Author's Note: This is Chapter 4 in a series. Full context can be gained by reading the first three chapters and I hope you'll consider reading them. However, I've tried to reference sufficient backstory in Chapter 4 in the hope of making this instalment at least marginally readable on its own. As always, happy to receive constructive criticism, both positive and negative, and to hear ideas for future stories.
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Courtney Rothschild sat behind her desk. She exuded an aura of capability, competence and insight. She gazed at the two scientists as they pitched their idea to her.
"You still haven't described your business model." Courtney Rothschild stated, her dark straight hair elegantly framing her face. The two women stood at the screen in the front of her 23rd floor Manhattan office as they ended their presentation.
"I understand your approach. You want to develop anti-cancer RNAs using a platform similar to that used for RNA vaccines. But you've told me nothing about market opportunity, who the primary customers will be, or exit strategy of the company. The two of you are obviously exceptional scientists, but I can't throw money at this. The business side of your company is completely underdeveloped."
"Well, we were hoping that might be where you would come in," the scientist who had been doing the presentation hesitantly replied, pushing a strand of auburn hair away from her face. "We need someone with business acumen."
Courtney's bright blue eyes flickering to the sleek insignia of her firm etched on the wall, "CM Rothschild Ventures, LLC." She pretended to mull over the scientist's suggestion. Her gaze drifted to the city skyline outside, where broken clouds painted the sky with patches of sun. Long before their presentation had begun, Courtney already knew how she would handle the startup. Yet, decorum demanded at least the façade of consideration.
"I'll provide funding for your company for two years," she finally responded. "But in return, I'll choose a CEO and take on 55% ownership. The three-year goal will be acquisition by a major pharmaceutical player for profit."
Armed with her father's financial backing, Courtney donned the guise of an angel investor, offering financial salvation to fledgling enterprises. However, in exchange for her initial funding, she demanded a hefty stake in the future of her nascent companies, rendering the partnership parasitic. Among the five ventures she had backed so far, two shone as beacons of financial promise. Both had successfully attained rounds of series A and B funding, only to be quickly devoured by pharmaceutical behemoths. For Courtney, these maneuvers self-validated her intelligence and insight.
Drawing on her expanding network in biotech, she also navigated the murky waters of stocks and options, exploiting insights that often teetered precariously close to insider knowledge.
However, she managed to rationalize her actions to herself. It was of paramount importance for her to succeed. To show her dad, once and for all, that she had the intelligence and creativity to thrive in the strategic symphony of finance and market dynamics. And, after all, it was God's will. He had imbued her with the intellect and drive to succeed.
"Fifty-five %?" asked the scientist, her frown revealing the acute disappointment elicited by Courtney's offer. "But we've put so much time and energy into our work and you want a majority stake in our company as an angel investor?"
"That has to be my offer. You clearly need guidance on the business end."
Just a few years earlier, back when she was an undergrad at the university, Courtney had envisioned a career in medicine. Yet her father steered her towards business. She acquiesced, setting aside her initial aspirations. "You'll be able to make an impact in the health field, if that's what you're determined to do, but you'll make a hell of a lot more money following my footsteps. Get your MBA." So that's what she had done. Courtney had shrewdly decided to focus on biotech startups given her interest in medicine and her undergraduate background in biology.
"And we wanted the chance to have the company become established before considering buyout," the scientist continued. "If we sell too early we risk having a large company buy us out to acquire our intellectual property and kill or delay our technology. Our approach has such great potential for treating many types of cancer that are refractory to conventional approaches."
Courtney looked steadily at the scientist; amusement reflected in her bright blue eyes. "Always a risk I'm afraid. That's the way the real world works. This had to be a one-time offer." Courtney saw the value in academia's wellspring of creativity, where innovation thrived. Yet, her perception of those at the helm of these endeavors was a curious mix of amusement and contempt.
The two scientists exchanged glances with each other. "Well, alright," the scientist replied reluctantly. "I don't see that we have a choice."
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"Court, it's so good to see you. It's been what, three weeks since we've had the chance to get together?"
"Yeah that's right Cam," Courtney said. "Since Bren's staying out in LA, and since you've been gone, it's just been me and Summer at our weekly lunch. I'm glad you're finally back."
"I know. I missed you guys, but the wedding is coming up and I have a lot of planning and organizing to do," Camden replied.
Having all moved to the city, Summer Forqurean, Camden Tallis, Brennan Bjorklund, and Courtney made a ritual of gathering for lunch each week. As alums of Zeta Mu Xi, their connection ran deep, a testament to the enduring bonds forged within their sorority. Amid the commotion of urban life, they enjoyed refuge in each other's company, nurtured by memories of their shared past while navigating the currents of the present. However, their connections were fostered both by camaraderie as well as past treachery and betrayal.
"It's so strange about Bren," remarked Camden. When Summer told me that Bren was doing porn, at first I was sure she was kidding."
"No, I saw for myself, Cam -- I've seen Bren's first three episodes now. You remember I got around back in college so I'm not easily shocked, but...I was shocked. I know Bren better than anyone, she's my best friend, and I still didn't see this coming."
"I've texted her and tried calling, but she doesn't get back to me. I've been worried," Camden said.
"Give her some time. I think I may be one of the only people she's still in contact with. I've kept in touch with her by phone and text since she decided to stay in L.A. I know Bren is worried about what people she knows might think of her now."
"Well, I can understand why she feels that way Court. But please, the next time you talk with her tell her that I miss her and would like to talk to her. Anyway, it was her decision to stay out there and do a porn series."
"Cam, I have to tell you something."
"What Court?"
"I've watched each of Bren's three episodes at least five times on that new streaming service, X-Flix. It's addictive to watch her."
Camden looked at Courtney in disbelieve.
"The series is just so outrageous," Courtney continued. "Bren is doing...everything. And when she smiles directly into the camera, it feels as though she's looking right at me, as though she knows I'm watching her."
