Page 88 of Never To Be Mine

“Hollis,” he began, and I braced myself for the worst. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Okay.”

“I’ve been very impressed with what you’ve accomplished with B Well. The shake partnership has exceeded my expectations. You’ve shown real business acumen, dedication, and an understanding of this industry that’s rare in someone your age.”

I nodded, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Which is why I’d like to propose another partnership.”

I blinked. “Another partnership?”

“Yes.” He leaned forward, his hands folded on the desk. “Do you remember when we first met, you mentioned you’d been working on a plant-based burger?”

Relief flooded through me so fast I felt dizzy. This wasn’t about Juno. This was business.

“I do,” I said, my brain scrambling to catch up. “I’ve been developing it for about a year now. The taste is solid, better than anything else on the market. But the production costs are killing me. I can’t figure out how to make it affordable enough for mass market without sacrificing quality.”

“That’s exactly where Young at Heart could help.” Dan pulled out a folder from his desk drawer and opened it. “We have a team that specializes in cost-effective production without compromising ingredient quality. It’s what we do. If you’re interested, I’d like to set up a meeting between you and our development team. See if we can figure out how to make your burger commercially viable.”

I stared at him, trying to process what he was offering. The plant-based burger had been my white whale. I’d poured money into R&D, worked with food scientists, tested dozens of formulations. I had something that actually tasted good, not like cardboard or mud or whatever other insults people usually threw at meat substitutes. But every time I ran the numbers on production, they didn’t make sense. The cost per unit was too high. I couldn’t sell it at a price point that would move volume.

“You really think your team could solve the production issue?” I asked.

“I do. You’ve got the product and the marketing reach. We’ve got the infrastructure and the expertise in scaling production. Together, we could actually make this work.” He smiled. “And if it performs even half as well as the shake, we’ll both be very rich men.”

I laughed, some of the tension finally leaving my shoulders. “I like the sound of that.”

Not that the money motivated me. I had plenty and I knew he did as well. It was the taste of success that really got my juices flowing. That and knowing I got to help people.

“So you’re interested?” he asked.

“Absolutely. Yes. Let’s set something up with your team.”

“Good.” Dan made a note on a pad of paper. “I’ll have my assistant coordinate schedules. We’ll get everyone in a room next week and see what’s possible.”

“Thank you,” I said. “Seriously. This could be huge.”

“I know.” He set his pen down and looked at me again, that thoughtful expression returning. “Hollis, can I ask you something else? Off the record?”

My stomach clenched. Here it came.

“Sure.”

“What are your intentions with this business? Long term. Are you in this for the quick win, or are you building something that will last?”

I took a breath, grateful that the question was about business and not his daughter. “I’m building something that will last. I know people assume I’m just playing entrepreneur until I get bored, but that’s not what this is. B Well is my life’s work. I want to build a brand that actually helps people. It’s not just another celebrity cash grab.”

Dan nodded slowly. “I believe you. And I think you have what it takes to make it happen.” He paused. “Which is why I’m willing to take another chance on you with this burger project.”

“I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.” He stood, extending his hand across the desk. “Welcome to the team, partner.”

I shook his hand. This wasn’t just about money or business success. This was validation. Proof that I’d earned my place at the table through my own merit, not my family name.

“Thank you,” I said again. “Really.”

“You’ve earned it.” He walked me to the door, his hand on my shoulder. “Now get back out there and enjoy your celebration. You’ve had a hell of a day.”