Chapter 92

Claire's POV The board's approval transformed everything overnight. What had been a promising research project suddenly became VM Group's flagship initiative, complete with expanded funding, additional laboratory space, and a timeline that made my pulse quicken with both excitement and terror. "Phase one clinical trials within eight weeks," Dr. Patricia announced during our emergency team meeting Monday morning, her voice carrying the kind of intensity that meant everything had changed. "The board wants to fast-track Eclipse Syndrome treatment to human subjects as quickly as safely possible." Around the conference table, my colleagues exchanged glances that mixed exhilaration with apprehension. Eight weeks was an aggressive timeline even under optimal conditions. It meant longer hours, increased scrutiny, and pressure that could make or break careers. "The patient advocacy groups have been notified," Dr. Patricia continued, pulling up projected timelines on the main display. "We're exp