Page 5 of The Billion Dollar Bet

White walls and ceiling allowed the space to appear larger than it was. It was comfortable and most of all, held all the essential equipment needed to perform her tasks. She closed her eyes and thought of when the need to study viruses started. She’s originally wanted to study law in order to punish the hospital where her mother passed away.

Initially, her small twelve year old brain had believed that the doctors at the hospital were negligent and caused her mother’s death. It was not until she was a senior in high school that she came to the realization that more people died from the complications of the flu than any other common virus. You were particularly vulnerable if you suffered from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer, as well as if you were elderly or a small child.

Her mother was hypertensive and had recently been diagnosed with stage two cancer of the colon. Those factors alone put her at greater risk. Cassie sighed and rolled her neck, trying to relief her tension. If she could not secure the funding she needed, she would have to go back to working in the University lab full time instead of the twenty hours per week she was now working.

Returning to her task of sorting the letters she received that morning, she arranged the rejects into two piles. The first were letters which seemed that they were unlikely to ever sponsor her and the second pile were those that appeared to give the impression that they might come on board in future.

It was the last letter in the stack that looked somewhat different from the others. The envelope was square and seemed to hold some kind of card. Cassie quickly wedged the letter opener beneath the flap and ran it along the seam. Even she was annoyed with herself for her OCD which would not allow her to rip the envelope apart.

Her eyes widened as she saw the return address on the outside of the envelope. VitaLove Foundation. The name alone gave her goosebumps since she had heard many things about their charity. As she opened the letter she wondered why they were writing to her. In addition, if a card was inside, it would definitely be an invite to their charity fundraiser which would be held in a couple of days.

Stopping for a minute to breathe, she allowed her heartrate to settle before pulling a mauve and gold colored card. The front of the card held the prestigious logo of a gold heart with a white dove inside of a palm. Tentatively, she opened the card and out fell a smaller envelope. Setting the card aside she stared at the small white envelope sitting on the desk in front of her. Curious, she picked it up and turned it over before opening it. Inside was a letter which she read slowly.

‘Dear Dr. Melody. The VitaLove Foundation’s mandate has always been to encourage the development of young minds as well as providing assistance to those less fortunate. In addition to our charity division we also offer grants to both individuals and organizations we believe possess the potential for greatness. We believe you are one such individual and would be honored to assist with the needed funding you require to accomplish your research goals. One of our acquisitions personnel will contact you shortly to schedule a meeting. Included is an invitation to our biannual charity fundraising event. You will find the details enclosed.’ It was signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Howard Reynard.

Cassie dropped the letter as though it was a live coal which burned her fingers. She could hardly believe what she just read. How did they know of her research? She had no idea that VitaLove funded projects such as hers. She knew of their charity work which spanned several countries. Picking up the letter once more, she read it thoroughly, making certain that she missed nothing.

The only way this organization could have discovered her was through the University. Her professor must have recommended her to them. She made a mental note to thank Professor Mattock. She then opened the card and looked at her name printed on the inside with gold letters.

It was quite an honor to receive such an invitation when she was not a member of the elite circle. Although not keen on social gatherings, given the opportunity to meet people who could assist her cause, she was willing to forgo her reservations about socializing.

Without delay, she dialed the number of their main office. The reception came on the line after exactly two rings.

“VitaLove, how may I be of assistance?”

“Hello, this is Cassandra Melody,” she said. “I just received an invite from your foundation. May I know who recommended me?”

“One moment.”

She held for about a minute before a man’s voice came on. “Hello Dr. Melody. This is Howard Reynard.”

“Hello Mr. Reynard, thank you for inviting me to your function as well as funding my research. I would like to thank the one who recommended me to your organization.”

“I’m afraid I am unable to provide that information. Your sponsor requested that they remain anonymous. All I can say that you came highly recommended and we could not refuse such a brilliant mind as yours. We will see you at the function, wont we?”

“Yes, I will be there. Thank you so much.”

“If there is anything that you need, please do not hesitate to call.”

“Thank you Mr. Reynard.”

His voice sounded as though he was smiling. “You are most welcome. Have a blessed one.”

“You too.”

That conversation left Cassie with more questions than answers. She was now more curious to know who recommended her and why they wanted to remain anonymous. It must be someone famous who didn’t want to be in the public eyes in the event her research failed. Was it Professor Mattock like she originally thought?

Confronting the professor with her questions would have to wait because just a few days ago, he went on an extended vacation with his family. Word also was going around that he was being scouted by a prominent research institute in Germany.

“Oh,” she let out her frustration. “Why all the secrecy?”

Cassie secured the card inside the envelope and carried it to the file cabinet which was against the left wall. There she used a small key to open the drawer and dropped the envelope into the empty space, after which she locked it and pocketed the key. Now all that was left to do was to shop for a new outfit. That, of course, she was not looking forward to.

Chapter 5

There were many options from which to choose. Cassie could have gone with the evening gown or a cocktail dress. She opted for a chic navy skirt suit with a lace under-blouse. The skirt and jacket clung to her curves, highlighting her firm bust-line and her small waist. She hated her hips which were wider than she would have liked. She also disliked that her thighs were somewhat chunky. But she especially liked her legs. Therefore she slipped her feet into a strappy silver sandal which match her clutch. A pair of diamond studs which belonged to her grandmother was the only jewelry she chose, while a beige overcoat completed her ensemble.

As she locked her front door and approached her car she winced. Her fifteen year old car would stand out like a sore thumb beside all the posh cars that would be at the mansion in Old Cambridge where the function would be taking place.

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