Page 28 of Logan

“Maybe he’s just got a stomachache.” Emery chuckles.

“Headaches.”

“What?”

Shit.

“Nothing.” I have a feeling he won’t be pleased if I tell her about his headaches. “Do you think he never smiles because he’s in pain?” That’s an intriguing thought. Maybe that’s why he’s always grumpy.

“I have no idea, Sloane. I’ve never spoken to the guy. Not everyone hides secrets, though. Sometimes they’re just not nice people.”

Chapter Nine

LOGAN

Ipace Wolfson’s office, the urgency in my steps betraying my inner turmoil.

“Our product can save lives. Imagine installing your cameras, enhanced with my software, in every hospital, every clinic. Envision the potential—detecting cancer from a simple image.” The hours stretch on as I advocate for the idea, my conviction fueled by the belief that the promise of saving lives would sway him.

Cora had insisted I focus on his compassionate nature.

Wolfson leans back in his chair, his eyes attentive and his expression thoughtful. His tailored suit and the warm, inviting atmosphere of his office speak to his success and refinement. A few subtle lines around his eyes and the hint of gray at his temples suggest he's a man who has seen a bit more of life than I have, perhaps a decade orso.

Yet there's a genuine kindness in his eyes that suggests he's not just about the bottom line.

He rubs his perfectly shaved chin. “It’s a compelling pitch, I won’t deny. But such proposals land on my desk daily, especially at your price point. My margins would be razor thin.”

The price point is a hurdle, but it’s one we must overcome to achieve widespread impact. “You have a family, don’t you?” I recall Cora’s advice. She insisted the key to his decision lies with his wife.

He acknowledges with a nod. “A wife and a baby girl.”

A glint of pride crosses his eyes. Cora’s words, “they mean the world to him,”echo in my head.

“Think of them. Wouldn’t you want a readily available product that could screen for early signs of skin cancer? Consider the countless individuals who miss these early warnings, who go untested because it’s out of reach or too costly. And when they do seek help, it’s often too late. Wouldn’t you want to ensure you’ve done everything to protect your family? And remember, we’re not stopping here. We have a whole lineup of innovations.”

“Are you a family man yourself?”

“Yes,” I reply, my voice a mix of firmness and reserve. Although, I’m not about to divulge my personal life with my family, not even to seal this deal.

“So, you understand then. Everything I do is for them—to leave behind something they can be proud of. Is your product the legacy I’m looking for?” His dark eyes narrow.

“I believe it is.”

He considers this for a moment before making an unexpected offer. “Alright. How about this? I invite you and your partner to dinner at my place. We’ll talk more, get to knoweach other. I value the personal connection with those I work with, and I trust my wife’s judgment. If she sees the potential in your product, then we have something to discuss.”

My mind races. Partner? That’s not what I meant by “family man.” I was referring to my siblings, not a romantic partner. “Um…”

“I’ll have Valentina set a date, and I’ll send it to you. She’s eager to meet your significant other. How long will you be in London?”

“Two weeks,” I say, realizing I need to clear up the misunderstanding. I need to tell him there’s been a mistake—that I don’t have a partner.

“Great. Then it's settled. I'll see you then,” he says, standing and signaling the end of our meeting. His handshake is firm and warm, his smile genuine. “Looking forward to meeting your better half.”

My better half? I’ve always been whole on my own. I’ve never bought into the idea that I’m incomplete without someone else. I’ll just have to clarify that I’m here solo, and he’s misunderstood. It’ll be fine.

Unless he’ll think I’m dishonest, which could jeopardize the entire deal.

Wolfson opens his office door, signaling it’s time for me to leave. I hesitated too long, and it’s too late now to correct him.