later than she thought.

Shrugging, she decided to treat herself to a relaxing bath. She filled the tub with hot water, adding some calming essential oils to help her unwind. As she soaked in the bath, she felt her muscles relax, and her mind began to calm down.

After almost an hour, she got out of the bath, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She put on her pajamas and began to dry her hair, feeling the warmth of the towel as she wrapped it around her head.

As she walked into the kitchen, she was surprised to see Ethan, still dressed in his suit, stocking the fridge. The delicious smell of takeaway food wafted through the air, making her stomach growl with hunger.

"Hey, I'm sorry I'm late," Ana said, trying to sound casual despite the surprise of seeing Ethan still in his suit. Ethan turned around, a warm smile on his face. "Hey, no worries. I just got back a little while ago. I picked up some dinner on my way home."

Ana's eyes widened as she took in the spread of food on the counter. There were containers of steaming hot noodles, crispy vegetables, and savory meat. Her stomach growled louder, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude towards Ethan.

"Thanks, that's really thoughtful of you," Ana said, feeling a warmth in her heart. Ethan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I figured you'd be hungry after a long day. Come sit I'll help you dey your hair."

 Ana shook her head." No it's alright, I can do it my self. "

 But Ethan was stubborn and insisted. "Let me help you," he said, taking the towel from her hands. Ana couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest as Ethan began to gently dry her hair. His touch was soft and gentle, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and security with him.

 "Your hair is thick and beautiful," Ethan said, his voice low and husky as he continued to dry Ana's hair. Ana felt a shiver run down her spine as she listened to his words. She couldn't help but feel a sense of intimacy with Ethan, and it made her feel uncomfortable.

"Thanks," Ana said, trying to sound casual despite the flutter in her chest. Ethan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I'm serious," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "You have beautiful hair, Ana. And beautiful eyes. And a beautiful smile..." Ana felt her face grow hot as Ethan's words trailed off. She couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability with him, and it made her feel scared.

"Ethan, stop," Ana said, trying to

sound firm despite the tremble in her voice. Ethan looked at her, his eyes questioning.